Dermabrasion is an aesthetic procedure that aims to improve the smoothness of the most superficial layers of the skin. It uses a fine wire brush or a diamond fraise (a rough-edged wheel) or burr that rotates rapidly to remove the top layers of skin that come in contact with it.
This, of course, is associated with skin injury, which will take time to heal. The new skin will be of better quality than the injured skin that was removed. The procedure is usually less expensive than chemical peeling or laser resurfacing.
The depth of skin removed by the procedure depends on the speed of rotation of the device, the roughness of the scraping surface, the pressure exerted on the rotating tool and the duration of application. The thinness and fragility of the skin will also play an important role.
Dermabrasion is most often done on the face but is not always limited to this area. It is most useful to remove acne scars, fine wrinkles or lines around the mouth, surgical scars older than about three or four months, and sun stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion diamond peeling on the forehead. Image credit: Serko1982 / Shutterstock
The process
Dermabrasion is performed on an outpatient basis or in the doctor’s office. The area of skin to be treated is first thoroughly cleaned and the boundaries are marked. The skin is then numbed using a local anesthetic such as lidocaine.
The skin can be temporarily stiffened so that the tool has adequate grip, using a spray or cryogenic spray or ice packs placed on it for up to 30 minutes. Sedation or even general anesthesia is indicated if extensive areas are to be treated or if the patient is very nervous.
Once the skin is prepped and anesthesia has been induced, the rotating bur or scrub is applied to the skin and the layers are removed very gently, sometimes. Bleeding is controlled by applying gauze, after which the raw area is immediately covered with ointment or a clean bandage.
The last step is necessary to prevent scab formation that could disfigure the wound and also encourages scar-free healing. Small areas are treated one at a time.
Dermabrasion scar removal treatment
Recovery process
Skin healing will always depend on how much the face was healed. Large areas will take longer, as will skin that has been more deeply abraded. Skin regeneration treatment takes about a week to start and is characterized by a pink or reddish appearance that fades in about 6-12 weeks. It may be advisable to wear hypoallergenic makeup to match your skin tones by this time. Sunscreen should be used for about a year.
Pain subsides quickly in most cases, allowing downtime to be minimized. However, pan relievers may be prescribed if needed. Corticosteroids are often given if there is excessive swelling of the treated area.
Post-operative care is vital to achieving a good result. It includes the following and any additional steps advised by the treatment specialist:
- Frequent cleaning of the skin with warm water, which will remove any scabs, mud and bacterial film
- Change the ointment or wound dressing regularly to keep the raw area moist. This will promote proper healing and prevent crusting
- Keep out of the sun until the treated area stops peeling. Even after this, the patient should use sunscreen whenever exposed to sunlight because the healing skin is especially sensitive to photodamage
- Keep follow-up appointments regularly to allow the doctor to assess the pace and quality of treatment. This will help you detect infection or scarring early enough to get it checked out
