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Dermabrasion
Q. What is dermabrasion?
A. While more than one hundred years old, dermabrasion has enjoyed a
resurgence of popularity since the 1940's. The dermabrasion technique has
been further perfected over the last few decades. Dermabrasion, or
surgical skin planning, is a surgical procedure in which the dermatologic
surgeon freezes the patient's skin, scarred from acne, pox or other scars,
and then removes or "sands" the skin with a rotary abrasive instrument.
This abrasive or planning action improves the contour as a new layer of
skin replaces the abraded skin. The new skin has a smoother appearance.
Q. When is dermabrasion indicated?
A. When dermabrasion was first developed it was used predominantly to
improve acne scars, pox marks and scars resulting from accidents or
disease. Today it is used to treat other skin conditions such as tattoos,
age (liver) spots, wrinkles, and certain types of skin lesions.
Q. How does the dermabrasion procedure work?
A. Dermabrasion can be performed in the surgeon's office or in an
outpatient surgical facility. Medication to relax the patient may be given
prior to surgery. The area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic
cleansing agent. The area to be "sanded" is treated with a spray that
freezes the skin. A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or
brush removes or abrades the upper layers of the skin and improves
irregularities in the skin surface.
Q. What happens after surgery?
A. For a few days the skin feels as though it has been severely
"brush-burned". Medications may be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort
the patient may have. Healing usually occurs within 7 to 10 days. The
newly formed skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal
appearance. In most cases, the pinkness has largely faded by six to eight
weeks. Makeup can be used as a cover-up as soon as the skin is healed.
Generally, most people can resume their normal activities in 7 to 14 days
after dermabrasion. Patients are instructed to avoid unnecessary direct
and indirect sunlight for three to six months after the procedure, and to
use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on a regular basis when outdoors.
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