Dermabrasion’ (skin shaving) is the controlled scraping of the upper layers of the skin. This process softens the sharp edges of the surface irregularities and gives the leather a smoother appearance.
Suitable Candidates for Dermabrasion Procedure
Dermabrasion is most commonly caused by facial acne, accidents or previous surgery. ‘scars’ It is applied to correct (scars) or to smooth fine facial wrinkles such as wrinkles around the mouth. Sometimes ‘keratosis’ It is used to remove lesions that can turn into cancer in the future. However, with this procedure, birthmarks or color changes caused by birth control pills and hormone treatments cannot be removed. ‘Tattoo’It cannot be said that it is the most effective way to remove the so-called tattoos.
Dermabrasion can be applied to localized areas of the skin, such as small scars; It can be applied to larger areas such as on the cheek or around the mouth, or to the entire face. It can be applied alone, or facelift, scar removal- ‘revision’It can be performed in combination with other procedures such as peeling.
Review of Other Alternatives:
If you are considering a surface repair on your face, you must be planning to have one of the dermabrasion and ‘chemical peeling’ treatments. In both processes, the upper layers of the skin are peeled off. Dermabrasion is like a hand-controlled, high-speed rotating sander; In chemo-peeling, a chemical solution is used instead.
Some plastic surgeons use only one of these techniques for all cases, while others use both in combination or on a case-by-case basis. In general, chemo-peeling is preferred for the correction of fine wrinkles, and dermabrasion is preferred for the removal of deep irregularities such as acne scars. Dermabrasion can also be preferred to chemo-peeling in dark-skinned people, especially when it treats a limited area of the face, as it does not cause an excessive change in skin color and contrast.
Is there an age limit for Dermabrasion? and What Should Be Considered?
Men and women of all ages, from seven to seventy, can benefit from dermabrasion. The elderly heal more slowly; but more important parameters are your skin type, color and medical history. For example, brunettes may experience discoloration or the formation of spots. Those who frequently experience allergic skin rashes or other skin reactions may experience a flare-up with this procedure. If you have freckles, they may disappear in the treated area.
Where is Dermabrasin Procedure Applied and How Long Does It Take?
Dermabrasion is a relatively short procedure. Depending on the width of the area to be applied, it is performed within a few minutes to 1.5 hours. Especially if the scar is very deep or the area to be applied is large, dermabrasion can often be applied more than once or in stages.
Which Anesthesia Is Used In This Operation?
Dermabrasion can be performed under a combined anesthesia by locally numbing the area to be treated and administering a sedative drug. In this state, you will be awake but relaxed and will not feel any discomfort. Perhaps your surgeon will prefer to perform this procedure under general anesthesia in which you will be completely asleep.
How is Dermabrasion Applied?
During the procedure, the surgeon scrapes the outermost layers of the skin with a device that carries hard wire brushes or diamond particles attached to a special rotating tool. The scraping continues until the scar or wrinkle is reduced to a safe level where the scar or wrinkle is less pronounced. Thus, the irregularities in the upper layers of the skin are flattened.
What are the Points to Be Considered After the Operation?
Dermabrasion is a safe procedure when performed by a competent and experienced plastic surgeon. The first risk that comes to mind is a change in skin ‘pigmentation’ (coloration). Some patients may experience permanent darkening of the skin if they are exposed to sunlight for the first few weeks or months after surgery. In some patients, skin discoloration or staining may occur in the treated areas.
Small white buds may occur on the skin after dermabrasion. These disappear on their own, with brushing or soaping. In addition, post-operative skin pores appear enlarged due to edema; When the edema subsides, they reach their normal size.
Infection and scarring after dermabrasion are very rare. Some people have a tendency to develop excessive scar tissue (keloid and hypertrophic scars).
You can reduce your risks by choosing a competent plastic surgeon and strictly following his recommendations.
Immediately after dermabrasion, your skin will be red and swollen; Therefore, you will have difficulty in eating and drinking. You will likely feel some burning, tingling, and pain. Any pain or discomfort you may feel can be relieved with painkillers recommended by your surgeon. The swelling will subside in a few days to a week.
You may have a better idea of how your wounds healed if you remember where you swam as a result of some trauma you had as a child. As the formed crust falls off, new pink layers will emerge from below. Your face will itch as new skin begins to form; your surgeon may recommend some pomades to relax you. (If pomade is applied right after the surgery, the crust may not form at all)
Whatever method he follows, your surgeon will advise you on skin care in the postoperative period. It is very important that you strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations to ensure optimal healing.
What is the Return to Daily Life After the Operation?
For a few weeks, your new skin may be slightly swollen, bright pink, and sensitive. During this time, you can slowly resume your normal activities.
You can return to work after two weeks. Your surgeon will probably want you to avoid any physical activity that will hit your face for 2 weeks. More active sports are prohibited for 4 to 6 weeks. If you are swimming, you should choose indoor places to protect yourself from the sun and wind. You should keep your face away from chlorinated water for at least 4 weeks.
Most importantly, you will stay away from the sun for 6-12 months until the pigment status of your skin returns to normal. (Your doctor should definitely tell you about the necessary measures to ensure this.)
How Will My New Look Be?
Dermabrasion can provide dramatic improvements in the surface of your skin; but you will need some time to observe this result.
It takes 3 months for the pinkness on your face to fade. During this time, you should apply a non-allergenic make-up when going out. Once your new skin is fully pigmented, its color will be completely in harmony with the environment.
