Dermatologic & Cosmetic Surgery

Dermatologic Treatments

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
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 has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity since the 1960s. The technique has been further refined over the last few decades.

WHAT HAPPENS PRIOR TO SURGERY?
Before surgery, a complete medical history is taken and a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate the condition of the patientÕs skin. During the consultation, Dr. Lawrence describes the types of anesthesia (Local anesthesia, Emla) to be used, the procedure, and what results might realistically be expected. Dr. Lawrence also reviews alternative treatment options and explains the possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are frequently taken before and after surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement. pre-operative and post-operative instructions are often given to the patient at this time.

HOW IS DERMABRASION PERFORMED?
Dermabrasion can be performed in Dr. Lawrence's office. The area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent. The area to be "sanded" is treated with a spray that freezes the skin. Local anesthesia may be used instead of or in addition to freeze spray. 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?
For a few days, the skin feels as though it has been severely sunburned. Medications may be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort the patient may have, but most people do not experience severe pain. 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 occupation 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/COMPLICATIONS?
Everyone's skin heals differently. Some individuals have a propensity to develop increased or decreased pigment after skin injuries. This can also occur after dermabrasion treatment. Dermatologic surgeons can usually treat increased pigmentation with the use of certain bleaching creams. However, decreased pigmentation may be permanent. Rarely, one may develop thickened skin in certain areas after dermabrasion, similar to keloids to which some families may be prone. Several therapies, such as cortisone creams and injections, can be administered to treat this problem and help the skin return to normal. People who are prone to frequent herpes infections may require anti-viral medication to prevent recurrence of fever blisters while the skin is healing from dermabrasion and to avoid the risk of the herpes spreading into the newly abraded skin.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF DERMABRASION?
Dermabrasion cannot be expected to eliminate or improve all scars in all patients under all conditions. Some scars require the use of ancillary procedures to obtain the best results. These include careful surgical removal of the scars followed by small skin grafts or suturing. Dermabrasion is then used to smooth over these scars 6 to 8 weeks later. Other patients may benefit from the use of various filling substances in conjunction with dermabrasion. These include injectable collagen or fat which are used to alleviate depressed scars. Some patients benefit from repeat tough-up dermabrasion of areas that have not been sufficiently improved after the initial procedure. Your dermatologic surgeon can advise you as to the likelihood of the need for additional treatments, depending on the specific condition of your skin.

To make an appointment with a Cooper University Hospital physician at an office near you, please contact one of the offices below or call 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.