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| Dermabrasion |
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Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure in which the skin is frozen and then a specialized instrument is used to "sand" the skin. This abrasive or planning action improves skin contour as a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance. The procedure is performed by a dermatologic surgeon... When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used predominantly to improve acne scars, pox marks and scars resulting from accidents or disease. Today, it is used to treat other skin conditions, such as tattoo scars, age (liver) spots, wrinkles and skin lesions.
Dermabrasion is not effective in treating congenital skin defects, most moles or pigmented birthmarks, or scars due to burns. Basically it achieves the same purpose as laser resurfacing, but being less precise it is being replaced by laser which are more precise and less traumatic leading to less healing time. |
| What Happens Prior To the Dermabrasion Procedure? |
| During the consultation, the dermatologic surgeon describes the type of anaesthesia to be used, the procedure and what results might realistically be expected. The doctor also explains the possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are taken before and after surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement. Preoperative and postoperative instructions are given to the patient at this time. |
Procedure: |
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Test sites of approximately 2centimeters (3/4 of an inch) in diameter is carried out in front of the ear or along the temple. The test provides some idea of potential problems that may result with a complete dermabrasion and therefore assists in deciding whether or not to proceed. If only small areas are to be resurfaced, a test is not always necessary. |
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Superficial dermabrasions may be preceded by three weeks to three months of cream application in the belief that the skin will heal faster. if the patient has a history of cold sores ( which may be activated by the surgery) they are given a course of anti- viral medication, such as Acyclovir , orally before and after surgery to decrease the risk of the cold sore spreading into the abraded areas. |
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A local anesthetic is injected. Then ice, artificial ice bags or cold sprays, are applied to the skin for 15 minutes prior to the sanding procedure. This helps makes the skin rigid and therefore easier to sand. |
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The skin in sanded to segments and the duration of the procedure varies according to the speed of the surgeon, the extent and depth of the sanding, and the patient’s co-operation. A full face dermabrasion may last between 10 and 45 minutes. The sound of the whirling burr is similar to a dentist’s drill. |
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Deeper dermabrasions leave the skin raw, red and seeping immediately after the procedure. Blood – clotting agents as well as an antibiotic ointment such as fudicin or antibiotic soaked gauzes such as fudicin Sofratulle are often applied to the skin. The skin is then covered with surgical dressings, special surgical dressings are sometimes used to encourage rejuvenation of the epidermis (top layer of the skin). Use of these new dressings is of particular benefit because they do not stick, causing less discomfort of the patient. Healing is faster and thick crusts are less likely to occur, but it is uncertain that any of these surgical dressings improve the cosmetic result. |
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| Post Op: |
A superficial dermabrasion does not improve deep wrinkles and scars but removes fine wrinkles and leaves the skin with a healthy glow. A scab usually falls off within 5 days of the procedure. The underlying skin is pink in color and gradually fades to a normal skin tone over several weeks.
Deeper dermabrasions initially leave the face red and raw. This is followed by a swollen, scabby phase. The scabs generally take 10 to 14 days to fall off. The final phase of healing is characterized by an initial period of redness which gradually fades to a normal skin tone over a 3 to 6 month period. |
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