Dermabrasion
Going through puberty with severe acne can be very traumatic. Acne is bad, but one of the worst things about cystic acne is the scars it leaves behind. Why live with scars and the emotional trauma they bring? All who have suffered with facial scars can benefit from dermabrasion. The following information will help the potential patient decide if dermabrasion is right for him or her.
What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that attempts to even out the surface of the skin. Using a rotating wire brush or a rotating burr instrument with tiny implanted diamonds, a plastic surgeon will remove just the top layers of the skin until it is even and smooth.
What is dermabrasion used for?
Scars resulting from acne, chicken pox, accidents, and previous surgeries can all be smoothed away with dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is also successful in removing tattoos and pre-cancerous skin growths called keratoses. Some doctors use dermabrasion on the face to remove fine lines.
Who is best suited for dermabrasion?
Most people can have successful results from a dermabrasion procedure. However, a few people will not be good candidates. Most doctors will not perform dermabrasion on those with active cases of acne, or people who have had radiation treatment, a bad burn, or a prior chemical peel. Those with darker skin pigmentation may have more trouble with permanent skin discoloration after the treated area has healed, resulting in a blotchy appearance. Older patients will take longer to heal, and run more risk of infection. There are many factors that will determine a patient's successful procedure, including allergies or other medical complications. The doctor should discuss the patient's medical history thoroughly before planning the surgery.
What can be expected during the procedure?
Most of the time a local anesthetic is used to help the patient feel more comfortable during the procedure. This can be accompanied by a sedative that allows the patient to remain awake, yet calm. The procedure can take up to an hour and a half, though a doctor may decide to split up treatments into more than one session. In most cases, this is an out-patient procedure. Procedures that are more extensive may require admittance to a hospital.
What side effects are to be expected?
During the first few days after the procedure, the patient can expect redness, swelling, and a burning sensation, somewhat akin to a scraped knee or a rug burn. The patient may find it difficult to talk or eat. The amount of pain will depend on the individual and the area treated, but medications will be given to control it. It is best for the patient to have someone drive him home and help out for the first few days.
What is the long-term outlook for dermabrasion?
Most patients can gradually resume normal activities during the first few weeks after surgery, returning to work in about two weeks. The skin will remain bright pink for the first several weeks, with the pinkness gradually diminishing until skin returns to normal by about the third month. The success of the surgery greatly depends on how closely the patient adheres to the doctor's advice after surgery, such as discontinuing activities that might incur a bump to the face (contact sports), and staying out of the sun for up to twelve months. The doctor will probably also recommend that men stop shaving for awhile.
Are there any risks associated with dermabrasion?
Occasionally, scarring can occur, but it is rare and can be treated with steroid injections. Another less serious side effect is the appearance of white heads (milia). Cold sore or fever sore sufferers (from herpes or shingles) may be at risk for complications, and should alert the doctor during the initial consultation.
Is dermabrasion covered by insurance?
Usually dermabrasion is not covered by medical insurance, except for certain instances involving the removal of pre-cancerous or cancerous growths (keratoses). The patient should consult the insurance provider to determine exactly what is covered and under what conditions.
What is the cost of dermabrasion?
The average cost of dermabrasion is anywhere between $2,000 to $3,000 dollars.
The dermabrasion procedure takes some time to see results, but can provide a new look on life for those who have suffered with facial abnormalities. It is best for the patient to find a qualified plastic surgeon, get references, and ask as many questions as possible to make sure the relationship is a good fit.
