DERMABRASION This is a procedure usually performed for the purpose of wrinkle removal, or the treatment of other skin conditions, such as acne, chicken pox or small pox scarring. The procedure is performed by the use of a rapidly revolving wheel or abrasive brush, which removes the top layers of the skin. Dermabrasion initially causes the skin to bleed and to become swollen, red, raw, and painful. After a few days the skin is covered with a hard crust, which lasts for several more days. The crusts are followed by skin growth, which is pink or red. This pink skin condition lasts several weeks after the dermabrasion. While a certain amount of improvement is anticipated, the exact amount of change in the appearance of the skin cannot be accurately predicted. Complications from dermabrasion are uncommon, but they do sometimes occur. It is possible that this procedure will not help you. Occasionally repeat treatments are necessary before adequate results can be obtained. It is even possible that scars treated may be more noticeable after the dermabrasion. Because of these facts, we can make no guarantee as to the result that might be obtained from this procedure. In addition, even if dermabrasion is successful initially, the results may not be permanent. Some of the possible complications of dermabrasion are; alteration in the pigmentation of the skin including excessive darkening or bleaching of the skin; scarring; infection; increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight; excessive bleeding; prolonged inflammation and discoloration of the skin. Some of the complications of dermabrasion can cause the need for further corrective surgery. The problems include unsightly and painful residue scars. There are alternatives to dermabrasion, such as accepting your present skin condition, using cosmetics, and considering excisional scar surgery or chemical peeling of the skin. Patients who undergo dermabrasion must avoid sunlight for six months and must use a sunscreen indefinitely. Darker pigmented patients tend to have more problems with skin coloring after the procedure and have a higher incidence of scarring as compared to fairer complexions in other patients.
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