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Skin coming off 12 days after facial dermabrasion, is this normal?

I had received a dermabrasion treatment 2 weeks ago and just one day after I stopped applying vaseline to my face (this was after 10 days) my skin broke open. This happened after I washed my face. There now is a small wound on my face and I've been applying vaseline to this area to treat it. Is this normal?

Doctor Answers 4

December 28th, 2016

Dermabrasion

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Thank you for your question. The dermabrasion procedure literally scrapes away the top layers of the skin. This is done with a small burr that has diamond particles on it. The instrument scrapes the layers of skin until we get to a point where the scar or the wrinkle is less noticeable. I suggest that you move forward and consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to review best recovery practices.

Best wishes,

Learn more: http://www.drclevens.com/face

Ross A. Clevens, MD


Melbourne Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 123 reviews

August 1st, 2016

Skin coming off 12 days after facial dermabrasion, is this normal?

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Thanks for your question. This is absolutely normal. Dermabrasion is giving injury to the skin so that it heals up the scars and fin lines and also help in rejuvenation. So some open wounds and peeling is normal and it continues for 15-20 days. You should keep yourself hydrated and moisturize your skin well. If it still continues you can show to your doctor.Hope it helps.
All The Best

Learn more: http://www.drkashyap.com

Ajaya Kashyap, MD
April 6th, 2016

Dermabrasion

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This may or may not be normal.  Without photos, and information about the specific location, it is difficult to answer.  I would see your treating specialist as soon as possible in the next 2-3 days to be evaluated.
Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS

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February 19th, 2016

Healing After Facial Dermabrasion

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You do not state in your question what anatomic area was being treated, nor what problem was being addressed by dermabrasion.  Dermabrasion can be carried to different depths, and there is also significant variation in the quality of different patients' tissues, and their intrinsic ability to heal these wounds.  Thus, the time course we give patients for healing after dermabrasion is more of a rough estimate, rather than a precise prediction of when they will be completely healed.  

In your case, I would say the small wound you describe should not raise any concern in your mind. Application of vaseline, or a similar petroleum jelly product, is an appropriate way to treat it.  Try to limit exposure of this area to the sun, and be careful not to let it dry out as it is healing.  Provided you eat a healthy diet, are not diabetic, are not a heavy smoker, and have no significant underlying medical problems, I don't foresee you having any difficulties healing this small wound.

Learn more: http://waveplasticsurgery.com

Peter Lee, MD, FACS

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.