Cosmetic skin scraping to smooth out imperfections

Procedure Summary

Is dermabrasion right for you?

Dermabrasion can be used on specific areas (typically lines around the mouth) or large patches of the face. It can be used to treat wrinkles, acne scars and some sun-related pigment damage. The newer laser techniques can also be used to remove some tattoos. However, you should be aware that dermabrasion will not reduce loose, sagging skin.

Your suitability for dermabrasion will be discussed during your initial consultation with the surgeon. It may be suggested that one of the alternative skin treatments – such as chemical peels – would be more appropriate to your needs.

“My face was covered in all sorts of marks – relics from teenage acne, small scars from childhood accidents, chicken pox scars, “ said one man in his thirties, “and I always presumed there was nothing I could do about it. Then, after seeing an ad for a plastic surgeon, I went to enquire. He told a number of alternatives that could go some way to solving my problem. In the end we decided that dermabrasion would be the most effective, so I had the procedure – and it has transformed the appearance of my face.”

The dermabrasion process

A week or so prior to the procedure you will be asked to avoid taking any aspirin or similar drugs. This is to minimise any bleeding following the operation. Also, some practitioners like to carry out a test on a small patch of skin before commencing the full procedure. This would be performed somewhere out of sight, such as behind the ear.

The actual process could take anything from a few minutes to 1 hour (depending on the size of the area being treated) and may require more than one session. Normally, a local anaesthetic, will be sufficient, especially for the more localised treatments.

The surgeon or dermatologist will use a device called a dermatome, similar in size and appearance to an electric razor, to carefully ‘sand down’ layers of skin that surround any skin blemish until its appearance has been minimised. The skin that has been reduced by the dermatome is then allowed to heal, creating tighter, unmarked skin.

As one patient commented, “I basically had my face sanded down, so, not surprisingly it was quite tender for a while afterwards. However, as the skin regenerated itself, it was dramatically smoother and younger looking than before, so it was well worth the minor discomfort.”

The healing process is usually complete within 2 weeks after the procedure, and your  face will be presentable, though some redness may be present for up to 3 months. In the 6 month period after undergoing dermabrasion you may experience a temporary burning sensation with some itching, swelling and redness. The treated area of your skin may be somewhat paler than the non-treated area. In addition, the ‘new’ skin will be acutely sensitivity to the sun and may well be unable to tan.

All of these side-effects should be alleviated from 6 months to a year after the procedure has taken place, and then the positive results of the dermabrasion should be permanent. Although, there will, inevitably be new wrinkle formed as the skin ages.

As with all cosmetic procedures, it is essential to follow the advice of your practitioner after the procedure. This will make the outcome as successful as possible and reduce the risk of complications

Who should carry out your dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion should only be carried out by a plastic or cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist with relevant skills and experience in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission. The cost of the procedure can be anything from £1,000 to several thousands of pounds depending on the extent of the area treated. If dermabrasion is something that you are considering, you can discuss all of the issues mentioned here in greater depth during a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist.

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