Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion consists in removing the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis) until the superficial dermis. Its depth depends on the importance of the correction, of the treated area, of skin quality and of the expected result. The removed epidermis will recover naturally and a smoother surface will appear.

Before the procedure

Skin preparation is important in order to optimize the result: skin cleansing, fruit acids creams or vitamin A acid creams and antibiotics can be prescribed by the surgeon during 2 or 3 weeks before the procedure for your skin to be in the best condition possible for the procedure.

The procedure

The procedure is performed under local, loco-regional, general anaesthesia or analgesia. It can be carried out in an ambulatory facility or you can be hospitalized during one day or a few days.

After cleansing and desinfection of the skin and preparation of the sterile field, dermabrasion is carried out with a rotary brush or drill of variable size, shape and grain, linked to a hand piece and an electronic engine allowing high rotation speed (15 to 35000 tours/minute).

Rotation speed, the abrasivity of the drill and the pressure exerted by the surgeon allows a precise control of the abrasion and of its depth. This depth depends on the importance of the correction, of the treated area, of skin quality and of the expected result. The gesture is extremely delicate near the eyelids, the hair, the eyebrows and the mucous membrane. At the end of the procedure the dermis is exposed and bleeds. It needs to be covered and protected with a closed dressing, dry or greasy, removed and replaced everyday because of the important oozing/with an open dressing consisting in applying a greasy Vaseline substance several times a day.

After the procedure

Ooze appears immediately after the procedure on the surface of the exposed dermis and causes redness, oedema and oozing. As soon as the 5th day, a thin epidermal layer appears. Its attaches with the underlying dermis are still fragile so this layer is very fragile and must not be rubbed, traumatized or scrubbed. Local treatments based on fatty substances or dressings will enhance healing and protect the skin during recovery, which takes between 10 and 15 days. If they are well performed, these local treatments avoid crust apparition. Some crusts can appear and must be kept in place to enhance healing and avoid potential scars.

Progressively, a smoother skin with a better elasticity regenerates itself. Pigmentation starts to appear after 1 month and must not be stimulated by sun exposure to avoid hyperpigmentation. Proper make up and sun protection are advised from the 10th day after surgery to hide erythema. Its intensity varies (reddish or pinkish aspect of the treated skin during 1 to 2 months or more. This is not a complication and is commonly observed). Skin may be uncomfortable, dry, fragile, irritable and intolerant to usual cosmetics during some weeks. Rashes and sensations of warmth can appear during a few months. Sun exposure is advised against during 6 months and total protection solar cream needs to be applied. A global treatment (pain medication, antibiotics, anti-herpetics and anti-pruritics) are prescribed by the surgeon additionally to local treatments. The follow-up can be psychologically difficult for the patient. Your surgeon is here to help and advise you during the follow-up consultations, which are necessary for a proper healing.