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.

Is Dermabrasion Good For Your Face

Microdermabrasion uses tiny exfoliating crystals that are sprayed on the skin. It works best on problems such as dull skin, brown spots, and age spots.

When Is Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion Used?

Dermabrasion was developed to improve acne scars, pox marks, and scars from accidents or disease. It’s not effective in treating congenital skin defects, most moles, pigmented birthmarks, or scars caused by burns.

Dermabrasion is generally only safe for people with fair skin. For people with darker skin, dermabrasion can result in scarring or discoloration.

Microdermabrasion works on all skin types and colors. It makes subtle changes, causing no skin color change or scarring. It is not effective for deeper problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, or deep acne scars.

With microdermabrasion, there is less downtime than with dermabrasion. Skin is temporarily pink but fully recovers within 24 hours. It doesn’t require surgery or anesthetics. That may help people who cannot take “downtime” for healing.

How Do Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Work?

Dermabrasion is done in the doctor’s office. You may get medication to relax you before the procedure starts. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and you’ll get shots of numbing medicine to anesthetize the area to be treated.

The doctor will use a high-speed instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush to remove the outer layers of your skin and improve any irregularities in your skin’s surface.

In microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin to gently remove the outer layer of your skin. This technique is less aggressive than dermabrasion, so you don’t need numbing medicine. It is basically an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure that leaves skin looking softer and brighter.

What Happens After Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion?

After a dermabrasion procedure, your skin will feel as though it has been severely “brush-burned” for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe or recommend medications to ease any discomfort you may feel. Healing usually happens within seven to 10 days.

Your new skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal color. In most cases, the pinkness largely fades by six to eight weeks. You can use makeup as soon as the skin is healed.

Generally, most people can resume their normal activities in seven to 14 days after dermabrasion. You should avoid sunlight for a few weeks after the pink color has gone away. When outdoors, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

After microdermabrasion, your skin will be pink and feel dry and tight (like sunburn or windburn) for about 24 hours. Use moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Some types of makeup should not be applied for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

Are There Side Effects and Complications With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion?

Dermabrasion side effects include:

• Uneven changes in skin color (temporary or permanent)
• Formation of a scar
• Swelling
• Infection
• Darkening of the skin (usually temporary but may be permanent); this is caused by sun exposure in the days and months following the procedure.

Microdermabrasion side effects include:

• Irritation from crystals getting into unprotected eyes

Care After Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion: You will have a follow-up appointment soon after your dermabrasion. Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after the procedure. Do not take aspirin or any products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for one week afterwards. Don’t smoke.. Avoid sun exposure as best you can for three to six months.

Microdermabrasion: Use moisturizers and sunscreens. Avoid sun exposure for a few days immediately after the procedure.

Dermabrasion Treatment

Dermabrasion is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is a type of skin-smoothing surgery. Dermabrasion may be offered to patients with facial scars from acne, accidents and previous surgery; fine facial wrinkles, such as around the mouth; or precancerous growths (keratoses)

Dermabrasion is usually done by a doctor, either a plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon. The procedure takes place in your doctor’s office or an outpatient clinic.

You’ll likely be awake. A numbing medicine (local anesthesia) will be applied to the skin that will be treated.

If you are having a complex procedure, you may be given medicines called sedatives to make you sleepy and less anxious. Another option is general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep through surgery and not feel any pain during the procedure.

Dermabrasion uses a special device to gently and carefully “sand down” the top surface of the skin down to normal, healthy skin. Petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment is placed on the treated skin to prevent scabs and scars from forming.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Dermabrasion may be helpful if you have:

• Age-related skin growths
• Fine lines and wrinkles, such as around the mouth
• Precancerous growths
• Scars on the face due to acne, accidents, or previous surgery
• Reduce the appearance of sun damage and photo-aging

For many of these conditions, other treatments can be done, such as laser or chemical peels or medicine injected into the skin. Talk to your provider about treatment options for your skin problem.

Risks

Risks of any anesthesia and surgery in general include:

• Reactions to medicines, breathing problems
• Bleeding, blood clots, infection

Risks of dermabrasion include:

• Lasting skin color changes with the skin staying lighter, darker, or pinker
• Scars

After the Procedure

After the procedure:

• Your skin will be red and swollen. Swelling usually goes away within 2 to 3 weeks.
• You may feel aching, tingling, or burning for a while. The doctor can prescribe medicine to help control pain.
• If you’ve had cold sores (herpes) before, your doctor may give you antiviral medicine to prevent an outbreak.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on skin care after you go home.

During healing:

• The new layer of skin will be a little swollen, sensitive, itchy, and bright pink for several weeks.
• Healing time depends on the extent of dermabrasion or the size of the treatment area.
• Most people can go back to normal activities in about 2 weeks. You should avoid any activity that could cause injury to the treated area. Avoid sports that involve balls, such as baseball, for 4 to 6 weeks.
• For about 3 weeks after surgery, your skin will turn red when you drink alcohol.
• Men who have this procedure may need to avoid shaving for a while and use an electric razor when shaving again.

