Dermabrasion surgery is a cosmetic procedure for scar removal.

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Dermabrasion Surgery

Dermabrasion Surgery - Definition

Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure in which a doctor uses a hand held tool in order to minimize the appearance of scarring. The dermabrasion physician gently “sands” (abrades) the skin to diminish the contrast between the un-scarred skin and the scarred areas.

Dermabrasion Surgery - History

Dermabrasion was first used in the early 1950s by Dr. Kurtin. He presented dermabrasion patients that underwent the procedure at Mount Sinai Hospital, describing the use of high-speed rotary abraders, freezing of the areas during surgery, and a variety of abrasive instruments. His techniques were further refined, as Dr. Yarbrough suggested the use of a wire brush and Dr. Alt studied the use of the diamond fraise in dermabrasion procedures

As time has progressed, the dermabrasion techniques have become more and more advanced. The invention of antiviral medications, various anesthesia, and semi-permeable dressings have aided in the healing and the comfort of dermabrasion, as well as other skin surgeries. And technology continues to advance the procedure, with all the benefits of these advances helping more patients to experience the positive effects of dermabrasion.

Applications of Dermabrasion Surgery

Dermabrasion is indicated for a multitude of conditions. And although, at first glance, this may seem to be a primarily female oriented procedure, this is not the case. Dermabrasion can help in a variety of circumstances. The most common reason for dermabrasion is to help with acne scarring. Some dermabrasion patients have had tremendous struggles as adolescents and as adults with acne. And this has led to embarrassing scarring. But, dermabrasion can help.

Another instance in which dermabrasion can help is after scarring surgeries. When a patient has had a surgery that has led to scarring, they can choose dermabrasion to help them. Although most patients have to wait until they are healed from the initial surgery, they can then have dermabrasion to help with any visible scarring.

A hot topic for modern times is another job for dermabrasion—aging. Dermabrasion can help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that a person may want to smooth. Along with helping signs of aging, a patient can also turn to dermabrasion to remove some types of tattoos that their younger times may have inflicted.

Dermabrasion Surgery - Consultation

After an initial consultation with a qualified physician, a patient is given the go ahead for dermabrasion and the actual procedure can be scheduled. The procedure involves great care by both the doctor and the dermabrasion patient. If the dermabrasion patient has been honest and forthcoming about their medical history, then the physician will have the knowledge that he/she needs to treat the dermabrasion patient. The physician may even order blood work and other tests to makes sure that the dermabrasion patient is in the best physical condition that he/she could be.

Dermabrasion Surgery - Procedure

For the dermabrasion patient, medications can be given that will sedate them. In the dermabrasion procedure, an anesthetic is given, and depends on the area that will be affected. Most commonly used in dermabrasion is Frigiderm-a spray refrigerant-that cools the area so that it is firm for the dermabrasion. The smoother the surface, the easier it will be for the physician to perform the procedure. Of course, a doctor may use other forms of anesthesia, depending on the patient.

During the dermabrasion, the physician will take the instrument in their dominant hand and make perpendicular movements to the moving part along the area. Different methods are used for different areas, but for the face, the direction is up from the jaw line. This allows for the blood in the face to move downwards and away from the current area being abraded. In this dermabrasion method, one of the last areas to be abraded would be the forehead.

The Results of Dermabrasion Surgery

A lot of time may need to pass before the full effect of dermabrasion can be seen—up to 6 months in some patients. So a dermabrasion patient must follow their physician’s orders to the letter to minimize any complications. Having open lines of communication will aid in eliminating problems before they become too severe.

In terms of success rates, there are more success stories than not for dermabrasion. Although there is always the possibility for skin color difference, it can usually be treated and remedied. Of course, there is no certainty with any surgery, but many patients will find that dermabrasion is the answer to their skin problems. Unfortunately, medicine has yet to find the cure for all skin ills, so a dermabrasion patient can not expect to defy or prevent aging with this procedure.