While performing dermabrasion, first, the skin is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic and may be sprayed with a topical anesthetic to numb it. The physician then uses a high speed rotating abrasive brush or diamond-impregnated burr (like a mini-sander) to remove the outermost layers of damaged skin.

The physician controls the depth to which the treatment will penetrate the skin layers depending on the degree of wrinkling or scarring. This abrashion action reveals a new layer of smoother skin. At the completion of the procedure, your skin may be dressed with a soothing ointment, a wet or waxy dressing or some combination of these.

In Dermaplaning, an instrument with an oscillating blade called a dermatome is used. The dermatome has an oscillating blade that moves back and forth to evenly "skim" off the surface layers of skin that surround the craters or other facial defects. This skimming continues until the lowest point of the acne scar becomes more even with the surrounding skin. Your skin is then dressed with a soothing ointment, a wet or waxy dressing or some combination of these. Dermaplaning is often combined with dermabrasion, chemical peel or  other surgical procedures such as facelift, brow lift or eye lid lift.

It's not uncommon for the procedure to be performed more than once, or in stages, especially when scarring is deep or a large area of skin is involved.

Some types of Dermabrasion include:

Micro dermabrasion: usually used for hyperpigmentation, some stretch marks, uneven skin tone, reducing the dullness of aging skin and smoothing out fine wrinkle lines and involves an instrument that uses a blast of sterile grit and a vacuum in a closed loop system to remove the first layer of skin instead of using a small grinding tool. This is known as “lunchtime” peel as the procedure takes only half an hour to complete and doesn’t produce effects that last as long as other dermabrasion. The procedure is mildly invasive, but the effects are usually smaller, and anywhere from 6 to 16 treatments may be needed. Microdermabrasion does not require either a local or general anesthesia. Most patients say microdermabrasion feels like an emery board or sandpaper rubbing on their skin.

Laser Dermabrasion: This treatment gives the surgeon more control to be more precise while performing the surgery. A surgeon will usually use YAG and carbon dioxide in the form of lasers to remove the outer layer of skin. These laser burns help create a new skin surface which forms in about ten days. Lasers can smooth fine lines and acne scars, vaporize birthmarks and moles along with sun spots and facial hairs, spider veins, warts and tattoos. A laser will cause redness that can last for about two months. Some physicians say laser resurfacing is most effective for shallow scars that can be stretched with the fingers.

Black and Asian skin and other dark complexions may become permanently discolored or blotched after a skin refinishing treatment.

Usually, the procedure takes about a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the extent of the treatment.

Dermabrasion helps create a fresh and more youthful appearance. Moreover, the skin that grows back is usually smoother than that which it replaces.

The ideal candidate for this surgery should meet the following requirements:

• You should have good health and realistic expectations of the procedure.
• Your skin type and color, ethnic background and age will be factors in determining if this type of treatment is right for you.
• You must be free of active skin infections, including most kinds of acne and any type of cold sore, including herpes simplex.
• You must not have taken Accutane® for the previous 18 months at least.
• Darker skin poses special considerations due to increased risk of undesirable skin pigmentation changes. Black skin, Asian skin and other dark complexions may become permanently discolored or blotchy after any skin-refinishing treatment.
• Make sure you are not prone to scarring problems such as keloids.
• Make sure your doctor is aware of any medical conditions or allergies you may have and any medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
• Make sure you have a good understanding of the limitations of the procedure.

Your new skin will be a bit swollen, sensitive, and bright pink for several weeks. During this time, you can begin gradually resuming your normal activities.

You will be able to recover to return to work within two weeks. You can use makeup as soon as the skin has healed. You should avoid strenuous activity for about at least six weeks as they might result in a bump to your face. More active sports-especially ball sports-should be avoided for four to six weeks. You should not swim in chlorinated water for a month or more. It will be at least 3 to 4 weeks before you can drink alcohol without experiencing a flush of redness.

Your skin will appear lighter for weeks or even months after the procedure, but as the pigment is restored, your skin color will look more normal. To protect this delicate new skin, sunscreen must be used at all times so you do not end up with blotchy, unevenly colored skin. Daily use of a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection is essential.

Before deciding to undergo the surgery, you should first look for a good dermatologist or surgeon who is trained and experienced in the procedure. You should consult with your surgeon about your expectations and the procedures required. However, your surgeon will discuss your medical history, conduct a routine examination and photograph your face. He or she should explain the procedure in detail, along with its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs.