Protect your skin from the sun for 6 to 12 weeks or until your skin color has returned to normal. You can wear hypoallergenic make-up to hide any changes in skin color. New skin should closely match the surrounding skin when full color returns.

Troubled by fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, or unwanted facial or body hair? If so, a number of skin care products and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures — many of which can be performed during a lunch hour — may help.

• Correct the sun damage of aging. There are a variety of physician-recommended skin care products available. These products are effective for correcting aging skin, sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation and acne while offering superior skin rejuvenation capabilities. Products such as Retin-A can help reverse some of the effects of sun damage, and ingredients such as vitamin C minimize the adverse effects of oxygen radicals on the skin. Such skin care products have been scientifically shown to have a beneficial effect on aging skin.
• Rejuvenate tired skin. Chemical peels, microneedling, micropens, and microdermabrasion offer state-of-the-art renewal of skin that is tired, dull-looking, or damaged. Patients emerge with smoother, softer and healthier-looking skin. Laser rejuvenation, intense pulsed light, radiofrequency, electrical, heat and low-level light devices are other techniques that can be used to refresh skin and correct some of the signs of aging.
• Lift sagging skin.  Thread lifts are in-office procedures that are done to lift sagging skin.
• Remove unwanted hair.Laser treatments remove hair more quickly, less painfully, and more reliably than even electrolysis.
• Remove unwanted fat.  Heating, cooling, lasers, radiofrequency and ultrasound devices are used to noninvasively remove fat.

How to Find a Cosmetic Surgeon

First, you should interview two or three surgeons whose specialties match your needs. The surgeons should be board-certified and members of one of these professional organizations:

• The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• The American Academy of Dermatology
• The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

There may be qualified surgeons in other professional organizations, but these are the primary groups that certify that doctors are qualified to perform cosmetic surgery.

Personal recommendations are important. Ask friends for referrals if they’ve gotten a similar procedure. Get opinions from your family doctor or other medical professionals.

Remember, cosmetic surgery is a very competitive field. Don’t be confused by groups claiming to be “the only” or “the best,” because this excludes many surgeons who may be better choices for your particular issues. Ask about their fellowship training — specialized training in specific procedures. Check with your state’s medical board to verify the surgeon’s board certification, education, and license. And check whether disciplinary action has been taken against the surgeon.

Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Surgeon

When you’ve narrowed your choices to one or two cosmetic surgeons, look at things like:

• What is the surgeon’s area of expertise?
• Has the surgeon practiced for many years or performed many of these procedures?
• Is the surgeon friendly yet confident and professional?
• If the procedure will not be performed in the doctor’s office, does the surgeon use a certified surgical facility with board-certified anesthesiologists and up-to-date emergency equipment and anesthesia monitoring devices?
• What is the total price of the surgery? (This includes the surgeon’s fee, operating room, anesthesia, and other charges.)
• Are you allowed to see before and after pictures of other patients? Are computer images available for you and the surgeon to view together?
• Does the surgeon encourage you to ask questions?
• Are the surgeon’s answers to your questions realistic?
• If a second surgery is needed, what is your financial responsibility?

After you’ve settled on a doctor and a procedure, you may want to get a second opinion. This will help you feel confident about your final decision.

You should exclude any cosmetic surgeon who:

• Does not routinely perform the procedure you are considering
• Dismisses the risks of surgery or is not open to talking about possible complications
• Guarantees results
• Will not or cannot show before and after photos of other patients
• Does not allow you to freely ask questions
• Is not courteous and respectful
• Offers bargain fees or gimmicks
• Is not routinely involved in postoperative care

Keep in mind, excellent credentials and a good rapport with your surgeon do not guarantee a favorable outcome. However, they are the foundation of a successful partnership between your surgeon and you

Dermabrasion Recovery Time

What is the recovery time from dermabrasion? It will likely take at least two weeks for your skin to heal. Several weeks (or even months) might pass by before you’ll see the full, complete results.

Your skin type and other unique characteristics should factor into your decision to have a cosmetic procedure. For example, skin resurfacing techniques work best on people with fair skin and light-colored hair. People with thin and delicate nasal skin get the best results from nose surgery (rhinoplasty).

This list will help you determine if you are a good candidate for a specific facial cosmetic procedure:

Some medical conditions and medications you have may mean you’re not a good candidate for dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is not ideal if you have:

• Rosacea puts you at risk of infection.
• Blood, immune or skin disorders that slow the healing process.
• Browlift or facelift procedures done recently.
• Burn scars as they won’t respond to dermabrasion.
• Dark skin, as it increases the chances of permanent discoloration or scarring.
• Herpes simplex can complicate healing with infection and cold sores, which may scar.
• Keloid conditions that cause scarring.
• Medications for acne in previous months, such as isotretinoin (Absorica®, Claravis®) or any other medications that may thin your skin, or blood thinners that put you at an increased bleeding risk.
• Skin that is cold-sensitive.

