Dermabrasion

Introduction

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are cosmetic surgery procedures used to improve the look of skin affected by various diseases or conditions. Facial skin scarring by accidents or previous surgery, fine facial wrinkles around the mouth, precancerous lesions called as keratosis are a few conditions treated by dermabrasion. Dermaplaning is commonly used to treat deep unsightly acne scars on face.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning techniques remove the top layers of skin through a method called as controlled surgical scraping. The treatments smoothens the surface irregularities which appear as scars or wrinkles. These procedures can be used alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures such as facelift, scar revision, or chemical peel.

The Best Candidates Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can improve a person’s appearance and thus, self-confidence. But this treatment cannot remove all the scars and flaws on the skin or prevent aging changes. Patient should discuss the expectations about the procedure with the surgeon. Rational thinking is very important before taking a decision of getting any skin-refinishing treatment done.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can be performed in few minutes to an hour, depending on the condition and area of treatment.

Men and women of any age can benefit from dermabrasion and dermaplaning. The important factors deciding the success of the treatment are older age, skin type (which is dependent on race), color and previous medical history. Black skin, Asian skin, and other dark complexions can be adversely affected after a skin-refinishing treatment like becoming permanently discoloured and blotchy. Allergic people who tend to develop allergic rashes or other severe skin reactions, or people who suffer from frequent fever blisters or cold sores, may experience a flare-up. Advantage in patients having freckles is that this condition can disappear in the treated area.

The surgery is usually not performed during active stages of acne as there is risk of secondary infection. The risk of infection holds true for people who have had radiation treatments, severe skin burns, or a previous treatment of chemical peel.

Choice of the Procedures

In Dermabrasion, the affected skin layers are removed by surgical instruments unlike chemical peel which uses a caustic solution to remove them. Usually, the chemical peel is used for more superficial affections like fine wrinkles and dermabrasion is used for deeper problems of skin like bad acne scars. A single or combination of procedures can be used depending on the skin problems and specific patient factors. Surgical approach is preferred for individuals with darker skin, especially for facial problems. The reason being the dermabrasion does not produce extreme changes and contrasts in skin color.

Types of Anaesthesia

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are usually performed under local anaesthesia, combined with a sedative to make the patient drowsy. Sometimes a numbing spray is used along with the local anaesthesia. In more severe cases, the procedure can be performed under general anaesthesia, in which the patient sleeps throughout the procedure.

The Surgery

1. Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can be performed in few minutes to an hour, depending on the condition and area of treatment. The procedure needs to be repeated or need staging if the scarring is deep or a large area of skin is involved.

2. In dermabrasion, a rough wire brush or a burr containing diamond particles attached to a mechanical handle is used to scrape the outermost layer of skin. The scraping continues until the surgeon makes the scar or wrinkles less visible, taking into account the safety of depth.

3. A hand-held, electric razor like instrument called as dermatome is used in dermaplaning.

The dermatome has an oscillating blade that moves back and forth and evenly skims off the surface layers of skin surrounding the scars or other facial defects. This process continues till the lowest point of the acne scar becomes even with the surrounding skin.

• An ointment is applied to the skin and dressing is given.

Risks

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are normally safe when performed by a qualified, skilled and experienced physician.

1. The most common risk of these procedures is a change in skin pigmentation. Permanent darkening of the skin can occur in some patients within a few months following surgery. However, in some patients, the skin tone can lighten or it can appear blotchy.

2. Patient can develop tiny whiteheads after surgery. These usually disappear on their own, or with the use of an abrasive pad or soap.

3. There is also possibility of infection and scarring after skin-refinishing treatments. Some patients can develop excessive scars also called as Keloids or hypertrophic scars. They are usually treated with injection of steroid medications into the scar.

The risks can be reduced by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and closely following medical advice.