Is Dermabrasion Good For Your Face
Dermabrasion is a procedure designed to exfoliate away damaged or dead skin cells revealing new, healthy skin. Dermatologists may use dermabrasion to treat small wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage and acne scars. A large amount of superficial damage can be undone with dermabrasion. However, if you are looking to remove deep scars or darker pigmentation areas only laser treatments are indicated; dermabrasion cannot perform this role.
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that uses an abrasive wheel and a high-speed jet of water to remove the outermost layer of the epidermis. It can be used to smooth out deep wrinkles or other facial scars. You may have seen celebrities and wondered if Dermabrasion is good for your face and how it could benefit you. This article will answer your questions and help you decide if Dermabrasion is a good treatment for you. Read on to learn more on dermabrasion treatment/dermabrasion recovery time.
When Is Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion Used?
| Procedure | Microdermabrasion | Dermabrasion |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Uses tiny exfoliating crystals to remove the outer layer of skin, making it softer and brighter. | Involves surgical removal of the top layers of skin to improve scars and skin texture. |
| Best For | Dull skin, brown spots, age spots. | Acne scars, pox marks, scars from accidents or disease. |
| Skin Type Compatibility | Works on all skin types and colors. | Generally safe for people with fair skin only. |
| Downtime | Requires less downtime; no surgery or anesthetics needed. | Healing usually takes 7 to 10 days; may require more downtime. |
| Post-Procedure Effects | Skin may feel pink, dry, and tight for about 24 hours. | Skin may feel “brush-burned” for a few days; redness and swelling for 2 to 3 weeks. |
| Side Effects | Irritation from crystals in unprotected eyes. | Uneven skin color changes, scar formation, swelling, infection, darkening from sun exposure. |
| Aftercare |
|
|
| Procedure Setting | Can be done in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. | Typically performed by a plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon. |
| Anesthesia | No anesthesia required. | Local anesthesia; may use sedatives or general anesthesia for complex cases. |
| Benefits | Improves skin texture and appearance without significant recovery time. | Reduces appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and scars. |
| Risks | Minimal risks; mainly irritation. | Reactions to medicines, breathing problems, bleeding, blood clots, infection, lasting skin color changes. |
| Recovery Time | Most can return to normal activities within a day or two. | Most can return to normal activities in about 2 weeks. |
| Sun Protection | Protect from sun exposure for a few days. | Protect from sun for 6 to 12 weeks or until full color returns. |
| Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Qualifications | Board-certified, members of professional organizations (e.g., American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). |
| Recommendations | Seek personal recommendations from friends, family, and medical professionals. |
| Research | Check for fellowship training and any disciplinary actions with the state medical board. |
| Factors to Consider |
|
| Red Flags |
|
Dermabrasion Recovery Time
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that typically takes at least two weeks for the skin to heal, with some patients experiencing full results after several weeks or even months. The recovery time depends on the individual’s skin type and unique characteristics, such as fair skin and light-colored hair, or thin and delicate nasal skin. Some medical conditions and medications may make a person unsuitable for dermabrasion, such as Rosacea, blood, immune, or skin disorders that slow the healing process, recent facelift or facelift procedures, burn scars, dark skin, Herpes simplex, keloid conditions, medications for acne, cold-sensitive skin, and other medications.
Side effects of dermabrasion are rare but can include acne flare-ups, temporary or permanent uneven changes in skin color, temporary or permanent darkening of the skin, enlarged pores, scarring, swelling, and infection. The procedure is painless, as the skin is numbed using local anesthesia or a freezing spray, and the patient may feel like they had a bad sunburn after the procedure. If a severe stinging sensation occurs, pain medications may be prescribed by the healthcare provider.
What are the benefits of dermabrasion vs. chemical peels?
Dermabrasion is a skin treatment method that can provide several benefits over chemical peels. It boosts collagen production, which leads to younger-looking skin and less discoloration risk in medium skin tones. Dermabrasion is also more effective at reducing deeper acne scars than chemical peels.
Post-procedure self-care routines may feel like a bad sunburn for a few days, but healing usually occurs within 10 to 14 days. The newly formed skin will gradually develop a normal color over the course of about three months. Makeup can be used as a cover-up as soon as the skin is healed, and most people can resume most of their normal activities seven to 14 days after dermabrasion.
Some post-procedure aftercare options include lip augmentation, cheek implants, chin implants, forehead/brow lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), nasal surgery (rhinoplasty), and face/neck lift (rhytidectomy). Lip augmentation is suitable for young individuals who want bigger lips or those who have thinned lips. However, these procedures come with risks such as allergic reactions, infection, rejection by the body, and potential numbness in the forehead and scalp.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is suitable for those with droopy eyelids, bags, or puffiness around the eyes. However, they also carry the risk of blindness, dry eyes, visible scars, and eyelid “pulling” (which can cause eye irritation). Nasal surgery (rhinoplasty) is suitable for those with a large or crooked nose that is droopy or has a bump. However, these procedures won’t stop the natural aging process, so it’s important to consider whether you’re at the right age for cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery options often involve less invasive or more isolated procedures, and in some cases, your doctor may recommend one of a number of skin care products or nonsurgical cosmetic procedures to treat your problem. Isolated cosmetic surgeries, such as neck lifts, forehead lifts, mid-face lifts, eyelid surgery, or chin surgery, can minimize the effects of aging and offer a fresher, more youthful look. Cosmetic procedures to improve the body’s appearance include liposuction, breast enlargement or reduction, and abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck).
Minimally invasive cosmetic surgery has become the preferred method for many surgical procedures, including cosmetic surgery. This type of surgery uses a viewing scope and specially designed surgical instruments to perform major surgery through several tiny openings without the need for a large incision. These minimally invasive alternatives usually result in less pain, less scarring, and quicker recovery for the patient, as well as reduced healthcare costs. Most surgeries, from heart operations to vasectomies, are now being done with minimally invasive methods. In fact, operations and therapeutic procedures performed through smaller incisions are becoming standard in surgical medicine.
Conclusion
Dermabrasion can decrease the appearance of fine facial lines and improve the look of many skin flaws, including acne scars, scars from surgery, age spots and wrinkles. Dermabrasion can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures.
