Dermabrasion

Overview: Dermabrasion

Some facelift procedures will not serve to remove the fine-crepe-paper-like-wrinkles of sun exposed skin, or the transverse creases of the forehead and the vertical wrinkles of the upper and lower lips. These effects of aging and sun exposure are best eliminated by the chemical peel or dermabrasion. These two solutions to aging skin remove the outermost layers of the skin to promote a more smooth, uniform and wrinkle free skin. The peel has also been used to remove precancerous lesions in and around the face. Dermabrasion achieves the same result by gently sanding the outer layers of the skin allowing it to regenerate without the fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Procedure After the face is washed and degreased, a peeling solution is applied to the skin with cotton swabs. Once the peel is complete, the face is washed daily and ointment applied until healing is complete. The skin is reddened as though it had been sunburned and is wrinkle free but the redness resolves.

Make up can be applied after 10 days and a mild bleaching agent may be used 6 weeks after the procedure. The pink color of new skin usually remains for 6-8 weeks. Strict avoidance of prolonged sun exposure is advocated for 3-4 months. Adhering to such recommendations ensures a very lasting benefit measured in years.

All peels can be done on an outpatient basis. The deepest peels require close observation and hydration and must be done in an accredited facility. The light and medium depth peels can be done under local and in the office.