Dermabrasion
What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic surgical procedure for improving the skin's appearance and removing scars. There are several different techniques, but they all share the general principle of exfoliating, or sanding down, the outer layer of skin. Dermabrasion can be performed by plastic surgeons or dermatologists.
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Dermatologists
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders and related conditions.
Uses
Dermabrasion is mainly used for improving the appearance of skin that has been damaged or scarred by conditions such as:
- Acne, rosacea, or an accident;
- Wrinkles;
- Age-related or pre-cancerous skin growths (keratosis), and;
- Hyperpigmentation.
As with most cosmetic treatments, dermabrasion is usually not recommended for people who are actively suffering from a skin condition (such as an ongoing case of acne) as it may worsen the situation. Similarly, people with a history of abnormal scarring, such as keloid or hypertrophic scars, may not be suitable candidates.
Dermabrasion is one of several surgical options for such skin conditions. The others include chemical peeling of the skin and laser surgery.
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Hyperpigmentation
A darkening of the skin or nails due to overproduction of melanin.
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Keloid
An overgrowth of scar tissue at and beyond the site of an original wound. The overgrowths are elevated and firm.
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Hypertrophic scars
An overgrowth of dense scar tissue that occurs within the site of a wound. Such overgrowths are often pink, red or purple in color and usually recede without treatment.
Types and procedures
Dermabrasion
The doctor will begin by administering a local anesthetic to the scarred or damaged area via an aerosol spray or an injection. Then they will remove the outer, damaged layer of the skin using fine-grade sandpaper, emery paper, a very small wire brush, or a rotating disc. This will reveal a layer of healthy skin underneath.
Dermabrasion removes the outer, damaged skin layer.
Microdermabrasion
The doctor, nurse or therapist will apply very fine crystal powder (commonly aluminum oxide) to the area, then use a small vacuum machine to clear the crystals off.
Microdermabrasion is less invasive than regular dermabrasion, but is also less effective. It is commonly used for more superficial, less significant skin damage. Multiple treatments (usually a series of 4-6) are often done. Microdermabrasion requires less skill than regular dermabrasion and therefore can also be performed by nurses and beauty therapists.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is another procedure in which the outer layer of skin is removed. This is done using a special razor, called a dermatome.
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Local anesthetic
A type of medication that, when administered to an area, creates a localized loss of sensation by blocking nerve activity.
What happens after the procedure?
The outer layer of the skin will grow back gradually. It will take several months for the original skin color to be restored.
In the meantime, the skin will be pinkish-red in color and may feel swollen, sensitive, irritated and itchy. Enlarged pores and whiteheads may also appear temporarily. Your skin will flush red if you drink alcohol within the first three weeks after the procedure.
It is important to keep the skin out of harm's way until it grows back such as exposing it to sunlight, chemical exposure (aftershave lotion, chlorinated pool water, etc.), or physical contact (razor blades, accidents).
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or antiviral medication to prevent infection of the exposed skin and ointments to protect, soothe and moisturize the skin.
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Antibiotic
Chemical substances that kill or suppress the growth of bacteria.
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Antiviral
A substance that hinders the growth and reproduction of viruses.
Potential complications
Dermabrasion is a generally safe procedure when performed by a qualified medical professional. As with any surgery, it does carry some risks, including:
- Skin pigmentation (color) changes, especially for people with darker-toned skin;
- Scarring;
- Thickening of the skin;
- General risks of the anesthesia (allergic reaction to the injection, heart problems), and;
- General risks of surgery (bleeding, infection).
References
- Bagatin E. Dos Santos Guadanhim L.R. Yarak S. et al. (2010). Dermabrasion for Acne Scars During Treatment with Oral Isotretinoin. Dermatologic Surgery 36: 483489.
- Board A.D.A.M.E. (2012). Dermabrasion. PubMed Health. Accessed from link here
- Dermabrasion/Dermaplaning | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library. Accessed 25 August 2014 from link here
- Dermabrasion: Dermaplaning Acne Treatment | American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed 25 August 2014 from link here
- Friedman S. & Lippitz J. (2009). Chemical Peels Dermabrasion and Laser Therapy. Disease-a-Month 55: 223235.
- Lehmann P. & Sobottka A. (2009). Rosacea: a challenging condition with multiple therapeutic options. Expert Review of Dermatology 4: 413+.
- Rivera A.E. (2008). Acne scarring: A review and current treatment modalities. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 59: 659676.
- Savardekar P. (2007). Microdermabrasion. Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology 73: 277.
10 Most frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic surgical procedure for improving the look of the skin and removing scars. There are several different techniques, but they all share the general principle of a gentle sanding down of the skin. What is dermabrasion used for? Dermabrasion is mainly used for improving the look of skin that has been damaged or scarred by conditions such as severe or mild acne, rosacea, an accident, age-related or pre-cancerous skin growths (keratosis) and hyper-pigmentation. What is microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion is the removal of the outer layer of skin using fine crystal powder. It is commonly used for more superficial, less significant skin damage. Multiple treatments (usually a series of four to six) are often done. Dermaplaning is a procedure in which a doctor shaves off layers of skin until a healthy skin layer is reached. This is done using a special dermatome, an electric tool that resembles an electric razor. Dermabrasion is a generally safe procedure when performed by trained medical professionals. Who can perform dermabrasion? Dermabrasion can be performed by a surgeon or dermatologist. Microdermabrasion requires less skill and thus can also be performed by nurses and beauty therapists. What are the risks of dermabrasion? Risks of dermabrasion include: skin tone changes (especially for people with darker-toned skin); scarring; thickening of the skin; general risks of the anesthesia (allergic reaction to the injection, heart problems), and; general risks of surgery (bleeding, infection). What will I feel after undergoing dermabrasion? After the dermabrasion procedure, the skin will be pinkish-red in color and may feel swollen, sensitive, irritated and itchy. Enlarged pores and whiteheads may also appear temporarily. Your skin will flush red if you drink alcohol within the first three weeks after the procedure. It is important to keep the skin out of harm's way until it grows back - such as exposing it to sunlight, chemical exposure (aftershave lotion, chlorinated pool water, etc.), or physical contact (razor blades, accidents). Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or antiviral medication to prevent infection of the exposed skin and ointments to protect, soothe and moisturize the skin.
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