Dermabrasion Recovery
Proper dermabrasion aftercare is essential to achieving a good result following surgery. Although recovering from dermabrasion can be painful, it can pale in comparison to the years you have spent in emotional anguish over the condition of your skin.
Recovery After Dermabrasion
The first step in preparing for dermabrasion recovery is to be realistic with yourself about how long it will take you to heal. This means not scheduling any major events in the weeks following your surgery and planning to take at least 10 days off work.
Although the dermabrasion procedure usually only takes about an hour and a half, recovery can take up to three months so don't expect to look great a week after surgery.
Recovery After Dermabrasion - First Week
Immediately after dermabrasion the skin is usually red, sensitive, swollen and feels sunburned. Activities that require facial movement will probably be painful after surgery so things like eating, talking or moving your facial muscles can be difficult. Your doctor will probably prescribe medication for you to take following surgery to help with any pain and itching.
Always Monitor Abnormalities
During recovery make sure you monitor your wounds and check for any signs of abnormal scarring or infection. If you notice any red, raised, or abnormally itchy skin, consult your surgeon immediately!
The first few days after surgery, patients should relax and not try to do too much. If eating and talking are painful, patients should not put undo stress on their bodies by pushing themselves to talk or chew things. Most surgeons will administer pain medication to reduce discomfort during these first few days.
As dermabrasion patients begin to heal they will probably notice that the area of their skin that has been treated will start to scab over. The amount of noticeable scabbing will depend on the severity of the surgery but applying ointment to the affected areas can usually reduce scabbing.
Recovery After Dermabrasion - Second Week
After about 10 days after surgery scabbing should diminish and new smoother skin should become evident. The skin that patients see once scabs have healed will be pink, tight and smooth. Normal skin pigmentation usually takes a few months to regenerate in the treated areas.
Most dermabrasion patients are able to resume their normal activities one to two weeks after surgery but there are often certain restrictions that plastic surgeons will give to their dermabrasion patients to ensure optimum healing.
As your skin begins to heal, a layer of scab will form over the are where the dermabrasion was administered. Scabbing can be reduced with ointment so ask your surgeon if he or she can prescribe one that you can use. Your scabs will eventually fall off and reveal a new layer of soft, pink and tighter skin.
Recovery After Dermabrasion - Second & Third Month
It will likely be a few months before the pink hue of your skin diminishes and the normal pigment of your skin returns.
Keep in mind that shaving, tanning and physical activity should be totally avoided until your surgeon feels that you have completely healed.
Refinishing treatments like dermabrasion can dramatically improve your looks and your confidence, but you must be patient as you recover because it will take some time before you see the final results.
Typically, about three months after surgery the skin will be re-pigmented and back to normal without any obvious signs of the operation and you will see that your new look was truly worth the wait.
Rules for Proper Dermabrasion Aftercare
- Patients are told to stay out of the sun for three to six months so that harmful sun rays will not damage their healing skin. All dermabrasion patients should cover up and wear sunscreen while outdoors, especially in direct sunlight.
- Patients should avoid shaving the treated area until their surgeon advises them otherwise.
- Patients should avoid painkillers, alcohol and smoking after surgery so that these things do not interfere with the body's healing capacity.
- Patients are also strongly advised to avoid swimming, contact sports and extreme physical activity after surgery.
- If a patient notices anything unnatural about their healing process like the appearance of yellow crusting or irregular scabs they should contact their surgeon immediately!
Each patient will heal differently but proper aftercare can make the healing process a lot more comfortable so that patients can forget about their concerns and enjoy the benefits of dermabrasion.
Free Dermabrasion Consultation with a Board Certified US Surgeon
To learn more about a dermabrasion procedure please complete the contact form below, or call us today at the number found in the upper right corner of this page. You will then get the option to schedule a free consultation with a Board Certified Surgeon in your local area. The majority of surgeons have financing plans available to offer their customers.