Are there side effects and complications with dermabrasion?

Side effects of dermabrasion are uncommon but can occur. The most common complications include:

• Acne flare-ups. Sometimes people with acne rosacea experience tiny white spots (milia), which will eventually go away as the skin heals.
• Temporary or permanent uneven changes in skin color.
• Temporary or permanent darkening of the skin, usually caused by sun exposure in the days and months following surgery.
• Enlarged pores (usually temporary).
• Scarring.
• Swelling.
• Infection.

Is dermabrasion painful?

Your skin will be numbed using local anesthesia or a freezing spray during the procedure so that you won’t feel any pain. After the procedure, you may feel like you had a bad sunburn. If there is a severe stinging sensation, your healthcare provider may prescribe pain medications.

What are the benefits of dermabrasion vs. chemical peels?

There are benefits you may get from dermabrasion that you may not get from a chemical peel. Benefits of dermabrasion vs. chemical peels include:

• Boosts collagen: Studies show that dermabrasion stimulates collagen production in your skin, which boosts rejuvenation effects and means you’ll have younger-looking skin. Collagen production from a chemical peel isn’t as effective.
• Better for medium skin tones: Dermatologists report less discoloration risk in medium skin tones with dermabrasion versus chemical peels.
• Deep scar reduction: Studies also show that dermabrasion is more effective at reducing deeper acne scars than chemical peels.

What will my dermabrasion post-procedure self-care routine look like?

After the procedure, your skin may feel as though you have a bad sunburn for a few days. You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to check your skin and re-apply a dressing to keep your skin moist and protected. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help reduce the sting you may feel. Healing usually occurs within 10 to 14 days. The newly formed skin, which will be very pink and tender at first, 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. Most people can resume most of their normal activities seven to 14 days after dermabrasion.

Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will give you an aftercare leaflet so that you know how to take care of your newly exposed skin while it’s in the delicate stages of healing. Here’s what to expect in your post-procedure aftercare routine.

• Lip augmentation. You’re a good candidate if you are young and want bigger lips or if you are older and your lips have thinned. You are not a good candidate if you have recently taken the acne drug Accutane or if you have one of these conditions: herpes, diabetes, an autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, serious allergic reactions of any type. Also, you must accept the risk of allergic reaction to the implanted material.
• Cheek implants. You are a good candidate if you have flat cheekbones or early sagging of the cheeks. You are not a good candidate if you have excess sagging of the skin, which is better treated with a facelift. Also, you must accept the risk that the implant could become infected, be rejected by your body, or shift to an abnormal position requiring more surgery.
• Chin implant. You are a good candidate if you have a weak chin or if your chin is not balanced with your nose. You are not a good candidate if you have an abnormal dental bite that requires jaw realignment. Also, you must be able to accept the risk that the implant could become infected, be rejected by your body, or shift to an abnormal position requiring more surgery.
• Forehead/brow lift. You are a good candidate if you have heavy eyebrows, deep forehead wrinkles, or frown lines. You are not a good candidate if you are balding or scar easily. Also, you must be able to accept the risk of losing your hair around the surgical area and the possibility of having some numbness in your forehead and scalp.
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). You are a good candidate if you have droopy eyelids, bags, or puffiness around your eyes. You must be able to accept the risk of blindness (extremely rare), dry eyes, visible scars, and eyelid “pulling” (which can cause eye irritation).
• Nasal surgery (rhinoplasty). You are a good candidate if you have a large or crooked nose that is droopy or has a bump. You are not a good candidate if you have thick skin, are a child (not fully physically developed), or play contact sports. Also, you must be able to accept the possibility that in 15% to 20% of cases, additional surgery is needed for best results.
• Face/neck lift (rhytidectomy). You are a good candidate if the skin and soft tissues on your face and neck sag with deep wrinkles, jowls, and a double chin. You are not a good candidate if your skin is not elastic and flexible or if you are significantly overweight. You must also accept that aging continues and be willing to accept the risk of skin loss, scarring, numbness, partial facial paralysis, or a change in hairline.

Remember, these procedures won’t stop the natural aging process. Think about whether you’re at the right age for cosmetic surgery. For example, you can have a facelift in your 30s, but it may last only 5 or 10 years. Some people delay having a facelift until they are in their 40s or 50s, hoping to have only one or two procedures.

Cosmetic Surgery Options

Often a less invasive or more isolated procedure will do almost as well as a more involved surgery. And in some cases, your doctor may recommend one of a number of skin care products or nonsurgical cosmetic procedures to treat your problem. Below is a summary of some of the newer options available.

Isolated cosmetic surgeries

For people with less facial aging, a neck lift, forehead lift, mid-face lift, 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

For many surgical procedures, including cosmetic surgery, the method of choice has shifted from traditional open surgery to the use of less invasive techniques. Minimally invasive surgery is surgery done with the aid of a viewing scope and specially designed surgical instruments. The scope allows the surgeon 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 a 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.