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Everyone would like the fresh-faced look of youthful glowing skin, and one of the many dermatological techniques used to resurface and revitalize the skin is dermabrasion. By scuffing or abrading the skin with tiny particles, the old layer of skin is removed to reveal new skin underneath. Less harsh than chemical peels and laser skin treatment, dermabrasion is used to reduce wrinkles, lines, blemishes, uneven skin tone, and to improve acne, facial scars and to remove pre-cancerous growths.

Plastic surgeons also use dermabrasion for the treatment of scarring related to acne, a condition known as "rhinophyma" (often referred to as the "W.C. Fields' nose") and for acne, rosacea, tattoos, chicken pox, scars, skin growths, multiple pigmented birthmarks, blotchy brown or liver spots, keloids and sun damaged skin. It produces smoother skin by removing the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) so that new tissue grows back to replace the old.

What to expect from Dermabrasion surgery?

Am I a good candidate for the dermabrasion surgery?

If you have acne scarring, pigmentation, stretch marks, milia and seborrhea, you need dermabrasion. You can determine whether you would need a one-off treatment(for a special occasion) or a specific skin condition treated, by talking to our friendly advisors and they will guide you on how you can get the best from the procedure.

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How is dermabrasion done?

The process is done under local anesthesia but some surgeons also prefer to use general anesthesia so that you are completely unaware of all the facial skin manipulation that is evidently required during this procedure.

The surgeon will examine your skin to assess factors that could affect the outcome of the surgery and to determine the proper procedure for your condition. Many surgeons recommend pretreatment with Retin A, for several weeks before seeing the doctor. But before the procedure, a complete medical history is taken and examination is conducted to evaluate the general health of the patient. Skin type and color, ethnic background and age are important factors that should be discussed prior to surgery.

First, the skin is cleansed with antiseptic agent. Many surgeons freeze the skin with ice packs or a spray that freezes the skin. The surgeon then uses a hand-held high speed rotating dermabrasion machine -- about the size of a pencil -- with a small cone of sandpaper or a stiff brush on its end. That instrument sands down the outer layer of the old skin and leaves a scab which remains on the face for about a week. As the scab peels off, new skin appears to reveal its natural radiance and luminosity, reducing fine lines and rejuvenating your complexion quickly and without discomfort.

Infection and bleeding are easily controlled. Discoloration and swelling may occur for few months. During that time, hypoallergenic makeup is usually recommended. Most people can return to normal activities in seven to ten days while the new skin is largely healed by 12 weeks.

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How long is the recovery period from dermabrasion / microdermabrasion?

The surgeon may advise you to stay in the hospital for a day after dermabrasion, as this is the period during which the skin 'weeps' the maximum after the procedure. You would be discharged with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and a skin care regime involving washing with soap and water and application of ointment on the abraded areas. You would be advised to follow up once in 3 to 4 days to ensure that all is going well.

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What can I expect after the dermabrasion?

The 'weeping' stops in a week’s time, after dermabrasion, leaving behind totally de-pigmented skin, except for the skin around the eyes. Normal skin colour will return over a variable period from 6 to 8 weeks. However, you will be socially presentable after about 3 weeks. After this period, cosmetics may be used to conceal the whitened areas.

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Is Dermabrasion painful?

After dermabrasion, the face feels raw and irritated, somewhat like a skinned knee. Some patients report feeling like they have a severe windburn or sunburn. A yellow, clear fluid drains from the sites and is normal and expected. The scabs are usually removed with moist wet packs which can help prevent any infection under the crust. Doctors usually recommend wearing a heavy duty sun block and staying out of the sun for three to six months. It often takes about eighteen days to effect a full healing and the appearance of the new glowing skin.

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Can I combine other treatments with a dermabrasion?

As with many facial rejuvenation treatments, dermabrasion will work very well alongside other treatments such as IPL or light therapy. If you are looking for a more dramatic anti-ageing effect, then you may like to explore a mini-facelift or a full facelift.

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How do I begin to have dermabrasion?

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