Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a surgical procedure in which the Dr. Lawrence removes or sands the skin with a rotary abrasive instrument. This abrasive or planing action evens out the skin, and a new layer of skin replaces the abraded skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance.

We use dermabrasion to improve scars resulting from acne, chicken pox, accidents or other disease.

Benefits of dermabrasion

Improves scarring

Dermabrasion treatment

From the beginning of time, people suffering from the disfigurement of facial scarring have searched for ways to improve these imperfections. Thanks to refinements of a variety of dermatologic surgical techniques, there is a safe, effective procedure known as dermabrasion that is available today to improve facial scarring. While more than one hundred years old, dermabrasion still has an important role yet to be replaced by other technology in the treatment of scarring. The technique has been further refined over the last few decades.

How is dermabrasion performed?

Dermabrasion can be performed in Dr. Lawrence's office. The area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area to be dermabraded. A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush removes or abrades the upper layers of the skin and improves irregularities in the skin surface. Soothing ointments and dressing are then applied.

What happens after surgery?

Frequent showering and the application of emollients help speed the skin's recovery. Healing usually occurs within 10 days. The newly formed skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal appearance. In most cases, the pinkness has largely faded by 8 to 12 weeks. Makeup can be used as a cover-up as soon as the skin is healed. Generally, most people can resume their normal routine in seven to 10 days after dermabrasion. Patients are instructed to avoid unnecessary direct and indirect sunlight for 3 to 6 months after the procedure and to use a sunscreen on a regular basis when outdoors.

What are the risks or complications with dermabrasion?

• Hyper or hypo-pigmentation of the skin
• Hypertrophic scarring

Several therapies, such as cortisone creams, injections, bleaching agents, or laser therapy, can be administered to treat these problems and help the skin to return to normal.