Dermabrasion is a surgical treatment that involves the removal of the top layer of skin using an abrasive device. Wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin issues can all be treated with this. The treatment is versatile and can be used alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures like chemical peels or laser treatments.

The dermabrasion process is generally safe, but there are few things you should avoid doing afterwards. In this piece, we’ll go over several things you shouldn’t do after getting a dermabrasion to make sure you don’t end up with an infection, scarring, or any other problems.

In this post, we provide the best and most up-to-date information on what to expect after dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, as well as what not to do after either procedure.

Dermabrasion is a procedure for people who want smoother skin. If you suffer from scars due to acne, surgery or accidents, have melasma or precancerous rough patches, dermabrasion can reveal more smooth and youthful skin. Performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, dermabrasion is low risk, but certain skin types may not get the best results.

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure where a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a specialized instrument to “sand” the skin. This abrasive or planing action improves skin contour as it scrapes away top layers of skin to unveil smooth new skin.

Dermabrasion is an option if you want smoother skin. Many people who suffer from skin irregularities such as fine lines from sun damage, wrinkles, melasma, acne scars (and more) see great improvement. But, it’s important to understand the risks as well as the rewards before you decide if dermabrasion is right for you.

Dermabrasion offers good results if you have fair skin. Darker skin tones are more prone to scarring or discoloration. If your skin is darker, you may achieve better results with alternative skin resurfacing procedures.

The word “dermabrasion” is straightforward. “Derm” means “skin” and “abrasion” means “the process of scraping or wearing something away.” The word itself means “scraping of the skin.”

What kinds of conditions get treated with dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion was first developed to lessen acne scars and pox marks. Today, it’s also used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, remove tattoos and reverse sun damage. Not every skin condition can benefit from dermabrasion, but many can.

Dermabrasion can improve:

• Age (liver) spots.
• Crow’s feet and fine lines.
• Melasma and other patches of dark skin.
• Pox marks and tattoos.
• Red, thick skin on the nose (rhinophyma).
• Scars from acne, accidents, or surgery.
• Skin growths that are benign (noncancerous).
• Precancerous skin patches.
• Sun damage and wrinkles.
• Stretch marks.

Dermabrasion can’t improve:

• Birthmarks.
• Burns.
• Moles.

Who is dermabrasion right for?

Dermabrasion can be used to people of any age, including young ones. If you’re older, though, be aware that your recovery may take longer than anticipated.

Your skin type and medical history are two things that could prevent you from being eligible. Your skin may get permanently discolored if you are Asian, Black, or have a dark complexion in general. Perhaps dermabrasion is not something you want to risk.

You run the risk of experiencing a flare-up if you have any medical disorders such as cold sores, fever blisters, skin responses, or allergic rashes. Additionally, dermabrasion is not an option if your acne is persistent due to the possibility of infection. You run the chance of being infected if you’ve had radiation therapy, a severe burn, or a chemical peel.

Finally, when your skin is scraped, your freckles may disappear.

Is dermabrasion an outpatient or inpatient procedure?

Dermabrasion is an outpatient procedure. That means that you’ll be in the office, surgery center or hospital for the procedure, but that you won’t stay overnight. In rare cases, if there is extensive work that needs monitored, you may be admitted into the hospital.

Can I do dermabrasion on myself at home?

Only a trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon should perform a dermabrasion. Make sure you find a qualified professional.

What’s the difference between dermabrasion and other skin resurfacing options like microdermabrasion?

Depending upon your skin type, condition and goals, you may want to consider other skin resurfacing options. Work with your dermatologist to figure out which option will work best for you.

Consider the following skin resurfacing alternatives:

• Chemical peels use chemicals to dissolve top layers of skin of all skin types.
• Laser skin resurfacing utilizes a laser to reduce wrinkles or scars on fair skin types only.
• Microneedling uses a physical device to reduce wrinkles or scars on all skin types.
• Microdermabrasion uses a spray of tiny abrasive crystals to soften all skin types. It’s a lighter procedure than dermabrasion and won’t work for deep skin issues, such as stretch marks, scars or wrinkles. It doesn’t require anesthesia and your skin recovers in 24 hours.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

What happens before the dermabrasion procedure?

