There are three basic ways to improve skin irregularities such as wrinkles, pigmentary changes, photodamage, texture, etc.  They are dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing.  The topic discussed in this vignette is dermabrasion.   It is as it sounds, a sanding of the skin with a mechanical device.  When first introduced several decades ago, sandpaper was used to abrade the skin to an appropriate depth so as it healed, certain changes took place within the dermis (foundation of the skin) and the epidermis (the surface of the skin) that produced significant, life long  improvement.  Today, things have gotten better but the over all technique remains the same.  Under a controlled situation, a diamond burr attached to a rotary device is used to burnish the skin much like a jeweler would polish a diamond.  The needs of the patient determine the depth of the wound so as to produce the desired outcome.

Surgical dermabrasion (not microdermabraion as performed by aestheticians) can be done on selected areas of the face or on the entire face except for the eyelids.  It can be done by itself or in conjunction with other procedures.  Since the technique is reliant on the skill of the surgeon, experience is paramount on the results obtained.  Even in the best of hands, resurfacing of the skin can be fraught with healing issues.  Post-operative follow up and small changes in wound management are essential for maximal results with as little down time as possible.

The area of dermabrasion is raw for four to seven days followed by redness for two to four weeks.  The redness turns to pinkness and then to a more olive complexion at the end of the healing period.  As a rule of thumb, the longer the redness persists, the better the results.  Only when the body is satisfied with its remodeling effort will the redness subside.  Make up can be worn sparingly several days and or weeks following the procedure.  The results can be amazing.  Most of my patients at the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center and Surgi-Spa that have facelifts usually have some form of skin resurfacing to make the over all results that much better.

If you or a loved one would benefit from this information and/or procedure, please contact us at your convenience.