Dermabrasion is a medical procedure that has been used for decades to improve the appearance of the skin. It involves the use of a rotating wire brush or diamond wheel to remove the outermost layer of skin. The procedure is often used to treat superficial scars, wrinkles, age spots, and other surface blemishes. While dermabrasion has been used to address cosmetic concerns, it is also sometimes used to treat skin conditions such as acne.
Benefits of Dermabrasion
The most common benefit of dermabrasion is a more even skin tone. Scarring, wrinkles, age spots, and other marks can be significantly reduced, resulting in a more youthful and vibrant complexion. The procedure also tightens the skin and can help with issues such as sagging, which can occur due to aging or sun exposure.
Dermabrasion can also help to reduce the appearance of acne scars. The procedure removes the top layer of skin, which is where acne scars typically form. This can help to reduce their appearance, making the skin look smoother and more even.
The procedure can also help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The top layers of the skin are removed, resulting in smoother skin and softer, less visible stretch marks. It’s important to note, however, that it’s not a miracle cure and results may vary depending on the severity of the stretch marks.
Dermabrasion can help to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. The procedure removes the top layer of skin, which can be damaged by UV exposure, revealing a new, fresher layer of skin. This can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging caused by sun exposure.
Types of Dermabrasion
When considering dermabrasion, it’s important to understand the different types of treatments available. Here are some of the most common types of dermabrasion procedures:
Crystal Dermabrasion: This type of treatment uses a machine with a wand-like arm that moves over the face and sprays a stream of exfoliating crystals. The crystals are used to remove dead skin cells, revealing the softer, smoother layers of skin beneath.
Microdermabrasion: This procedure is similar to crystal dermabrasion, but uses a wand with a diamond-tipped head. The diamond-tipped wand is rubbed over the skin, removing the top layer of skin cells.
Chemical Peel: A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to the face to exfoliate the skin. It can be used to treat wrinkles, age spots, scars, and other skin concerns.
Laser Dermabrasion: Laser dermabrasion uses a high-energy laser to remove the top layers of skin. It is typically used to treat deeper wrinkles, age spots, and scars.
Surgical Dermabrasion: This type of procedure is more invasive than other forms of dermabrasion and is typically used to treat deeper wrinkles and scars.
Before you commit to any type of dermabrasion, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best course of action. All types of dermabrasion should be done by a professional and can cause skin irritation and redness. By understanding the different types of dermabrasion, you can ensure you make the right choice for your skin.
Process of Dermabrasion
Before undergoing dermabrasion, it is important that you discuss the procedure with your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. They will assess the severity of your skin condition, review your medical history and discuss any potential risks associated with the procedure. It is important to ensure that you are well-informed about the process and that you are a good candidate for it.
Once you have decided to go ahead with the procedure, your doctor will likely recommend that you take a few weeks to prepare. This may include avoiding certain products or activities that could irritate the skin, such as sun exposure and certain medications. During this preparation period, you may also be prescribed a topical cream to apply to the area to help reduce inflammation and redness.
On the day of your procedure, your doctor will typically numb the area with a local anesthetic. This helps to reduce any discomfort that you may feel during the procedure. Next, your doctor will use a device to remove the outer layers of skin, depending on the severity of your condition. This could be a wire brush, a diamond-tipped device, a laser, or another type of device.
Once the procedure is complete, you may experience some redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the area. Your doctor may prescribe a topical cream or ointment to help reduce inflammation and promote healing, as well as some pain medication if needed. You may also be asked to wear a special dressing over the area to protect it from further damage.
It is important to note that dermabrasion is not a permanent solution and the effects of treatment may not last indefinitely. Depending on your skin condition, you may need to undergo multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. Additionally, the results may not be immediate and you may need to wait several weeks or months before you see a noticeable improvement.
The effects of dermabrasion can take several weeks to become apparent. The area treated may look red and raw at first, and the skin may appear slightly pinker than normal. Over time, the pink color should fade and the skin will become smoother and more even.
Dermabrasion Costs
The cost of dermabrasion varies depending on the severity of the skin issue being treated and the type of procedure being performed.
The cost of a dermabrasion procedure typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the extent of the treatment and the type of device being used. If the procedure is done in a surgical center, there may be additional costs for anesthesia, hospital fees, and other charges.
For basic dermabrasion, the cost may be lower if done in a dermatologist’s office. This typically includes a numbing cream and a diamond or wire-brush device that is used to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. A deeper dermabrasion with a deeper peel may cost more.
For laser dermabrasion, the cost depends on the type of laser and the area being treated. The cost of laser dermabrasion can range from $500 to $3,000. The type of laser and the size of the area being treated are factors that affect the overall cost of the procedure.
In addition to the cost of the procedure itself, there may also be other expenses associated with dermabrasion. If done in a surgical center, patients may need to pay for anesthesia, hospital fees, and other charges. Additionally, there may be a recovery period of several days or weeks depending on the extent of the procedure, and this can add to the cost of the procedure.
Risks of Dermabrasion
While dermabrasion can offer dramatic results, there are risks associated with the treatment.
The most common risk associated with dermabrasion is infection. During the procedure, the top layers of skin are removed, leaving the skin vulnerable to infection. The risk of infection is higher if the skin is not properly disinfected and the patient does not receive proper aftercare. In some cases, infection may require antibiotics or even hospitalization.
Additionally, dermabrasion may cause permanent changes in the skin’s pigmentation. The skin can become red or darker, and it can lead to permanent scarring or discoloration. The risk of pigment changes is higher for patients with darker skin tones and for those who undergo aggressive or multiple dermabrasion treatments.
Dermabrasion can also cause excessive bleeding, swelling and pain. The amount of discomfort experienced can vary from person to person, but the aftercare instructions provided by the doctor should be followed carefully to reduce the risk of these side effects.
Before undergoing dermabrasion, it is important to discuss the potential risks with a doctor. The doctor should be able to explain the side effects and how to reduce the risk of infection and other complications. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend a different treatment option if they feel that dermabrasion is not the best choice for the patient.