Dermabrasion
Skin damage left behind from acne, accidents, and genetic defects can affect every part of your life from the way you feel when you look in the mirror to how act when you are around other people. Skin imperfections can mask both beauty and confidence but dermabrasion can actually be the answer to revitalizing both.
What is Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a type of plastic surgery that is meant to refinish skin and give it a smoother, fresher look. Its is typically used to treat skin that has been left pitted and scared after severe cases of acne but the procedure can also be used to treat wrinkles, scars, pre-cancerous growths. Dermabrasion has even been used for tattoo removal.
Usually the severity of skin damage that has occurred will determine the level of dermabrasion needed to correct it. Certain people can have the procedure performed under a local anesthetic on an outpatient basis, while others who require extensive refinishing will need to be sedated with a general anesthetic. Usually when a dermabrasion patient has an extensive procedure done they are required to stay overnight in the hospital.
Dermabrasion the Procedure
Dermabrasion is usually done in a hospital, surgical center or an office-based surgical facility. During the surgery a hand-held tool affixed with either a wire brush or a rough, rotating head is used to sand down the areas where the skin appears damaged or scarred. The first few layers of skin are skimmed off in this fashion and this allows for the eventual growth of a new layer of smooth skin.
Because this procedure involves the removal skin the recovery process can take quite a while. Following surgery, the skin first appears red and swollen, then it typically scabs over and once this heals it may take up to a few months for treated areas to regain a natural appearance and pigment.
Anyone who is considering dermabrasion has to realize that this is a serious form of surgery so it should not be taken lightly. If you have come to terms with the length of time that it may take you to heal and you are ready to make a transformation to your skin and your self-esteem, dermabrasion may be just what you need to shine physically and emotionally.
Dermabrasion Equipment & Machines
Dermabrasion equipment and microdermabrasion machines have truly revolutionized skincare. These machines offer hope to anyone who has ever been traumatized by the condition of their skin, whether the concern is scarring, pockmarks from adolescent acne, discoloration or wrinkles.
Because dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are so different, different equipment is necessary for each procedure.
The most essential piece of dermabrasion equipment is the hand-held scraping or sanding tool that is used to abrade the skin. This tool usually either has a rough wire brush head or a head affixed with a rotating wheel containing diamond particles. The former has more of a scraping effect, while the latter offers a sanding effect. Lasers can also be used for dermabrasion and in this case there is a burning effect. In any case, the objective is to take off layers of skin so that new skin can grow in its place.
Microdermabrasion Equipment
Microdermabrasion equipment, on the other hand, offers a much less drastic result. The procedure involves the removal of minor imperfections over a prolonged period of time and usually the machine used for the procedure is a hand-held sandblasting and vacuuming device. This device blasts dirt and dead skin off the surface of the skin with a powerful stream of fine table salt or aluminum oxide particles, then it sucks all of this loose dirt and skin back up into the device leaving the skin looking radiant and healthy.
Whether a person turns to dermabrasion or microdermabrasion will depend on the severity of their problem. This is because, although both treatments involve sloughing away skin to achieve a fresher look, the dermabrasion procedure is much more serious than the procedure used for microdermabrasion.
Board Certified Dermabrasion Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon
Since the dermabrasion procedure involves scraping, sanding or burning away the outer layers of damaged skin to inspire the growth of new skin. This is a serious form of surgery and can only be administered by certified, professional plastic surgeons. After surgery the patient usually experiences swelling as well as scabbing and it can take up to three months before the skin completely heals after the procedure.
Dermabrasion of the face is usually performed in a hospital or surgical center under a general anesthetic. If you procedure is relatively minor you might be given local anesthetic, but most serious dermabrasion of the face requires that you be completely sedated.
A Microdermabrasion Procedure
During microdermabrasion, particles are blasted at the skin to remove dead skin and dirt. In most states this treatment can be administered by an aesthetician and usually there are no noticeable risks or side-effects so many people will have the treatment done during their lunch hour and return to work right afterwards. There is no bleeding, scabbing or swelling associated with microdermabrasion and often patients will have five or six treatments before they notice any results.
Microdermabrasion & Scarring
So if you have major scarring or serious skin damage you might want to consider dermabrasion, but if you just have a few fine wrinkles that you're trying to get rid of microdermabrasion equipment might be able to offer you all the help you need. Either way, both procedures can help you to reinvent your skin, your look and your self-esteem.
Most people who opt for dermabrasion do so to correct facial imperfections. Dermabrasion of the face has become the most popular form of largely because the procedure is known as an effective way to treat wrinkles, imperfections and acne scarring.
The Consultation
If you decide that you would like to undergo dermabrasion of the face, the first step is to visit a plastic surgeon for a consultation (simply call the toll free number at the top of this page or fill out the below form). During this consultation you should point out the areas where you would like to see an improvement. After you have explained the result you are looking for your surgeon will likely suggest the most appropriate treatment option. If you are serious about dermabrasion or microdermabrasion make sure that your surgeon clearly explains the procedure to you and that you are aware of all of the risks that might be involved.
After the Dermabrasion Procedure
Having dermabrasion of the face usually means being completely out of commission for at least a week. Most people are red, swollen and have trouble moving their facial muscles for the first few days after surgery. Usually after swelling begins to go down, scabbing begins to appear.
If at all possible you should try to take about a month off of work after dermabrasion of the face. Your face will be sensitive and unsightly during healing to it is best to take a few weeks to relax while healing to avoid infection.
Many dermabrasion patients find that it takes a few months to completely heal. After scabbing has subsided the facial skin is usually pink and tight but the skin will continue to return to normal as it continues to heal.
Dermabrasion patients will agree that once all is said and done, there is no better way to achieve a change of face.
Free Dermabrasion Consultation with a Board Certified U.S. Surgeon
To learn more about dermabrasion or microdermabrasion please complete the contact form below, or call us today at the toll free number found in the upper right corner of this page. We will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have and you will also have the option to schedule a free consultation with a board certified surgeon in your local area.
