Through a technique of controlled surgical scraping, dermabrasion and dermaplaning assist in "refinishing" the top layers of the skin. The treatments make the skin seem smoother by reducing the sharp edges of surface imperfections.

Dermabrasion is most frequently used to reduce tiny facial wrinkles and improve the appearance of facial skin that has been scarred by accidents or prior surgery. Additionally, it is occasionally used to remove keratoses, which are precancerous growths. Deep acne scars are frequently treated with dermaplaning as well.

The entire face can be treated with dermabrasion or dermaplaning, or only a tiny patch of skin. They may be utilised both independently and in combination with other operations including facelifts, scar correction or chemical peels.

This material will provide you a fundamental overview of the operation, including when it can be helpful, how it's carried out, and the outcomes you can anticipate, if you're thinking about having surgery to refinish the skin. However, because so much is dependent on your particular situation, it cannot provide answers to all of your questions. Any questions you have should be directed to your doctor.

Common uses

Dermabrasion can be used to treat precancerous skin spots, small wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, rhinophyma, and scars brought on by acne or other wounds.

Considering alternative procedures

You might be thinking about a chemical peel as an alternative to doing surgical removal of the top layer of skin if you're planning "surface repairs" on your face. Chemical peels employ a caustic solution to remove the damaged skin layers, whereas dermabrasion and dermaplaning use surgical equipment.

Many plastic surgeons carry out all three treatments, choosing one or a combination of them depending on the patient and the issue at hand. Others favour using a single method for all surface repairs. In general, dermabrasion and dermaplaning are used more frequently to correct deeper flaws like acne scars than chemical peels are to remove tiny wrinkles.

If only a small portion of the face needs to be treated, dermabrasion and dermaplaning may be chosen for those with somewhat darker skin since they are less likely to cause drastic changes and contrasts in skin tone.

Seek out more on microdermabrasion, a less drastic variation of dermabrasion.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can improve your appearance and self-confidence, but neither procedure will completely eliminate scars and imperfections or stop the ageing process. Think carefully about your expectations and go over them with your surgeon before deciding to have a skin-refinishing procedure.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are beneficial for men and women of all ages, from children to senior citizens. Although older people heal more slowly, your skin type, hair colour, and medical history are more crucial considerations. For instance, after a skin-refinishing procedure, black skin, Asian skin, and other dark complexions may develop permanent discoloration or blotchiness. A flare-up may occur in people who experience frequent fever blisters or cold sores, allergic rashes, or other skin responses. Freckles may vanish in the treated area if you have any.

Additionally, because there is a higher danger of infection during the active stages of acne, most surgeons won't do therapy during that time. The same might be true if you've undergone radiation therapy, suffered a severe skin burn, or had a chemical peel in the past.

When carried out by a trained, seasoned, and board-certified physician, dermabrasion and dermaplaning are typically safe procedures. A change in skin pigmentation is the most frequent risk. Some patients' skin may become permanently darker as a result of sun exposure in the weeks or months after surgery. On the other hand, some patients discover that the treated skin continues to seem a little lighter or blotchy.

After surgery, you can get little whiteheads. Usually, these dissolve on their own or after using soap or an abrasive pad (the surgeon may have to remove them occasionally). You might also get bigger skin pores, but once the swelling goes down, they normally get back to almost normal size.

Although they are uncommon after skin-refinishing procedures, infection and scarring are still a possibility. Some people have hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are excessive scar tissue; these are typically treated by applying or injecting steroid medicines to soften the scar.

By selecting a knowledgeable plastic surgeon and carefully heeding their recommendations, you can minimise your risks.

Your skin will be somewhat puffy and red just after the treatment, and speaking and eating may be challenging. You may experience some tingling, burning, or hurting; any pain you have can be managed with drugs your surgeon has given. Within a few days to a week, the swelling will start to go down.

You'll know what to anticipate from this kind of surgery if you can recall the scratches you had when you fell as a child. The treated area will develop a scab or crust as it starts to recover. As a fresh layer of taut, pink skin develops underneath, this will peel off. Your surgeon could suggest an ointment to help you feel more comfortable if your face itches as new skin begins to form. After surgery, little to no scab will form if ointment is applied.

In any event, you will receive comprehensive instructions from your surgeon on how to take care of your skin after surgery. For men, this entails postponing shaving and shaving with an electric razor the first time after surgery. To promote the greatest possible recuperation, it is crucial that you fully comprehend and adhere to your doctor's recommendations.

It may be a clue that aberrant scars are starting to form if you observe the treated region starting to get worse rather than better (if it starts to get more red, elevated, and itching after it has started to heal). So that therapy can start right once, call your surgeon as soon as you can.

Getting back to normal

For several weeks, your new skin will be somewhat puffy, sensitive, and bright pink. You can gradually start to resume your regular activities during this time.

In around two weeks, you should be able to return to work. For at least two weeks, your surgeon will likely advise you to refrain from engaging in any activity that might result in a bump on your face. For four to six weeks, you should refrain from playing more strenuous activities (particularly ones that include a ball). Keep your face out of chlorinated water for at least four weeks if you swim, and only use indoor pools to avoid the sun and wind. You won't be able to drink alcohol without getting a flush of redness for at least three to four weeks.

Above all, it's crucial to shield your skin from the sun for up to six to twelve months, or until all of the pigment has returned to your skin.

The surface of your skin can be dramatically improved by refinishing procedures, but it will take some time before you notice the full effects.

It will take around three months for the pinkness of your skin to go away. You should probably use nonallergenic cosmetics when you go out in the interim. Your new skin should closely resemble the surrounding skin when it has entirely repigmented, making the surgery nearly invisible.