Fact: Your skin is exposed to unsafe elements everyday.

You may not notice it, but throughout the years the pollution, the sun’s rays and other harmful agents take a toll on your skin, leaving it dull and dry.  At the end of the day, all the makeup in the world can’t hide the fact of unhealthy skin.


Now, think of having skin, free of wrinkles, crow’s feet and the harmful elements all in one. Those are the benefits promised by dermabrasion – to date is one of the most highly recommended cosmetic procedures.

Dermabrasion, also known as “instant facelift” has long been tagged as a more pocket-friendly option, than invasive procedures like plastic surgery and Botox.

Dermabrasion is derived from the Greek work Derma which means “skin” and abrasion, a Latin word for “wearing away”. This surgical procedure allows new cells to develop and in turn generates smoother skin. It involves a process of controlled abrasion wherein the outer layers of the skin known are gently scraped off, making way for the development of virgin, smoother, healthier skin.

Dermabrasion requires the use of a high-speed hand-held abrasive revolving tool called dermatome to sand off the surface of the skin to address skin irregularities. The surgery usually takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on the area to be treated.

Preconditioning

A thorough medical history and examination is required to be able to accurately assess the patient’s general physical condition. The dermatologist will discuss the risks and alternatives available and upon clear understanding, and careful diagnosis of the skin, the patient is prepped to undergo the procedure.

The dermatologist cleans the area to be treated with an antiseptic. A local anesthesia is injected into the problem area, and a surgical spray is applied to freeze the skin.

Click here for tips on how to prepare for a dermabrasion procedure

Skin Conditions being addressed


The outcomes brought about by dermabrasion vary largely on the skin color, type and medical history of the patient.  Some skin problems addressed include:

  • Sun spots
  • Acne scars
  • Chicken pox marks
  • Liver spots
  • Skin lesions
  • Dark spots
  • Surgical scars  
  • Wound scars
  • Wrinkles
  • Unwanted lines

Note: The surgical treatment is not a cure that can entirely eradicate the abnormalities caused by serious skin conditions. Dermabrasion can only help ease the scars abnormalities and improve its appearance. Furthermore, dermabrasion cannot be used to cure burns, minimize pore size, and improve to sagging skin and congenital skin imperfections such as birthmarks and moles.

Click here to see a video on diamond dermabrasion and crystal dermabrasion

Side effects and possible complications

Photo by Emma Jane Hogbin under CC by 2.0

Like with any other medical procedure, it is necessary to research on the common risks and side effects that may be expected.

  • Pain
  • Itching
  • Scarring
  • Enlarged skin pores (along with the swelling)
  • Formation of keloids
  • Abnormal coloring of the skin (Hyper pigmentation)
  • Tissue damage
  • Prolonged redness
  • Dilation of blood vessels (Telangiectasia)
  • Tiny whiteheads (Milia)
  • Permanent darkening of skin
  • Increased sensitivity to sunlight
  • Infection
  • Reactions to medications

Click here to know more about the risks and rewards of dermabrasion

Postoperative care

Allow a few days to weeks to recover from the procedure, depending on the extensiveness of the needed repair. Remember to minimize sun exposure. Keep track of your skin and its improvements. Contact your dermatologist if the side effects seem to last longer than expected, or if other unusual, unexpected post-operative reactions occur.

It is advised that the patient to refrain from drinking alcohol or taking aspirin within 48 hours after the surgery, or any products containing ibuprofen. Moreover, doing away with smoking is also recommended.

Click here for tips on how to fully recover from dermabrasion from personal experience

Other Options

Other alternatives for dermabrasion include laser resurfacing, chemical peeling or microdermabrasion. These procedures, despite some differences in techniques,
All work towards the same goal—eliminating the outer layers of the skin for re-growth. For instance, chemical peeling is more common in treating wrinkles while dermabrasion is often used when addressing deeper acne scars. Consultation with a skin expert is always advised.

Click here to know how to tell if you need to undergo dermabrasion

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