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2. When can Dermabrasion be performed? 3. What does a typical Dermabrasion consultation entail? 4. How is Dermabrasion performed? 5. What should I expect post-treatment? 6. Does Dermabrasion hurt? 7. When will I be able to see the results? 8. What are the risks of Dermabrasion? 9. What is Arnica montana and/or Bromelain, I have heard that these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take? 10. Are the results permanent?
1. What is Dermabrasion?Dermabrasion is the procedure which utilizes manual abrasion of the skin to remove acne scarring, hyperpigmentations, wrinkles such as peri-oral (around the mouth) wrinkles, scar revision and even tattoo removal. The most common being the peri-oral lines (also called smoker's lines) and acne scarring. Although this procedure is usually performed by itself for the above indications, dermabrasion can be used in combination with other types of treatments as well. However, not all patients will need dermabrasion and may receive great results with more simple treatments such as a chemical peel, punch graft or other acne scar revision techniques -- some may even chose laser resurfacing if they are a candidate. 2. When can Dermabrasion be performed?Dermabrasion is generally performed anywhere from 15 on up. Although if needed in lesion removal younger patients are accepted. However, many children have undergone dermabrasion for different ailments and not just for cosmetic reasons. However if the lesions are port wine stains, birthmarks and pigmentation lesions laser resurfacing and intense pulsed light may be more appropriate. 3. What does a typical Dermabrasion consultation entail?After checking a few surgeons' backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a consultation. You will meet with these surgeons and discuss your goals and you will disclose all information regarding your health; if you smoke, what medications or vitamins you presently take, etc. -- this is very important. You really should consider smoking cessation as this can significantly decrease healing. Visit the Medication & Supplements List for more information. You will discuss your complaints and concerns and discuss the various levels which can be safely removed, thus the amount that can be improved, etc. Your surgeon will explain the technique or methods that may be most appropriate for you. He or she should discuss the risks associated with dermabrasion with you, as well. You will also discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. Most dermabrasion procedures are performed under Light Sleep Sedation, Twilight or regional -- sometimes even local with oral sedation. However, some physicians may use General IV Sedation. Either way, discuss this beforehand as many people are not aware of the risks of Anesthesia. If you do go under Deep General, ascertain that the anesthesiologist is certified. Please read the All About Anesthesia Page -- the risks regarding anesthesia should be considered for a fully informed choice. If you would like more information on Consultations or a list of questions to ask your surgeon please visit the Consultation Help Page. If you should choose to book or reserve a surgery date you will usually give a deposit to hold your surgery date. Most times if you cancel a few days beforehand, this amount is non-refundable. After paying your deposit and scheduling a surgery date, you will also schedule a pre-operative appointment. 4. How is a Dermabrasion treatment performed?Your surgeon will then begin to manually abrade your skin with a fine grit type of surgical sandpaper or with a sanding machine somewhat similar to a Dremel® or acrylic nail sander. Your surgeon may may several passes or one simple, yet deeper pass until the scar is at the same level as the surrounding skin. Some scars are removed completely whereas some ice pick type scars may need additional procedures such as punch-grafting or injectable fillers. After the skin
resurfacing is complete, your surgeon will cover your face with either a thin
film of Bacitracin or antibiotic burn cream like Silvadine. Some surgeons use a
second synthetic breathable skin to protect the newly surfaced tissue during its
healing process. There are several experimental coverings that are undergoing
testing. Some will even provide you with or suggest that you get a
hydrogel-type masks or sheeting such as HydroGOLD™ by BioDermis.com 5. What should I expect post-treatment?You may be groggy from the anesthetic and or oral medications and probably won't remember much of the first day or two if you were sedated. You will have to take it easy and sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated for 7-14 days -- or however long your surgeon suggests. When you wake up you will notice that your face may look even more swollen in the first 3 days. But, as the days go on the swelling will dissipate. There may be some bruising, but this will go away, as well. So make a mental note of this or you may be shocked into a depression. Bruising and swelling are a normal occurrence in most invasive procedures. In dermabrasion, there is marked redness and weeping (wound seepage). There will be redness and slight discomfort post-operatively. Your surgeon will have instructed you on the proper care of your treatment area as well as prescribed you the necessary antibiotics and pain medications to help alleviate your discomfort. Take your temperature on time and regularly. An elevated temperature could mean an infection. Take those antibiotics ON TIME. And don't forget if you are taking birth control that some antibiotics can interfere so in the event that you do have relations, use another form of protection as well. The swelling can be alleviated with ice packs. You may be instructed to apply ice (not directly on skin), gel masks and vinegar soaks on your treatment area for the first 48 hours. Your healing time totally depends upon the depth of your treatment. You can expect to be down for at least 1-2 weeks -- unless the treatment is very superficial. 