You’ll meet with your dermatologic or plastic surgeon before the procedure to discuss your goals and expectations. During the consultation, your plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon will describe the type of anesthesia, the procedure and what realistic results you can expect. A 50% improvement in your skin’s condition is considered a good result.

To be considered a good candidate for dermabrasion, you need to prepare yourself for how you’ll look while your skin is healing. Your skin will be very pink and raw; without proper post-procedural care, a scab-like crust will form, potentially delaying healing and worsening the outcome. Your skin may ooze and it will have a moist dressing on it for the day immediately following surgery, prior to starting wound care at home. It’s critical to stay out of the sun during the healing period so that the new skin heals evenly and doesn’t become discolored. You may want to take at least two weeks off from work for your skin to heal properly. It may take several months for the full results to emerge.

Dermabrasion is typically an outpatient procedure performed in your healthcare provider’s office where your skin is numbed with a local anesthetic. But, if you’re having other cosmetic procedures at the same time (such as a facelift), you may have your procedure done at an inpatient surgery center and receive general anesthesia. Your healthcare provider will also explain the risks and complications that may occur and will take photographs before and after the procedure to evaluate your results.

Be prepared at the consultation to discuss the following with your healthcare provider:

• Your medical conditions.
• Drug allergies.
• Past medical treatments, including surgeries.
• Current medications.
• Current vitamins and other supplements.
• Tobacco, drug and alcohol use.

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

Once you’ve scheduled your dermabrasion procedure, your healthcare provider will give you preoperative instructions. To prepare for your procedure, your healthcare provider may instruct you to:

• Stay out of the sun. Your healthcare provider will likely speak to you about how recent sun exposure before your procedure can cause your skin to permanently discolor after dermabrasion.
• Stop certain drugs you take. Ask your healthcare provider how long you should stop blood thinners or other medications you take that have skin discoloration side effects (hyperpigmentation).
• Don’t smoke. Stop for at least two weeks leading up to your procedure because it decreases blood flow and slows the healing process.

What happens during the procedure?

Your skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic and your healthcare provider will give you any or a combination of the following to make you comfortable during the dermabrasion procedure:

• Numbing spray.
• Topical anesthetic gel.
• Local anesthetic injection.

Once the numbing medication has taken effect, your healthcare provider will use a high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive diamond wheel or wire brush to scrape away the outer layers of skin and reveal the fresh layers underneath. Once the procedure is complete, your healthcare provider will apply a moist dressing to your skin to keep it protected while it heals.

How long does the procedure last?

The length of the procedure depends on how much of the skin will go through dermabrasion. It may take a few minutes, or it may take more than 90 minutes.

Will I be asleep during the procedure?

You will be awake during the procedure but the area will be numbed. Sometimes general anesthesia is necessary.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You won’t be able to operate a vehicle.

Before you leave the healthcare provider’s office, you’ll receive instructions about when to return for a follow-up visit and how to change the dressing. Your healthcare provider will prescribe an antiviral and an antibiotic to help you avoid infections. They also may suggest you use a retinoid ointment (Retin-A®). This vitamin A treatment can boost skin rejuvenation.

After dermabrasion you’ll have to do the following to avoid any problems:

• Cleanse your skin several times a day. This will remove the crusting caused by the normal healing process, and help avoid infection.
• Keep the area moist and help the healing process by changing the ointment or dressing regularly.
• Avoid sun exposure. (And use sunscreen every day after you heal.)

You’ll attend one or more follow-up visits so that your healthcare provider can monitor your condition. They will want to double-check that you’re healing that there are no signs of infection.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What are the risks of dermabrasion?

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, as it 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 which 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.

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.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

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 after-care 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 after-care routine.

For your post-procedure routine you will need to:

• Stay away from alcohol for the first 48 hours after the procedure.
• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for a week following dermabrasion.
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools for a month.
• Avoid vigorous sports for four to six weeks.
• Change the dressing on the abrasion as directed by your healthcare provider. Typically, instructions will say to cleanse the skin several times per day to prevent crusting. Then, reapply a moist dressing of a petroleum jelly product designed to help skin heal.
• Don’t smoke because smoking reduces blood flow and can delay healing.
• Stay out of direct sunlight for three to six months and wear SPF 30 sunscreen every day.
• Take any antiviral or antibacterial medications your healthcare provider has prescribed.
• Go to all follow-up visits with your healthcare providers.

