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Dermabrasion
 
Dermabrasion is a procedure designed to smooth either the whole face or just an area of the face. Through controlled surgical “sanding” of the damaged skin, dermabrasion allows smoother, younger-looking skin to form.

If you are considering a dermabrasion, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified or has completed a residency program that included instruction in this procedure.

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What are some of the most common benefits of dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion can produce smoother, more attractive skin texture It removes damaged skin, and softens the sharp contours and irregularities caused by wrinkles, scarring, and acne. Dermabrasion can also successfully treat liver (age) spots and some skin lesions. It is also used to remove pre-cancerous growths (keratoses).
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What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the initial consultation, you will be able to talk to your doctor about the changes you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available. He/she will discuss the procedure in detail, explain the risks and limitations, and explain the type of anesthesia that will be used.

Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, and he/she may examine your skin type and tone to evaluate if a dermabrasion is the right procedure for you. He/she may also give you pre-treatment instructions, including antibiotics to prevent infections or a pre-treatment medication to prepare your skin. You may also be instructed to discontinue using aspirin to minimize the possibility of excessive bleeding. If you smoke, you may also be asked to stop smoking before the procedure because smoking can slow the healing process.

Notify your doctor of any previous fever blisters or cold sores, such as herpes or shingles. If you’ve ever had these conditions, you may be advised to take anti-viral medication before the procedure in order to prevent a new flare-up after the procedure. Also let your doctor know if you have taken Accutane anytime during the 18 months before to the procedure. Accutane can slow healing and increase the risk of scarring.

Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor’s recent patients, before and after surgery. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your doctor below.
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How is dermabrasion performed?
The doctor will begin by covering your eyes and the hair. Next he/she will numb your skin, perhaps by injecting anesthesia or by spraying your skin with a refrigerant. Before spraying the skin, the doctor may apply a cold pack to numb the area. You may also be given a sedative.

Dermabrasion consists of a measured scraping of damaged skin from the face to create an area where a new layer of skin may form. To remove the skin, the doctor uses a handheld, motorized instrument, often with a brush, or a sanding wheel containing diamond particles, on the end that touches the skin.
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How long does it take?
Dermabrasion is a fairly quick procedure. The time that it takes depends on the size and the condition of the area to be treated. Usually, it is completed in 30 - 60 minutes.

If the skin needs severe correction, or there is a large area of skin to be treated, the doctor may decide to perform the dermabrasion in several staged procedures, rather than all at once.
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Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Dermabrasion is most often performed in the doctor’s office, although it may also be done at an outpatient surgical center or at the hospital, depending on your preferences as well as your doctor’s.
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How much pain is there?
Although there is some bleeding during this procedure, there is not a much pain during the procedure itself, which is usually performed under local anesthesia.
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What can I expect after a dermabrasion?
After the dermabrasion procedure, the treated area may be covered with an ointment, a wet or waxy covering, and/or a dry covering.

For a few days after the procedure, the skin looks and feels as if it has been scraped (such as in a fall). A scab will form over the treated area within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

The skin is usually swollen for the first day or two afterward. Oral pain medication may be taken to ease the discomfort. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed as well to prevent possible infections.
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What is the recovery period like?
After several days, the outer layer of skin, including any scabbing, begins to loosen and fall off. Once this layer is gone, the skin is very pink, but that pinkness fades at about three to six weeks. During this time, special soaps and cosmetics may be applied to the area. It may be possible to perform your work duties within the first two days, although your skin may still be red and sore. However, most people return to work in about two weeks, giving the skin a chance to heal. Talk to your doctor about your particular preferences with regard to discretion.

For the first two weeks, you’ll also need to avoid strenuous physical activity. Men are advised to avoid shaving during this time as well. Sunlight should be avoided for several weeks.
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What is the long-term outcome for most people?
Dermabrasion can produce dramatic results. The outcome depends on the original condition of the skin, skin tone, the depth of wrinkles and other imperfections, and individual healing ability.
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Ideal candidate:
In general, the best candidates for dermabrasion are people:
  • In good physical health
  • Psychologically stable
  • Aware of the processes involved
  • Accepting of the physical limitations involved in the healing process
  • Free of active acne
  • Who have not had a previous chemical peel, severe sunburn, or radiation treatment
  • Without unidentified skin sensitivities
  • Who have not taken Accutane any time in the past year and a half
  • Can realistically avoid exposure to direct sunlight for several weeks following the procedure
  • Well informed about variations in the procedure’s outcome, especially as it pertains to different skin tones and skin types (Patients with fair skin tones generally have better results from dermabrasion than patients with darker skin.)
  • With realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcome
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your doctor will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your doctor if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for dermabrasion.
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Alternatives:
Dermabrasion may be combined with other resurfacing procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing. These procedures may also be used instead of dermabrasion. To determine the best procedure for you, discuss your expectations with your doctor.

Dermabrasions are often used in combination with facelifts. Dermabrasion corrects the surface and texture of the skin, and facelift corrects loose, sagging skin on the face. Note: patients with fair skin tones generally have better results from dermabrasion than patients with darker skin.

If you want to remove or improve facial scars from acne or surgery, you’ll need to discuss the timing of the procedure with your doctor. It may be necessary to wait month, or even a year before having a dermabrasion treatment. It’s possible to perform dermabrasion on skin with active acne, but it is generally best to control the acne prior to the performing the procedure. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic medication such as tetracycline to control the acne before the treatment.
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Risks and limitations:
Infection and scarring is rare, but can occur. If too much scar tissue forms, it may be softened with steroid injections. Occasionally hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) occurs, but this may be treated with bleaching cream. Skin lightening or patchiness can also occur, especially on people with darker natural skin tones.

After the procedure, some patients get small whiteheads called milia. These usually disappear after washing, but some may require the doctor’s help to remove them. You should tell your doctor if you have this problem. You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your doctor, both before and after a chemical peel.

Pre-existing conditions may also put you at risk. To reduce your risks, let your doctor know if you have a history of fever blisters of cold sores, such as herpes or shingles. Taking an anti-viral medicine before the procedure may help prevent the flare-ups afterwards.

Also tell your doctor if you have taken Accutane in the last 18 months. This medication can impede healing and increase the risk of scarring.
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Dermabrasion Costs:
Dermabrasion cost average for 2007 surgeon fees was $984 (Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Regional averages: New England states: $951 Middle Atlantic states: $759 North Central states: $750 South Central states: $780 and Mountain/Pacific states: $875. These fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facility, hospital stay, and other related expenses.
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Choosing a doctor:
It is very important that you select a physician adequately trained and experienced in this procedure. We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion on choosing the right doctor.
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Questions to ask your doctor:
The following questions should help you to select your doctor, and better understand the procedure.
  1. Are the desired results that I described realistic?
  2. Where is the procedure performed? How long will it take?
  3. What kind of anesthesia is used?
  4. How much does it cost?
  5. How long have you been performing dermabrasions? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many has he/she performed in the past year?)
  6. What percentage of patients have had significant complications with this procedure? (The doctor should disclose this information to you.)
  7. Will you repeat or correct the procedure if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
  8. May I see “before and after” photos of recent patients? The doctor should provide many photos of recent patients.
  9. May I have the names and contact information for several recent dermabrasion patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedures and the dermatologist.)
  10. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the procedure? (Either on videotape or live.)
  11. What should I expect after dermabrasion in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
  12. Who will be assisting during the procedure? What are their qualifications? (Does the Plastic Surgeon perform the whole procedure?)
  13. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, or suspended?
  14. Do you offer patient financing?
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Be sure to:
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements).
  • Tell your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription), including such natural remedies as Echinacea and St. John’s Wort.
  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke. Smoking can lead to complications and poor healing.
  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had fever blisters or cold sores, such as herpes or shingles. If you have had any of these conditions, you may be advised to take anti-viral medication before the procedure in order to prevent a new flare-up afterward.
  • Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking.
  • Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to the treatment.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified doctors who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.
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How do I finance this procedure?
Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnchance's patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.
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Dermabrasion Related Articles
Please review the following articles for more information on this procedure.
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Facts:

*Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Breast Augmentation: 356,000
2. Liposuction: 341,000
3. Blepharoplasty: 195,000
4. Rhinoplasty: 152,000
5. Abdominoplasty: 147,000

*Top 5 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Botox: 2,464,000
2. Laser Hair Removal: 1,281,000
3. Juvederm/Restylane: 1,263,000
4. Chemical Peel: 592,000
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing: 571,000

* Data collected from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
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