Dermabrasion is mostly used to make old acne scarring less noticeable. Sometimes dermabrasion is performed after surgery to minimize the appearance of scars. This procedure can also be used to remove wrinkles and tattoos as well.
What is dermabrasion and is it right for you? Dermabrasion is a surgical technique to make scars less visible. The physician takes a small hand held tool that is used to sand down the scar. The wheel spins rapidly and is applied to the scarred area to wear away the scar tissues. This causes a red and irritated area and a small sore that will heal in a few weeks. You will be provided with information to help care for the resulting wound after the procedure. Anesthesia is normally a local injection and this procedure is done on an out patient basis or in the doctor’s clinic. If you are having a large area derma braded, you may be provided with a prescription for pain medication.
Prior to the procedure, you will most likely have to apply Retin-A to the scarred area for around two weeks. This can help to lighten the scar and improve the success of the dermabrasion procedure. If you have taken Accutane in the past, you may want to speak with your doctor before having dermabrasion. You should also speak with your doctor if you are prone to cold sore outbreaks; as you may need to have antiviral treatments before and after your dermabrasion. He or she will advise you if dermabrasion is still recommended in your specific case.
Are there any negative side affects to dermabrasion? After having dermabrasion, you should watch the affected area for any lingering redness—usually ten days or more. This can be a sign that a scar may be trying to develop. Your doctor can provide medicine or injections to reverse this. Watch for any oozing or yellow puss, as this is a sign of infection. You may need to take a course of antibiotics. You may also be required to take any additional medications to guard against infections or future acne out breaks; your doctor will inform you. It is strongly advised that you use a sunscreen on the treated area to protect against the skin becoming dark or blotchy. This is recommended for three months after the procedure. Of course there are no guarantees that your scarring will be completely eliminated and new scarring can form; though it is quite rare. In most cases the procedure leaves the skin looking better than the previous condition.
Dermabrasion can be a life-affecting treatment. If you have extensive scarring, this can sometimes affect your self esteem. With this excellent procedure it can be possible to remove those scars and improve more than just the exterior—it can change the way you feel about yourself. Scarring does affect the way we look at ourselves, especially if it greatly affects the way we look. If you are considering having a tattoo removed, this is also an excellent procedure. However, when you get a tattoo, dermabrasion should not be looked at as a way to erase it in case you change your mind. For tattoo removal, this can be a costly procedure and you may need additional or several procedures to remove the total tattoo. Many people can take comfort that past mistakes and old scars can be removed. Though this procedure is not required for your health, but this procedure can definitely boost your self esteem and the way others look at you.
Of course dermabrasion may not be recommended for everyone, but your doctor will be able to provide you with ample information concerning this procedure and its after effects. Each person’s specific case will be different as will the end result after the procedure.
