Dermabrasion is most often used to improve the appearance of facial skin scarred from accidents or previous surgery, as well as to smooth superficial facial wrinkles, such as those around the mouth. The procedure can also be used to remove precancerous growths, called keratoses, and deep acne scars. Dermabrasion can be performed on small areas of the skin or on the entire face, and can be done alone or together with other procedures such as facelift or chemical peeling.

Dermabrasion is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced doctor. The most common risk is changes in skin pigmentation. Permanent darkening of the skin may occur in some patients due to sun exposure in the days or months after the procedure. In turn, some patients find that the treated skin becomes lighter. Small pimples may appear after the procedure, disappearing over time, or with the use of an abrasive sponge or soap (sometimes, the surgeon will have to remove them). It may also be that the skin pores dilate, generally returning to normal size with the reduction of swelling. Even though it occurs rarely, infection and scarring can occur. Some individuals develop excess scar tissue (keloid or hypertrophic scar), which can be treated with the application or injection of corticosteroids to soften the scar. The risks can be reduced if the treatment is carried out by a qualified plastic surgeon and if the instructions given by him are correctly followed.

No treatment removes all scars and imperfections or prevents aging. Before deciding to undergo skin treatment, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Men and women of all ages, from young people to older adults, can benefit from the procedure. Although older people recover more slowly, the most important factors are skin type, color, and medical history. For example, black skin, Asian skin, and dark complexion skin may become permanently discolored and become blemished after treatment. Freckles may disappear in the treated area. Furthermore, most surgeons will not perform treatment during active phases of acne due to the increased risk of infection. The same is true if you have previously undergone radiation treatment, had a skin burn, or had a chemical peel . peelingquímico previamente.

If you want to superficially refine your facial skin, you can also consider chemical peeling , which is an alternative method of surgically removing the superficial layer of the skin. However, dermabrasion uses surgical instruments to remove layers of affected skin, while chemical peeling uses a caustic solution. The choice of a procedure or a combination of procedures will be made according to the patient's skin. In general, chemical peeling is most often used to treat fine wrinkles and dermabrasion for deeper imperfections such as acne scars. A non-chemical approach may also be a better option for people with slightly darker skin, especially when dealing with limited areas on the face, as dermabrasion is less likely to produce extreme changes and contrasts in skin color.

It is very important that the treatment is carried out by a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has experience with the procedure. After all, dermabrasion usually involves the most visible part of your body: your face.

At your first consultation, discuss your expectations with the surgeon, and don't hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns you may have. The surgeon must be equally frank with you, explaining the factors that may influence the procedure (age, skin condition and previous plastic surgeries) and the results. The surgeon will discuss your medical history, order routine exams, and photograph your face. The professional must also explain the procedure in detail, along with the risks and benefits, the recovery period and costs. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including advice on eating and drinking, and stopping aspirin and other medications that affect blood clotting. Special guidance will also be given on the care and treatment of your skin before surgery. If you smoke, you will probably be asked to stop smoking for a week or two before and after surgery, as smoking reduces blood circulation to the skin and prevents healing.

Be sure to ask someone to accompany you to surgery and help you at home if necessary.

The procedure must be carried out in a safe and comfortable place for the doctor and the patient, in a surgical center authorized by the Health Surveillance, with equipment and trained staff for any complications.

Dermabrasion can be performed under local anesthesia by numbing the treated area along with a sedative to relax it. You will, however, remain awake, relaxed and experience minimal discomfort. In more severe cases, the surgeon may prefer to use general anesthesia.

The procedure generally takes from a few minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the size of the area of ​​skin involved. It is not uncommon for the procedure to be performed
more than once, especially when the scar is deep or a large area of ​​skin is involved.

In dermabrasion, the surgeon scrapes the most superficial layer of the skin with a rough metal brush or an instrument containing diamond particles, connected to a motorized cable. The scraping continues until the surgeon reaches the safest level, leaving the scars less visible.

Immediately after the procedure, the skin becomes very red and swollen, so eating and speaking may be difficult. You will likely feel some tingling, burning, or pain, which can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. The swelling will begin to subside within a few days to a week.
If you remember the scratches you had as a child, you will have an idea of ​​what to expect from this type of surgery. A scab will form over the treated area during the healing process. The scab will fall off as a new layer of skin is formed. The face may itch as new skin forms. Your surgeon may recommend an ointment to ease discomfort and will give you detailed guidance on how to care for your skin after surgery. For men, special precautions include delaying shaving and using an electric razor when shaving for the first time after surgery. It is very important that you understand and follow the instructions given by your doctor.

If you notice that the treated area tends to get worse rather than better (it becomes increasingly red and itchy after healing begins), it may be a sign that abnormal scars are beginning to form. Contact your surgeon as soon as possible so that appropriate procedures can be performed.

Your new skin will be a little swollen, sensitive, and appear pink for several weeks. During this time, you can gradually resume your normal activities. You will be able to return to work within two weeks. The surgeon will probably advise you to avoid for at least two weeks any activity that could cause collisions with your face. More active sports (especially those involving a ball) should be avoided for four to six weeks. If you swim, choose to swim in an indoor pool to avoid sun and wind, and keep your face out of water that contains chlorine for at least four weeks. It will take at least three to four weeks until you can drink alcohol and no longer experience redness on your face. Above all, it is important that you protect your skin from the sun until the skin becomes pigmented, which takes approximately six to twelve months.

Skin refining treatments offer great improvements to the skin, however, it will take time for the final results to appear. The pinkish skin will take about three months to disappear. In the meantime, you'll probably have to wear hypoallergenic makeup. Once the new skin is fully repigmented, the color should match the surrounding skin, making the procedure virtually undetectable.