| BENEFITS AND RISKS OF DERMABRASION |
| BENEFITS AND RISKS OF DERMABRASION By: Cherish Hamutoff Published: 10 April 2010 Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are cosmetic procedures in which the topmost layer of skin is scraped away, revealing the fresh, smoother skin underneath. Both procedures are similar to the effects of a chemical peel, but are different in the method of achieving results. Dermabrasion and dermaplaning use tools to slough the skin and treat deeper imperfections like scars, while chemical peels remove layers with a chemical solution and treat finer imperfections like wrinkles. Dermabrasion / Dermaplaning are used to: • Even out fine wrinkles • Smooth deep acne scars • Improve scars from accidents or surgery • Remove pre-cancerous growths • Soften skin irregularities Dermabrasion The plastic surgeon or dermatologist uses a motorized rotating wire brush to scrape skin away, layer by layer. Dermaplaning The plastic surgeon or dermatologist uses a hand held device called a dermatome, which has a blade that oscillates back and forth like an electric razor. This motion shaves off the topmost layers of skin and evens out facial imperfections. The whole face or just a small area of skin can be treated. Either procedure can take anywhere from several minutes to an hour and a half, and can be done in stages, or performed more than once if a deep scar is involved. Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can also be used in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures including chemical peels, scar removal or facelifts. Risks Both procedures can cause changes in skin pigmentation, although chemical peels carry a higher risk for permanent skin darkening or lightening. It is important to avoid sun exposure for up to 12 months after the procedure. The skin will be swollen and red like a scraped knee, and may burn, ache or tingle. The surgeon or dermatologist may apply salve to the skin to prevent a scab from forming. After several days to a week, the swelling will start to go down. As the treated area begins healing, a crust may form. When the crust flakes off, a fresh layer or tighter, pink skin is revealed. It may take three months for the skin to fully heal, but the improvements in skin tone and texture can be dramatic. |