Dermabrasion is a surgical technique for skin refinishing. Through controlled abrasion of the skin, your cosmetic surgeon can remove irregularities in the skin texture. A dermabrasion procedure can help improve the skin on your face, chest, or elsewhere. It can be applied to specific areas in a “spot treatment” or in larger areas for a full skin resurfacing treatment.
When to Consider Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is useful for treating a wide variety of skin surface imperfections. Cosmetic surgeons commonly use the technique for treating scars, acne scars, rhinophyma, actinic keratoses, seborrheic keratoses, undesirable tattoos, wrinkles and more.
However, dermabrasion is not appropriate for every patient. Some who are prone to certain skin conditions (keloid scars, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, etc) may not be good candidates. Dr. Petro can help you determine if dermabrasion is a good treatment choice for you and recommend possible alternatives.
Your Dermabrasion Procedure: What to Expect
A dermabrasion device (a dermabrader) is an electric device with a motor and a rotating abrasive tip. There are different abrasive tips that Dr. Petro can choose, depending on the goals of your procedure. The doctor also chooses the proper technique to resurface the skin, modifying the rotation speed and pressure as necessary. With smooth, precise movements, Dr. Petro passes the dermabrader over the skin to improve surface contour.
What Happens After Dermabrasion
After the treatment, the treated areas will be wrapped in gauze with topical anesthetic and/or ice. A semi-permeable dressing is also applied with tape and netting if necessary. The treated areas may require some cleansing and daily replacement of dressings.
Healing time for a full facial treatment is approximately 1 – 2 weeks. Your body’s wound healing mechanism is stimulated during the healing process, which produces collagen as skin texture is improved.
Alternatives to Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion Birmingham
To learn more about dermabrasion and other skin resurfacing techniques, contact our office in Vestavia Hills, just outside Birmingham, Alabama
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