Recovering from Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that has brought relief to many individuals in the Madison, Connecticut area who are experiencing fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, facial pitting, tattoo removal and other conditions. This procedure helps patients resurface or refinish the skin for smoother texture and an even-toned complexion to help improve the skin's appearance. Dermabrasion works by utilizing an abrasive tool to remove the top layers of skin so that areas of pitting, lines and scarring are reduced for a smoother appearance.

Dermabrasion may be helpful in reducing the appearance of scarring and the signs of aging, while it may also be used to remove keratoses, which are precancerous skin grows. Some pigmentation issues including melasma may also be treated using dermabrasion. Those in good overall health who have not recently experienced a sunburn, radiation treatment or chemical peel may be considered good candidates for this procedure. Patients should be free of current acne and skin conditions. Patients should consider their ability to avoid sun exposure after recovery. Those with lighter skin tones tend to experience better results from dermabrasion.

Those who have recently experienced a sunburn, radiation treatment or chemical peel may not be considered a candidate for treatment Individuals with darker skin tones or who have taken Accutane in the last 18 months may not be considered good candidates either. Patients with a history of cold sores or herpes, skin sensitivities or who are not in good health may not be considered good candidates. It is important to seek consultation with a trained medical professional in the Madison area before undergoing treatment to determine the patient's candidacy for dermabrasion.

This procedure is performed in an outpatient facility like a cosmetic medspa or a dermatology office. The patient may be sedated during treatment and a local anesthetic may be used as well. In some cases, a general anesthetic may be used. An antiseptic is used to cleanse the treatment area and then freezing takes place using a Freon spray. A hand-held motorized rotary tool with an abrasive brush or wheel is used to resurface the skin. The top layers of the skin are carefully removed so that new, underlying skin may be exposed for a smoother complexion.

Patients may expect the skin to feel abraded for the first few days following the procedure. The skin may appear swollen and a scab will form in the treatment area. The swelling will subside over the next few days and the scabbing should begin to come off. Patients may be prescribed medication to treat pain and an antibiotic may be prescribed to fight infection. The skin may appear pinkish in color after the top layer of skin comes off and may appear similar to sunburn. The skin will regain its natural color over the following four to eight weeks.

During recovery, patients will be encouraged to avoid sun exposure as much as possible, or avoid it altogether. Patients are usually encouraged to avoid strenuous activities, shaving and any other activities that may irritate the skin during the first two weeks of the recovery period. Full results should begin to appear after four to six weeks. It is important that patients follow the recovery guidelines and instructions given to them by the Madison medical professional performing the treatment to help ensure proper recovery from dermabrasion.

Learn more about dermabrasion in Madison, Connecticut.

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