What it is: Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing technique in which surface layers of skin are removed mechanically, via a rapidly spinning wheel with a roughened surface similar in texture to fine-grained sand paper.
Search terms: Dermabrasion Skin Resurfacing, Skin Resurfacing
How is Dermabrasion Performed?
Dermabrasion uses a small, rapidly spinning wheel with a roughened surface similar to fine-grained sandpaper to abrade the skin, removing its upper layers. This resurfacing procedure sometimes is selected for the treatment of facial scars such as those caused by acne and often is performed on the cheeks or the entire face.
Dermabrasion, like the deeper chemical peels, is very effective in reducing the appearance of vertical wrinkles around the mouth that often cause lipstick "bleed". It can be used on a small area of skin and on patients with somewhat darker complexions. The treated area usually will blend with the surrounding skin so that there is little if any noticeable difference in the pigmentation.
Who should consider Dermabrasion?
Any of the following conditions may indicate that you might be a good candidate for Dermabrasion.
- wrinkled or sun-damaged facial skin
- vertical wrinkles around your mouth, such as those that cause lipstick "bleed"
- "crow's feet" lines around your eyes and perhaps some skin laxity in your lower eyelid area
- fine wrinkling of your upper eyelids
- brown spots or blotchy skin coloring
- certain precancerous skin growths
- acne or chicken pox scars
- superficial facial scars from a past injury
Doctor Consultation: what to ask about dermabrasion
In addition to your surgeon performing a history and physical examination, your doctor consultation is the time to ask questions.
Additionally, your doctor will evaluate the condition of your skin, discuss your treatment expectations, and review your medical history.
- See the Dermabrasion consultation checklist
- Read about the experiences of others who've had Dermabrasion. See real Dermabrasion reviews.
Skin Evaluation: Your plastic surgeon will carefully examine your skin to determine which resurfacing technique, or combination of treatments, will provide you with the best results. Your skin type, the severity of any sun damage, the extent of uneven pigmentation and the depth of skin imperfections will be evaluated. Fine lines, coarse wrinkling or deep acne scarring each may require a different approach to treatment. Medical History: You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries, and medications that you currently take. Be sure to tell your plastic surgeon if you have ever had x-ray treatments of your facial skin such as those used in the treatment of acne or if you have had a prior chemical peeling procedure. Current or past use of AccutaneT, as well as Retin-AT and other topical skin preparations, must be reported to your surgeon. For your safety, it is important that you provide complete information.
Getting ready for Dermabrasion
Your plastic surgeon may place you on a pretreatment program during which you will apply special creams, lotions or gels to your skin for a few weeks or longer. You may also be given certain oral medications that you should begin taking prior to your treatment. Your surgeon will provide you with additional instructions. Your skin resurfacing treatment may be performed in your plastic surgeon's office, a free-standing ambulatory facility or a hospital. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and probably assist you for a day or two.
During Dermabrasion
Medications will be administered for your comfort prior to the treatment. Frequently, local anesthesia alone or combined with intravenous sedation is used for patients undergoing skin resurfacing procedures. Sometimes, general anesthesia may be desired.
After Dermabrasion
When the treatment is completed, your resurfaced skin may be covered with petroleum jelly or other protective ointment. In some cases, dressings, tape or a bandage may be applied.
Dermabrasion recovery
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
First few days: Dermabrasion will produce redness and swelling to varying degrees. Depending on the posttreatment regimen selected by your plastic surgeon, a scab may or may not form over the treated area. You will be advised about cleansing your skin, as well as if and when you should apply any ointments. In the case of men who have undergone resurfacing procedures, shaving must be delayed for a while. It is essential that you follow your plastic surgeon's instructions and avoid doing anything that might interrupt the healing process.
Within 7 to 10 days: New skin will have begun to form. After the initial redness subsides, your skin may be pink for several weeks to months. Camouflage makeup usually can be used within a couple of weeks, but your plastic surgeon will advise you.
Depending on the type and depth of your skin resurfacing, straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early period following your procedure. For deeper resurfacing, you should be able to return to work within a week or two.
Dermabrasion results: what to expect
Because of the persistence of skin pinkness following many types of resurfacing procedures, it may take months before you can fully appreciate your new look. Most patients feel that the results are definitely worth waiting for and, in the case of deeper treatments, the benefits are relatively long-lasting. More superficial resurfacing treatments may need to be repeated periodically in order to maintain their benefits.
Your skin will, of course, continue to age. Also the type of wrinkles caused by movement of your facial muscles will eventually reappear. Some wrinkles may recur sooner than others, depending on their location as well as the type and extent of your resurfacing treatment. Despite this, you can expect that improvements in skin quality and texture achieved by resurfacing will make your complexion appear younger and fresher for many years to come..
Dermabrasion side effects
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your surgeon, or with a staff member in your surgeon's office. Skin resurfacing procedures are generally safe when performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.
Potential risks include:
- infection
- abnormal healing
- allergic reactions
- if prone to herpes, possible eruption
- raised or thickened scarring
- unanticipated skin color changes or skin blotchiness
You can minimize certain risks and help to maintain the results of your skin resurfacing treatment by following the instructions of your plastic surgeon.
Dermabrasion cost
Dermabrasion cost can vary widely as reflected in the Dermabrasion cost data posted on RealSelf.com. A doctor's cost for Dermabrasion may vary based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location.
Costs may include:
Insurance: Skin resurfacing procedures usually are not covered by insurance. Occasionally, however, if the resurfacing is being performed to treat precancerous skin conditions or improve certain types of scars, insurance coverage may be available. Your plastic surgeon or a member of the staff will explain how you can find out from your insurance company if a particular procedure will be covered.
- Surgeon’s professional fee
- Facility fee
- Anesthesia fee
- Medications
- Surgical garments
- Medical tests
Dermabrasion Terminology to know
- Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
- Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.