6. Does Dermabrasion hurt?It can be painful, so expect some discomfort -- even as little as a windburn or as much as a bad sunburn. Excessive movement of the treatment area can cause cracking and bleeding as well as scarring if the aforementioned occurs. Please discuss this with your surgeon and remember pain thresholds are vary. 7. When will I be able to see the results?You will start noticing pink, fresh skin emerging after your skin begins to heal. Remember not to pull or rub any peeling or crusting skin. Within a few weeks the redness will fade for most, light treatments. Depending upon the depth of the treatment you may have lingering pinkness which may look like a mild sunburn or flushed appearance. Your physician will go over what to expect for the depth of the treatment you undergo. 8. What are the risks of Dermabrasion?Ascertain that your surgeon discusses all of the risks and complications with you at your consultation. There could be allergic reactions to the anesthetic. Just make sure that you disclose your medical history and this is very important -- your nationality. If you are susceptible to Keloid scarring or have active skin infections or afflictions such as herpes outbreaks, you may not be a good candidate for Dermabrasion. Very Important: If you have a history of cold sores, herpes or other viral infections please disclose this to your surgeon! After dermabrasion treatments, chemical peels and and laser resurfacing -- viral anomalies may spread and severely disfigure the treatment area. You will be placed on anti-viral medications beforehand and continue during the healing phase. Bacterial infections are also a severe risk and even water-borne or plant-borne bacterial infections can severely scar your treatment area if they are exposed to your treatment area. If your skin is olive, black, brown and even yellow-toned - take care in your choice of resurfacing measures. Dermabrasion, Laser resurfacing and chemical peels can cause noticeable damage to ethnic skins. You should request a "spot test" if you or your doctor are uncertain. You can never be too careful. There is also the risk of bullae (blisters), milia (or small whiteheads), infection, thicker scar tissue of the treatment area and hypopigmentation as well as hyperpigmentation, as said before. You must also be very careful if you have taken Accutane within the past year and a half (12 to 18 months). Accutane causes dermal thickening and can cause increased chances of keloid-like scarring. 9. What is Arnica montana or Bromelain, I have heard that these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?also known as: Mountain
Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane and Sneezewort also known as: Ananas, Nanas, Pina plant family: Bromeliaceae type: herbaceous perennial parts used: mostly in the stems of pineapples, but some fruit is used as well. description: 2 1/2 to 5 ft. high with a spread of 3 to 4 ft. The plant is like a thick stem with a rosette of wide, waxy leaves. These pointed green, red, and white/off white striped leaves are approximately 18 - 70 inches long and graced with a spiny needle-like tip. The plant produces a sweet to tangy and sometimes sour fruit that is yellow to white in color. The unpeeled fruit is brownish with a hard, spiky covering and a large green sprout from it crown. The fruit is shaped like a coffee can with rounded ends and is about 10-12 inches long usually when considered prime and may even weigh up to 10 lbs. habitat: Indigenous to southern Brazil and Paraguay, The fruit is now grown all over in green houses and in the fields of Spain, Guatemala, Hawaii and more. The pineapple is a tropical plant and thrives in hot, humid places. Although it can survive cold snaps, it is not recommended for the more northern areas if intended to be grown outdoors. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory formula containing the proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples. Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is most often used after sports injuries, to relive edema and after surgical procedures to help with swelling. ALWAYS ASK YOUR SURGEON FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION. 10. Are the results permanent? Usually, yes. However, this depends upon your post-treatment maintenance, your body's healing capability, preexisting disorders, etc. After you heal and your skin has envenomed out, you may need a touch up or a chemical peel to better your result.
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