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.

Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely as some people may receive specific instructions intended to keep certain health conditions they have in check while they heal.

Dermabrasion is a terrific tool to improve your skin’s appearance and may give you the added benefit of increased confidence.

How To Care For Your Skin After Microdermabrasion

Do you have dry skin, clogged pores, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines? If you want to reduce these issues and make your skin less dull, microdermabrasion can help. This treatment offers many benefits and is a fast, gentle, and non-invasive way to revitalize the skin. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin to create a rejuvenated, fresh look. Using a Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion technique, microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells, oils, and other build-ups on the skin. This treatment requires  no downtime and reveals new, healthier skin cells that make the complexion look younger and brighter. After a microdermabrasion treatment, there are some precautions you need to take to ensure the best results and to keep your skin radiant for longer.

Post-Microdermabrasion Care

Gently Wash Your Face
After you get home from your microdermabrasion treatment, you may want to wash your face to remove any remaining dead skin cells. Use a wet cloth and a rehydrating toner instead of a full face routine. You don’t want to use any products that will irritate your skin or clog pores and if you use a cleanser, make sure it is gentle. It is also recommended to avoid any heavily scented products on the treatment area.

Stop Exfoliation
Microdermabrasion is essentially an intense form of exfoliation, as it takes off all of the dead skin from the treatment area, nulifying the need to exfoliate for 7 to 10 days after treatment. Because microdermabrasion removes the topmost layer of the skin, exfoliating will irritate the fresh, new skin that is revealed after treatment. Do not use any retinols, microbeads, or enzymes, as these can all irritate the skin.

Do Not Pick Your Skin
Some areas of dry skin may appear after microdermabrasion, but do not pick, scratch, or scrub the dead skin away. This can irritate the skin and pulling off dead skin can even lead to infection. Peeling any dry skin can also cause hyperpigmentation and redness. Instead, use a scent-free facial moisturizer.

Moisturize Inside And Out
Staying hydrated both internally and externally will help keep your skin radiant. Using moisturizer frequently will help reduce any dry skin caused by microdermabrasion. A daily moisturizer also helps your skin stay hydrated and supple for the long term. Drinking plenty of water will also help keep your skin look young both now and in the future. Drinking water is a vital part of minimizing dry skin.

Wear Sunscreen
While it’s always important to wear sunscreen every day, it is even more crucial after microdermabrasion. This treatment will temporarily increase photosensitivity and your skin will need extra protection from UV rays. It’s best to stay out of direct sunlight 48 hours after treatment, and to avoid wearing sunscreen for 24 hours after treatment so as not to clog your pores. After these first 24 hours, you should wear sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF 30 on your face everyday regardless of the weather, as UV rays can cause signs of early aging as well as skin cancer.

Do you have dry skin, clogged pores, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines? If you want to reduce these issues and make your skin less dull, microdermabrasion can help. This treatment offers many benefits and is a fast, gentle, and non-invasive way to revitalize the skin. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin to create a rejuvenated, fresh look. Using a Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion technique, microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells, oils, and other build-ups on the skin. This treatment requires  no downtime and reveals new, healthier skin cells that make the complexion look younger and brighter. After a microdermabrasion treatment, there are some precautions you need to take to ensure the best results and to keep your skin radiant for longer.

FAQ

Q: Can microdermabrasion help with my acne?
A: Yes, microdermabrasion can help reduce acne and this treatment can be beneficial for the reduction of the appearance of acne scars. Learn more by reading 4 Great Benefits of Opting for a Microdermabrasion Acne Treatment.

Q: Is microdermabrasion used only on the face?
A: While the face is a very popular area for microdermabrasion, this treatment can also be used on the chest, neck, and back. Speak to a Glo Skin And Medspa skin specialist if you have another area of concern you would like to address. 

Q: Is microdermabrasion safe?
A: Yes, microdermabrasion is completely safe. Before you receive treatment, a Glo Skin And Medspa skin care specialist will assess your skin and discuss any concerns you may have to help achieve the best results while putting your mind at ease.

Conclusion

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.