Acne scars make looking in the mirror every day a real ordeal. After an accident, permanent damage is visible on the skin. After prolonged sunbathing, extensive pigmentation irregularities appear on the face.
If you view such skin irregularities as blemishes, as a patient you’re likely seeking only one thing: relief.
You want to finally be able to leave the house again without heavy makeup. You long for the radiant, smooth, and clear skin of a young person.
In this situation, it’s advisable to see a doctor. They’ll recommend dermabrasion to restore your complexion to its former radiant beauty.
Acne scars can result from improper treatment of acne @ praisaeng /AdobeStock
What is dermabrasion?
During dermabrasion, the doctor removes the top layer of skin. It is a surgical procedure in the field of aesthetic medicine. Your doctor may recommend removing the top layer of skin if your skin appears blemished.
Common reasons include, for example:
- Visible acne scars
- Deep wrinkles or
- Age spots
They are unattractive and often cause significant psychological distress for those affected. Your doctor can provide relief with dermabrasion. It makes visible scars disappear and makes existing calluses appear flatter.
Dermabrasion © Vagengeym / Fotolia
When is dermabrasion used?
Dermabrasion is an option for both men and women, regardless of age. Even very young patients can benefit from the removal of the top layer of skin if they have noticeable scars left over from healed acne.
It’s also a suitable treatment option for older adults. Although the skin heals more slowly after the procedure, lasting, visible results can still be achieved.
However, dermabrasion is not recommended in certain cases. For example, if you have very dark skin, it may become permanently discolored or appear blotchy after the procedure.
The treatment is also not recommended for people with allergies. If you are in an active phase of acne, your surgeon will advise against the procedure to avoid inflammation.
After a severe sunburn or a chemical peel, you’ll need to wait a while before undergoing the treatment.
Dermabrasion is used, for example, for:
- Scarring from severe acne
- Scars from accidents
- Sun-induced spots on the face, hands, or arms
- Skin that has lost elasticity due to excessive sun exposure
- Benign tumors of the sweat glands or sebaceous glands on the nose
How does dermabrasion work?
During dermabrasion, doctors mechanically remove the top layer of skin using a small wheel. This wheel moves across the skin at high speed.
This allows the doctor to smooth out unevenness on the skin’s surface and improve the appearance of the damaged top layer of skin. Dermabrasion is typically performed on small areas of skin but can also be done on the entire face.
When combined with other facial treatments, such as a facelift or scar removal, a new layer of skin is revealed. It appears significantly smoother, more even, more youthful, and plumper than the old layer.
Whether dermabrasion or complementary treatments such as a chemical peel are used depends on:
- The indication and
- The condition of your skin
In most cases, even deep scars or extensive irregularities can be reduced.
How does the treatment work?
The specialist will perform your dermabrasion in several steps:
There are a few factors to consider before treatment: You should avoid taking aspirin, sleeping pills, or consuming alcohol for about a week.
In particular, taking aspirin delays blood clotting and may interfere with wound healing. Smokers should significantly reduce their nicotine intake at least four weeks before the procedure.
Before lip dermabrasion, the doctor should determine whether you have a tendency toward herpes simplex or a current infection. In this case, it is better to wait a few days before treatment until the herpes has healed.
Immediately before the treatment, you should thoroughly cleanse your skin. You should not apply any makeup.
Before the procedure, the doctor cleanses the skin with an antiseptic. Then, the doctor applies a local anesthetic.
The abrasion is performed using a free-hand diamond bur or a wire brush. Depending on the size of the skin area, the entire procedure takes between a few minutes and an hour.
After the treatment, the doctor will cover the area with a bandage. The skin may be red and sensitive.
Your doctor will likely recommend a specific cream for skin care. Swelling, tingling, or a burning sensation on the skin are also possible.
If necessary, your doctor will prescribe medication to provide quick relief. It is important that you do not expose the new layer of skin to direct sunlight for the first three months.
If you follow your doctor’s recommendations, your skin will look younger and more radiant once the redness subsides.
