THE PROCEDURE
Your treatment will be performed in our surgical facility,
on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, which
numbs the area, combined with a sedative to make you
drowsy. In more severe cases, we prefer to use general
anesthesia.
The procedures usually take from a few minutes to an
hour and a half, depending on how large an area of skin
is involved. It's not uncommon for the procedure to
be performed more than once, or in stages, especially
when scarring is deep or a large area of skin is involved.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on
how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on
eating and drinking, and on avoiding aspirin and other
medications that affect blood clotting. You may also
be given special instructions regarding the care and
treatment of your skin prior to surgery. If you smoke,
you'll probably be asked to stop for a week or two before
and after surgery, since smoking decreases blood circulation
in the skin and impedes healing.
WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR
DERMABRASION?
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can enhance your appearance
and self-confidence, but neither treatment will remove
all scars and flaws or prevent aging. Men and women
of all ages, from young people to older adults, can
benefit from dermabrasion and dermaplaning. Although
older people heal more slowly, more important factors
are your skin type, coloring, and medical history. Patients
with darker skin complexion have a higher tendency to
develop blotchy pigmentation following treatment. This
procedure is also not desirable during the active stages
of acne due to the risk of infection.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE
UNDERGOING DERMABRASION
Because these treatments have sometimes been offered
by inadequately trained practitioners, it's especially
important that you find a doctor (generally a qualified
plastic surgeon) who is trained and experienced in the
procedure. After all, dermabrasion and dermaplaning
usually involve the most visible part of your body-your
face. One should not hesitate to ask questions about
the expected risks and benefits of surgery and factors
that could influence the procedure and the results-such
as your age, skin condition, and previous plastic surgeries.
WHAT WILL MY RECOVERY BE LIKE?
Following surgery dressings are applied. You will feel
some tingling, burning or aching that can be easily
controlled with medication. A scab or crust will form
over the treated area as it begins to heal. This will
fall off as a new layer of tight, pink skin forms underneath.
You will be given detailed instructions for the care
of your new skin and precautions such as avoiding direct
exposure to sun light and use of sun block creams for
at least 3-4 months. You can expect to be back at work
in about two weeks.
YOUR NEW LOOK
