Dermabrasion The skin is the outer covering that protects the body from the external environment. The skin of the face is the most exposed area of the body and the most affected by environmental damage. In this protective process, dead cells accumulate causing an opaque appearance. Dermabrasion is a natural and old method used to exfoliate these dead cells. Once the dead cells from the face skin are gently removed, the skin products may penetrate through and improve the facial appearance. Today, there are a variety of dermabrasion techniques which are safe and effective to improve the appearance of wrinkles and other imperfections. What is the dermabrasion technique? Dermabrasion is a reconstructive technique in which the surface of the skin is removed by abrasion and the epidermis is regenerated. Dermabrasion employs chemical techniques for controlled removal of the epidermal layers and provides a softer and uniform appearance to the skin. Dermabrasion works on all skin types to improve or eliminate skin irregularities such as superficial scars, acne scars, fine wrinkles, some tattoo scars and age spots.

More...       * Post-treatment care * Post-treatment recommendations – Dermabrasion

The patient for dermabrasion

Although dermabrasion may improve scar appearance, a person considering dermabrasion must understand that there is no way to remove scars completely. Many patients who suffer from acne scars, age spots, wrinkles and other irregularities can achieve a more uniform skin color and texture through dermabrasion.
A healthy patient with real expectations from dermabrasion can be an ideal candidate for this treatment.

Preoperative evaluation of the patient for dermabrasion

During consultation you may express your reasons to consider dermabrasion as well as your expectations. Your surgeon will perform a careful examination of your skin lesions, acne scars, wrinkles and other defects. Also, age, skin type, skin color and other characteristics will be considered.

Types of dermabrasion

What types of dermabrasion does exist?

There are different types of dermabrasion.

Mechanical dermabrasion

Mechanical dermabrasion involves the use of a wire brush or a diamond fraise driven by a high-speed rotary hand engine, which removes only the superficial layer of the skin. Mechanical dermabrasion may be performed using local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. In some cases general anesthesia may be used. It is usually done in an outpatient basis and may take 1 hour. Your physician may recommend more than one session. Postoperatively a dressing will be placed over the treated area to avoid crust formation. In some cases only an ointment to hydrate the wound is applied. Crust formation and gradual light desquamation is possible. Chemical substances such as alpha-hydroxyl acids and retinoic acids are used to improve the skin quality.

Chemical dermabrasion

Chemical dermabrasion removes the superficial layers of skin through chemical means. Chemical substances such as alpha-hydroxyl acids and retinoic acids are used to improve the skin quality.

Laser dermabrasion

Laser CO2 is used to improve appearance of scars and fine wrinkles.

What are some of the benefits of dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion may: