All About Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure where a brush made up of wire or a rough edged diamond wheel is used on the skin to remove the upper layer from the skin. The rotation of the brush causes the upper layer of the skin to come off and may cause bleeding. The skin that comes off is replaced with new skin.

Why it is done?

1. The procedure may be used to treat various surgical scars.
2. Usually this procedure is used to get rid of acne scars.
3. The procedure is used to treat various superficial growths that occur on the skin such as small cysts.
4. It may also be used to treat wrinkles around the mouth.

Procedure
The area where the procedure is carried out is marked and then cleaned properly. Local anesthesia is used to numb the skin followed by an application of ice pack for about half an hour. If the preceding procedures do not harden the skin enough, then a freezing spray may be used to firm up the skin. Gauze may be used to restrict the bleeding which results from the procedure. The area is then cleaned and ointment is applied.

Post-surgery
The depth and size of the procedure determines, how much time the recovery process will take. For example, a small patch of skin will take little time to heal compared to a full face dermabrasion. It usually takes 6 to 7 days for the skin to regrow, which is pink in color. The color tends to fade away in 2 to 3 months. Usually patients do not suffer from pain, but if you do have some pain then you can take pain relievers. Corticosteroids may be used to treat swellings, if any.

You need to follow certain precautionary measures after the surgery:

1. Regular cleaning of the skin to avoid various infections of the skin.
2. Regular changing of the dressing and the ointment to speed up the healing process.
3. Sun exposure needs to be avoided as the new skin is prone to damage. You may use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays.