Dermabrasion is a skin treatment for sun damage, wrinkles
and fine lines, scarring, acne, and discoloration. Dermabrasion uses abrasive
tools to mechanically remove the outer layers of your skin and slough off old,
dead skin. The new skin that grows back in its place is smoother and younger
looking.
How dermabrasion is performed
Dermabrasion is performed in your dermatologist’s office or in
an outpatient surgical facility if you’re getting a very deep treatment. The
procedure usually takes less than one hour.
Topical or local anesthesia is used to numb your face. Your
skin is held taught and your dermatologist gently passes the dermabrader over
your skin, which is a handheld device with a rotating abrasive wheel at its
tip. The dermabrader gently removes the topmost layer of your skin.
Recovery and risks
Your skin will be sensitive and red for about
two weeks, and you may have mild pain that can be treated with aspirin,
ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc. It can take up to six weeks for your skin to
completely heal. Risks include slight
bleeding, pain, swelling, hyperpigmentation, milia (little white bumps), and enlarged
pores. Infection or scarring is rare.
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