Dermabrasion

Plastic Surgery is something that a number of people consider as they get older and their skin no longer looks as youthful as it once did.  One alternative to this aging process is the more invasive form of cosmetic plastic surgery, the facelift.  However, for those interested in simply treating the upper layers of the skin there are alternatives.  Some have worried about the “Dangers of Plastic Surgery” after having seen unfortunate plastic surgery photos, but most forms of plastic surgery are in fact quite safe.  The mildest form of skin refinishing is known as microdermabrasion, sometimes alternately spelled as micro dermabrasion.  This article specifically looks at dermabrasion, a process used to refine the upper layers of the skin by scraping those layers in a surgical manner.  An associated treatment, dermaplaning, is also looked at.  The former is more common, used to remove or smooth out scars or facial wrinkles and on occasion some growths.  Dermaplaning serves a different purpose and is instead used as a means of improving the damaged caused by acne scars that are too deep to otherwise treat.  In general, dermabrasion is a technique that might be used in combination with other forms of facial skin treatments, such as a chemical peel.  As a standard, dermabrasion and dermaplaning are generally used when a chemical peel is either insufficient for the desired outcomes and when the sometimes problematic skin pigmentation issues involved with a chemical peel are undesirable.

Dermabrasion Surgery

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are procedures that do not take a very long time to complete and for the most part can be completed in less than an hour and a half, though this time can be much shorter depending on the extensiveness of the surgery that is involved.  As with other skin treatments it may take a number of treatments in order to achieve the desired results.

During the surgery itself, it is most regularly done solely under what is called a local anaesthetic for less severe cases, though if it is thought that a local anaesthetic may be insufficient a general anaesthetic may in some cases be used.  What occurs in the surgery itself is that the surgeon uses a scraping device to scrape away that is to remove the outermost layer of skin, which decreases the visibility of whatever facial blemish, scar or wrinkles as desired.  Alternately, the dermaplaning process uses a device known as a dermatome, which is a blade used to remove layers of skin surrounding deeper facial imperfections.

After the Procedure

Once the procedure has been completed it is not uncommon that one’s skin will be somewhat sensitive and the swelling and in some cases will need to be controlled, perhaps by the use of some sort of medication, pharmaceutical or otherwise, in order to ensure that the post procedure experience is not too discomfiting for the individual who has undergone it and in most cases post procedure complications of anything more than a purely minor nature are relatively uncommon.  As one might expect, the best way of dealing with any post procedure discomfiture is to carefully and exactly follow any and all of the instructions given by one’s doctor and provided that there are any medications prescribed that those medications in question are taken regularly.

It should be noted that although dermabrasion and dermaplaning are sometimes considered as alternatives to more extreme forms of chemical peel as a result of potential complications due to changes in pigmentation, there is still the possibility of pigmentation change as an undesirable consequence of both dermabrasion and dermaplaning.  However, the pigmentation changes caused by dermabrasion and dermaplaning occur in most cases as a result of exposure to the sun after the procedure has been completed.  In stronger chemical peels the most common side effect with regard to pigmentation is a lightening of the skin, but in dermabrasion and dermaplaning the most common pigmentation side effect is in fact a darkening, although in some patients there is in fact the potentially difficulty of a lightening or potentially blotchy look to the skin.  There is also the potential for scarring after the procedure.  However, it should be recognized that although these side effects are potential and may indeed occur, that for the most part dermabrasion and dermaplaning are relatively safe treatments and that these undesirable side-effects only occur in a relatively rare number of patients who have undergone these treatments.

Why Choose These Treatments

There are a number of potential reasons why individuals may choose to undergo any of the variously available plastic surgeries and less invasive procedures that are used to improve the looks, particularly one’s skin.  As we get older our skin looks less youthful and vibrant and through a number of skin treatments such as moisturizers tend to increase.  There are, as this article has made mention of, a number of options available.  Some choose chemical peels, but dermabrasion is an equally desirable alternative.  It is generally safe and, as mentioned, can cause dramatic benefits to those who are treated.

Many people find that these sorts of procedures help them to improve their confidence and sense of self-identity.  Although procedures such as dermabrasion are not the only way to improve one’s looks and self-esteem, they can be helpful and are to a number of people on a regular basis.  Given that dermabrasion takes so little time and has the capacity to remove imperfections in the skin, it can be a popular choice for people.  However, whenever deciding that you may wish to undergo any form of treatment to the skin that a qualified professional is contacted.  This may be a dermatologist or even a family doctor.  Failing that, should you consult a clinic where you are considering having the procedure performed, they should have all the relevant information and perhaps some brochures for you to read.  Despite the relative reliability of such information, it is still nonetheless recommended that you consult with your family doctor as your main source of health information as they will have your complete medical history and be able to help you to come to an informed and educated decision with regard to improvements you may wish to make in your appearance and the procedures, such as dermabrasion or dermaplaning, that could meet that outcome.