What To Do After Dermabrasion

The sun should be avoided. In dermabrasion, also known as surgical skin planing, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a specialized instrument to “sand” the skin. This planing or abrasive action smoothes down the skin’s surface, which enhances the skin’s overall contour. If you desire silkier skin, dermabrasion is a viable choice. Sun damage, wrinkles, melasma, acne scars, and other skin flaws often fade or disappear completely for many patients. But before deciding if dermabrasion is best for you, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the hazards.

If you have fair skin, dermabrasion can be effective. The risk of scarring and discolouration is higher for people with darker skin tones. Alternative skin resurfacing methods may be more effective if your skin is darker. Dermabrasion’ is a simple, uncomplicated term. The word “dermabrasion” refers to the removal of skin from a surface by the action of scraping or wearing. Meaning “scraping of the skin,” the term is etymologically appropriate.

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?


Aspect Details
Procedure Description

  • Surgical skin planing procedure

  • Uses specialized instrument to “sand” the skin

  • Improves skin contour and unveils smooth new skin


Conditions Treated

  • Fine lines and wrinkles

  • Melasma

  • Acne scars

  • Age spots

  • Crocodile feet

  • Pox marks

  • Red, thick nose skin

  • Scars from acne, accidents, or surgery

  • Benign skin growths

  • Precancerous skin patches

  • Sun damage

  • Stretch marks


Candidate Considerations

  • Skin will be pink and raw post-procedure

  • Proper post-procedural care is essential

  • Healing may take several months


Preoperative Instructions

  • Stay out of the sun

  • Stop certain medications

  • No smoking for at least two weeks before the procedure


Procedure Details

  • Skin cleansed with antiseptic

  • Numbing spray, topical anesthetic gel, or local anesthetic injection used

  • High-speed rotary instrument with abrasive diamond wheel or wire brush used

  • Moist dressing applied post-procedure

  • Duration: a few minutes to over 90 minutes


Post-Procedure Care

  • Arrange for someone to drive you home

  • Follow-up visit instructions provided

  • Attend follow-up visits to monitor condition


Outpatient Procedure

  • Performed in office, surgery center, or hospital

  • Overnight stay not typically required

  • Possible hospital admission for extensive work


Contraindications

  • Rosacea

  • Blood, immune, or skin disorders

  • Recent facelift or eyebrow lift

  • Burn scars

  • Dark skin

  • Herpes simplex

  • Keloid conditions

  • Recent acne medications

  • Cold-sensitive skin


Side Effects and Complications

  • Acne flare-ups

  • Uneven skin color changes

  • Darkening of the skin

  • Enlarged pores

  • Scarring

  • Swelling

  • Infection


Benefits Over Chemical Peels

  • Boosts collagen production

  • Better for medium skin tones

  • More effective at reducing deeper acne scars


Post-Procedure Self-Care

  • Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours

  • Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for a week

  • No swimming in chlorinated pools for a month

  • Avoid vigorous sports for four to six weeks

  • Change dressing as directed

  • Cleanse skin several times per day

  • Reapply moist petroleum jelly

  • Avoid smoking

  • Stay out of direct sunlight for three to six months

  • Wear SPF 30 sunscreen daily

  • Take prescribed antiviral or antibacterial medications

  • Attend all follow-up visits


Recovery Time At least two weeks, with specific instructions for health conditions during healing.
Overall Benefits Improves skin appearance and may provide 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.

Don’t Wax The Treatment Area
Your skin may be very sensitive and waxing can become more painful than usual, but it may also affect the results of the microdermabrasion treatment. You should also avoid harsh chemicals and any fake tanner, as these can irritate the skin or lead to hyperpigmentation.

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.

How To Care For Your Skin After Microdermabrasion

Conclusion

People of all ages, including children, can get dermabrasion. However, if you’re on the older side, keep in mind that you might heal slower than expected.

Two factors may keep you from eligibility: skin type and medical history. If you are Asian, Black, or have a dark complexion in general, this treatment could permanently discolor your skin. You might not want to risk dermabrasion.

If you have medical conditions like allergic rashes, skin reactions, fever blisters or cold sores, you could risk a flare-up. Also, if your acne is ongoing, dermabrasion isn’t an option because there’s a risk of infection. Infection is also a risk if you’ve had a bad burn, chemical peel, or if you’ve had radiation treatments.

One last risk is that your freckles might go away when your skin gets scraped.

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