Dermabrasion
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From the beginning of time, people suffering from the disfigurement of facial scarring have searched for ways to improve these imperfections. Today, there are a variety of dermatologic surgical procedures that are safe and effective. Refinements in technique, equipment, and pre- and post-operative care have enhanced the popularity of dermabrasion, which has been used for years.
What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion, or skin planing, is a surgical procedure in which the dermatologist removes or "sands" the skin with a rotary abrasive instrument to improve its contour. Dermabrasion should not be confused with "micro-dermabrasion," which is a superficial technique for minor skin problems. Dermabrasion causes a skin wound, much like an accidental abrasion, which requires several days to a week or more to heal. The healed skin generally has a smoother appearance.
When is dermabrasion indicated?
When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used predominantly to improve scars resulting from acne, chicken pox, and accidents. Today, it is also used to treat tattoos, age spots, chronic sun damage, wrinkling, precancerous skin degeneration, and other diseases.
28-year-old female with traumatic scar of 10 years
After dermabrasion with almost no trace of the scar
What happens prior to dermabrasion surgery?
Before surgery, a medical history is taken and a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate the condition of the patient's skin. During the consultation, the dermatologist describes dermabrasion and possible alternative treatments, potential results that might realistically be expected, possible risks, complications, and the type of anesthesia to be used. Photographs are frequently taken before and after surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement. Printed pre-operative and post-operative instructions are often given to the patient. Medication to prevent activation of fever blisters (herpes simplex) may be prescribed for susceptible individuals.
How is dermabrasion performed?
Dermabrasion can be performed in the dermatologist's office or in an outpatient surgical facility. Medication to relax the patient may be given prior to surgery. The area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent before application of a spray that freezes and numbs the skin. Alternatively, an anesthetic agent is injected to numb the skin. A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush removes (abrades) the upper layers of the skin to improve irregularities in the skin's surface. Soothing ointments and a dressing are then applied.
What happens after the surgery?
For a few days, the skin feels as though it has been severely sunburned. Medications may be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort, but most people do not experience severe pain. Special dressings and emollients help speed the skin's recovery. Healing usually occurs within 10 days.
The newly formed skin is pink at first and gradually returns to its normal appearance in 8 to 12 weeks. After the initial healing time, makeup can be used as a cover-up, and people can resume their normal activities in 7 to 10 days. Patients are instructed to use a sunscreen daily and to avoid unnecessary direct and indirect exposure to sunlight for several months.
Are there any possible complications?
Each person's skin heals differently. Some individuals tend to develop increased (hyper) or decreased (hypo) pigmentation after treatment. Bleaching preparations may be used to treat hyperpigmentation, but hypopigmentation may be permanent.
Some people may develop thickened skin, which is similar to keloids, in certain areas after dermabrasion similar to keloids. Several therapies, such as cortisone creams and injections, can be administered to treat this problem and help the skin return to normal.
Patients with clotting or bleeding disorders, keloidal scarring, immunosuppression, or those who have taken oral retinoids (13-cis-retinoic acid), or isotretinoin must inform the dermatologist prior to the procedure.
What are the limitations of dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion cannot be expected to eliminate or improve all scars. Some deeper scars require the use of other procedures to obtain the best results. These include surgical removal of the scars followed by small skin grafts or suturing. Dermabrasion may be used 6 to 8 weeks later to smooth over these fresh scars.
Some patients may benefit from repeat touch-up dermabrasion of areas that have not been sufficiently improved after the initial procedure. Other patients may benefit from the use of filling substances such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat that can be used in conjunction with dermabrasion to elevate depressed scars.
The dermatologist can give advice about the necessity for additional treatments after assessing each individual's specific condition.
35-year-old female with ice pick acne scarring
Six months after a series of punch grafts with the donor skin taken from behind the ear.
The grafts are then blended in by dermabrasion of the cheek.
The dermatologist can give advice about the necessity for additional treatments after assessing each individual's specific condition.
To learn more about dermabrasion, call toll-free (888) 462-DERM (3376) to find a dermatologist in your area.
AAD Web site: www.aad.org
Toll-free: (888) 462-DERM (3376)
Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology
National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides
© 2005 American Academy of Dermatology
Revised 2002, 2005
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