Why is this procedure done?
Dermabrasion is a type of surgical scraping used to repair certain skin problems. Some of these problems might include signs of aging, wrinkles, skin damage, or small growths which may turn into cancer. Dermabrasion also treats scars on the face. The scars may be the result of pimples, accidents, tattoos, certain diseases, or other surgery. It can also be used on other parts of the body. ‚
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What will the results be?
This is a good way to improve the look of your skin. It may take some time before you see the final results. After your skin has fully recovered, the color should closely match your normal skin. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Proper skin care
- Your doctor will do an exam and may take pictures of the area being treated.
- Your doctor may ask you to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the procedure. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and may interfere with healing.
- Your doctor may ask you to stop drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) for 48 hours before the procedure. Alcohol increases blood flow to the skin and makes your face flushed. This will make it harder to do the procedure.
- You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
Doctors may do this procedure in the hospital, their office, or a surgery center. You may get drugs to help you relax and numb the area being treated. Most of the time you are not put to sleep during the procedure. You should feel very little pain. The doctor uses a special tool with either a rotary brush or wheel. This will remove the top layers of your skin. Gauze may be used to stop bleeding, if there is any. Drugs may be used on the skin to prevent scars. ‚
The procedure takes 15 to 60 minutes. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home after the procedure. Your skin may have a burning feeling for a few days. Your doctor will order drugs to ease the pain. Your skin will be pinkish or reddish right after the procedure. A scab or crust may form over the treated skin as it starts to heal. This will fall off as a new layer of skin forms. It is important not to scratch or pick at the crust or scab as it heals. ‚
It may take about 3 months for the color to return to normal. Most of the time, you can go back to doing your normal activities and work after a week or two. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
- Protect your skin:
- Wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun for 6 to 12 months.
- Avoid wind exposure.
- Stay away from any activity that might cause bumps to your skin for at least 2 weeks.
- Stay away from playing active sports for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Encourage healing:
- Follow your doctors advice about good skin care and bathing.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
- Do not swim or use hot tubs for at least 4 weeks.
- Do not smoke.
- Ask your doctor when you can begin shaving.
- You may use nonallergenic makeup to cover areas with uneven color after you heal.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
This procedure is normally safe. Side effects are rare. This is a list of the problems which might happen: ‚
- Skin problems:
- Redness or changes in skin color which may be short-term or long-lasting
- Infection
- Scarring
- Short-term swelling of your face
- Short-term appearance of tiny whiteheads right after the procedure
- Long-lasting darkening of skin if exposed to the sun days after the surgery
- More sensitive to the sun
- Enlarged skin pores
- Bleeding
Helpful tips
- Make sure you choose a doctor who is experienced in dermabrasion. Make sure that the doctor is board certified.
- Combining different procedures such as dermabrasion and chemical peels may give you the best results.
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons ‚
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermabrasion.html#content ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