What is Dermabrasion?

To remove outer layers of damaged skin and improve skin surface appearance by stimulating new collagen and skin growth. A skin care treatment that uses an instrument to skim off your damaged top skin surfaces.

 

Dermabrasion is a facial sanding technique used to treat deep or raised scars, wrinkles, "crow's feet", splotchy pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, pre-cancerous lesions and tattoos on the skin.
The area to be "sanded" is treated with a spray that freezes the skin. Sometimes an additional anesthetic is used to increase comfort levels. A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush removes the upper layers of the skin. The scraping continues until your surgeon reaches the safest level that will make the scar or wrinkle less visible, which improves facial contours and irregularities in the skin surface. By removing your damaged skin layer, your body is stimulated to produce new collagen and refreshed skin cells. While your skin is healing, you may wear a wet or waxy dressing to protect your new skin.

 

Dermabrasion and dermaplanning remove the surface layer of the skin without the use of chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing. It is most popular on the face, but could also be used on your hands, chest or back. Dermabrasion can be used alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.

 

The most common risk is a change in skin pigmentation or a permanent darkening of the skin. This is usually caused by exposure to the sun in the days or months following surgery. You will be red, swollen, feel like you have a sunburn and have difficulty speaking post procedure. Swelling will begin to subside in a few days to a week.

See also Microdermabrasion