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Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is used to improve the look of facial skin left scarred by accidents or previous surgery, or to smooth out fine facial wrinkles particularly around the mouth. It is also commonly used to treat deep acne scars. Dermabrasion can only be performed on the thicker skin around the mouth, chin and cheeks. The skin around the eyes is delicate and therefore not suitable for dermabrasion. Dermabrasion can be used alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift, blepharoplasty, and scar removal or revision and browlift. If you're planning "surface repairs" on your face, you may also be considering chemical peel, an alternative method of surgically removing the top layer of skin. Dermabrasion uses surgical instruments to remove the affected skin layers, while chemical peel uses an acid solution. Laser resurfacing uses CO2 laser to vaporize the top layers of the skin. Your surgeon performs all three procedures, selecting one or a combination of procedures to suit the individual patient and the problem. In general, chemical peel is used to treat fine wrinkles and sun damaged skin whilst dermabrasion is used for deeper imperfections such as acne scars and deep lines around the mouth. Laser resurfacing is used for all these problems especially where they extend over the whole face and are combined with some degree of skin laxity or sagging. If you would like more information on chemical peel or lasers, click on those topics. Dermabrasion can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but neither treatment will remove all scars and flaws or prevent subsequent aging. Before you decide to have a skin-refinishing treatment, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. Dermabrasion can be performed at any age, though older people heal more slowly. More important factors are your skin type, colouring, and medical history. For example, black skin, Asian skin, and other dark complexions are not suitable for dermabrasion as they may become permanently discolored or blotchy after a skin-refinishing treatment. People who develop allergic rashes or other skin reactions, or who get frequent cold sores, may experience a flare-up, it is important that you tell your surgeon if you suffer any of these problems. If you have freckles, they may disappear completely in the treated area. In addition, most surgeons won't perform treatment during the active stages of acne because of a greater risk of infection. The same may be true if you've had radiation treatments or a bad sun burn. Dermabrasion treatments are normally safe when they're performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. The most common risk is a change in skin pigmentation. Permanent darkening of the skin, usually caused by exposure to the sun in the months following treatment, occurs in some in some patients especially where they disregard our advice to avoid the sun post-operatively. You will find that after dermabrasion the treated skin remains a little lighter, than the non-treated sundamaged skin. You may develop tiny whiteheads after surgery and these usually disappear on their own. You may also develop enlarged skin pores; these usually shrink to near normal size once the swelling has subsided. While infection and scarring are rare with skin-refinishing treatments, they are possible. Some individuals develop excessive scar tissue (keloid or hypertrophic scars); these are usually treated with the application or injection of steroid medications to soften the scar. You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon such as your surgeon, and closely following his advice. |
