What Is Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is performed by a plastic surgeon to smooth the texture of the skin and improve its overall appearance. During this face surgery procedure, a plastic surgeon uses a specialized device to “sand” away the outer layers of the skin. This outpatient procedure requires the use of anesthesia to prevent feeling any pain or discomfort and is usually performed in under an hour depending on the area being treated. There is a longer healing process associated with dermabrasion since the skin needs to heal and time to create new layers of skin.
When Is Dermabrasion Used?
Dermabrasion was initially conducted to improve the appearance of acne scars and pox marks. Today, the treatment is used to correct a variety of other skin concerns such as:
- Age spots
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Skin growths
- Skin lesions
- Sun-damaged skin
- Tattoo removals
There are some factors that may prevent certain people from receiving dermabrasion treatments such as skin type and medical history. If you have a darker complexion, dermabrasion can permanently discolor the skin. For those who have medical conditions such as fever blisters, skin reactions, or allergic rashes, dermabrasion can risk a flare-up. Also, for those with acne, dermabrasion may not be possible due to the risk of infection.
Dermabrasion Recovery
Right after the procedure, your plastic surgeon will cover your face with a moist dressing to prevent your skin from drying out and to protect it from outside elements. You will be given complete at-home care instructions on how to change your dressings, how to cover the treated area, and which skincare products to use. Following a dermabrasion treatment, your skin will be pink and swollen and may feel like it is tingling. You can expect to return to work after two weeks but it will take up to three months for your skin to fully heal and for the pink undertone to diminish.
Dermabrasion Kelowna
Okanagan Health Surgical Centre in Kelowna is a world-class private surgical facility providing advanced cosmetic treatments including dermabrasion. If you are looking to revitalize your skin to a more youthful, vibrant state, contact us today to book a free consultation at 1-250-868-9799 or Toll-Free: 1-877-505-8895 or fill out the contact form below. Our team of private surgeons will be sure to answer any questions you may have during your visit and will offer recommendations to help you achieve your skincare goals.
FAQ
Q: Is dermabrasion the same as microdermabrasion?
A: Yes and no. Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that removes the dead outer layer of the skin to reveal brighter and healthier skin below. Dermabrasion does the same thing, however, the treatment works on removing deeper, viable layers of skin to remove scarring and encourages new healthy layers of skin to grow.
Q: How long does it take to recover from dermabrasion?
A: You can return to work after two weeks, but it will take three months for your skin to be fully healed from the dermabrasion treatment.
Q: Does dermabrasion hurt?
A: No, it does not. Your plastic surgeon will place numbing cream or a local anesthetic on the treatment area so you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