While preparing for your surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for the procedure. You may be prescribed medications to take prior to the treatment to prevent a bacterial infection or fever blisters (herpes simplex) and topical medications to prepare your skin and decrease the risk of post-operative pigmentation changes. You will be asked to limit your sun exposure at least a month before the procedure. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

• You should wear loose clothing that you do not put on over your head.
• You should refrain from wearing makeup, wearing any perfume and shaving on the day of treatment.
• Avoid aspirin, any aspirin containing medication or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID), such as Motrin® or Advil®, for two weeks prior to treatment. Because aspirin thins the blood, it can interfere with normal blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
• Smoking inhibits the healing process, so stop smoking before your procedure and if you start again, make sure it is after you are completely healed. Besides, smoking increases muscle activity and can contribute significantly to wrinkles.
• You should be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a day or two if needed.

The following are the questions you should ask your doctor while preparing for your surgery:

1. Is what I described realistic?
2. Where is the dermabrasion performed and how long will it take?
3. In my case, what technique (standard, laser or microdermabrasion) is most appropriate?
4. What kind of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
5. How much does microdermabrasion cost and what elements factor into that cost like hospital fees, anesthesia and so on?
6. What is the surgeon’s level of experience in performing dermabrasion?
7. What percentage of patients experience complications with dermabrasion?
8. What is the surgeon’s policy about correcting or repeating the procedure if the first dermabrasion does not meet agreed upon results?
9. What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scaring, activity level, and soreness, scaring, activity level, etc?
10. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended?

You should look at a selection of before and after photographs of recent patients who have had the same procedure from the surgeon. You can even request the names and contact information of previous patients.

Some surgeons administer sedation before full face dermabrasions while others use local anesthesia if the area is limited to, for instance, just one scar.However, Dermabrasion and dermaplaning may be performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed and will feel minimal discomfort. Sometimes, a numbing spray, like a freon, is used along with or instead of local anesthesia.

As with all most procedures, there is always a possibility of complications which include

• Infection
• Scarring
• Temporary or permanent color change in the skin and uneven pigment changes
• Cold sores in persons who have a history of recurring fever blisters or herpes simplex
• Asians and people of color tend to have a different set of complications caused by any skin resurfacing treatment, like permanent discoloration or blotchiness. Those of Asian, African and Latin origins are at a higher risk for hyper pigmentation of the skin (darkening of the skin).
• Older people heal more slowly.
• The reactivation of herpes simplex and an outbreak of cold sores are one such risk. Those with recurrent herpes simplex infections should start anti-viral treatment 1 day prior to the procedure and maintain anti-viral therapy for 7-10 days afterward. Patients with acne who have been treated with Accutane should have completed such therapy a year prior to having this procedure. Also, this procedure may not be appropriate for anyone who has a history of keloid formation. Some patients may experience pigmentation changes after the treatment, in which case lower pressures should be used in subsequent treatments.
• You may develop tiny whiteheads after surgery. These usually disappear on their own, or with the use of an abrasive pad or soap; occasionally, the surgeon may have to remove them.
• You may also develop enlarged skin pores; these usually shrink to near normal size once the swelling has subsided.
• Another possible complication could be skin that looks darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. It can usually be treated but can be permanent.

After the procedure, your skin will be quite red and swollen, and eating and talking may be difficult. You'll probably feel some tingling, burning or aching; any pain you feel can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. The swelling will begin to subside in a few days to a week.

You may experience some redness, which lasts for an hour or two. Streaking may occur but usually disappears after 1-2 days. There can also be swelling in sensitive areas such as underneath the eyes, which can be controlled by cold compression. Moreover, the underlying skin color may change compared to untreated areas.

Your skin will look and feel like you’ve experienced a bad sun burn or a few days after the treatment. It may be uncomfortable to move the muscles of your face (talking, eating). Your surgeon will recommend a soft diet and suggest not to talk too much for a few days.

Swelling and crusting of the skin can be expected. You may be given an ointment to apply to your skin for 7 to 10 days following the peel to keep it supple and to help in healing.

In one to two weeks after surgery, the newly formed skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal appearance. Your face may itch as new skin starts to grow, and your surgeon may recommend an ointment to make you more comfortable. In most cases, the pinkness will largely fade by 8 to 12 weeks. However, you should let your doctor know if you experience redness lasting for 10 days after the procedure. That could be a sign of a scar formation. If so, the doctor will inject the area with cortisone or give you a cortisone ointment to apply to the area. Yellow crusting may indicate the beginning of an infection.

Men may have to stop shaving for a while, but can use an electric razor at first.

BHT 2,000