Dermabrasion is a procedure designed to smoothen the face or just an area of skin. It’s basically a controlled surgical sanding of damaged skin using a wire wheel brush that eliminates surface skin to remove superficial scars and reduce the appearance of deeper scars. Dermabrasion can produce smoother, more attractive skin texture and removes damaged skin that softens the sharp contours and irregularities caused by wrinkles, scarring, and acne. Dermabrasion can also be used to treat some types of skin lesions.
Dermabrasion is usually done while you are awake. The nurse will apply a local anesthesia to the area of skin that will be worked on. If you are having a complex procedure, you may be given sedatives to make you sleepy and less anxious, or general anesthesia which allows you to sleep through surgery.
Dermabrasion sessions can usually be done in a reasonable amount of time ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. The time that it takes depends on the size and the condition of the area to be treated. Once the procedure is done, the initial healing time is about a 2 weeks. After several days, the outer layer of skin, including any scabbing, begins to loosen and fall off. Once this layer is gone, the skin is very pink, but that pinkness fades at about three to six weeks. During this time, special soaps and cosmetics may be applied to the area. For the first two weeks, you’ll also need to avoid any strenuous physical activity. Men are advised to avoid shaving during this time as well. Sunlight should be avoided for several weeks.
Dermabrasion can produce dramatic results. The outcome depends on the original condition of the skin, skin tone, the depth of wrinkles and other imperfections, and individual healing ability.
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