The Face: Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion resurfaces the texture of the skin by removing its top layers. The procedure is most often done on the face to remove skin damaged by acne scarring. It is also done to lessen the visibility of wrinkles, tattoos and various other skin lesions. All or a small portion of the face can be done. Blotchy brown spots that occur on the cheeks, temples or forehead also may be treated with the technique. Dermabrasion has much the same effect as a chemical peel.

Dermabrasion results in a leveling or smoothing of the surface skin which makes scars less noticeable. It does not remove scars. Sometimes it is necessary to have a second procedure to get the maximum results.

Dermabrasion is considered the best treatment for improving acne scars. The procedure can be done in the office with a local anesthetic. A machine with a rotating wheel is applied to the face. The patient can go home after the procedure.

A scab normally forms on the treated area for five to seven days. When this comes off, the skin is healed but very pink. Makeup may be used to hide the pink skin. In several months when the skin has faded, it may have a slightly different color, usually lighter. This is more likely to happen with dark complected people. If this occurs, it can be balanced with makeup.

Discoloration and swelling usually occur for two to three months while the wound is healing. Infection and excessive bleeding are rare and can be treated easily if they do occur. Scarring within the healed skin is rare.

Before you have dermabrasion, it is important for your surgeon to know if you have a history of cold sores because medication may be administered to prevent them. Your surgeon may recommend two to six weeks of pretreatment with Retin A before your dermabrasion. Also, please notify your doctor if you've taken Accutane. Patients who have taken Accutane for acne can have problems with scarring following dermabrasion.

Infection and scarring can occur after this procedure, but these problems are not common. Occasionally, small white nodules will develop, but they are temporary.