"It began around age 11 like it does with so many other girls," Lois Bidwell (name changed) told her dermatologist. "A few pimples, here and there, but nothing I couldn't handle. I thought."
The nurse records the details of Lois's history but fails to notice the tear rolling down her rough cheek.
"But what started out as just annoyance, quickly became a nightmare. I couldn't keep up with them. Nearly everyday it seemed like another ten or twenty would pop up across my cheeks. It got to the point that I couldn't bear to look at myself in the mirror." Lois continues to tell her story of teenage years traumatized by the scars of acne.
And Lois wasn't alone, of course, not then or now. And the burgeoning cosmeceutical and plastic surgery industries springing up across the nation and around the world, are testament to that fact. And while most of us manage to emerge from our pockmarked youth relatively unscathed, others, like Lois, continue to deal with those scars long into adulthood.
But now, after doing her homework and educating herself on her medical options, she's decided to do something about it.
So What Exactly Is Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a surgical technique for "refinishing" the surface of the skin. It is literally a method for removing layers of skin, particularly those layers that have been damaged by acne (such as in Lois's case), wrinkles caused by normal aging, or scarring caused by physical trauma or previous surgeries. This form of dermabrasion, often referred to as superficial dermabrasion, is usually performed on the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin.
Another kind of dermabrasion is called Microdermabrasion. This form of the treatment is much lighter in terms of use and technique and is often referred to as a "lunch-time" treatment. Many patients who seek to "rejuvenate" small areas of their skin, are looking for this kind of cosmetic treatment.
But while dermabrasion is usually thought of as a cosmetic surgery, it does have its uses as a medical preventive treatment as well, especially for the removal of keratoses, which are areas of the epidermis thought to be pre-cancerous growths. Other candidates for this form of dermabrasion are those people who are looking to have tattoos removed.
How Does It Work?
Think of dermabrasion as a method for "sanding" down the skin, much as you would a piece of roughly hewn wood. If it sounds painful, it is, which is why most patients, depending on the severity of their condition and the type of dermabrasion they will undergo, require a local anesthetic at the very least.
Patients who are seeking treatment beyond microdermabrasion, will generally be sedated under the supervision of a surgeon or anesthetist, and will require an overnight stay in the hospital.
The tool used to perform the procedure is similar to a sand-paper or wire brush. It rotates across the surface of the damaged skin and removes the skin layer by layer. Dermabrasion can take approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on the extent of damage.
What To Expect
General dermabrasion is not an insignificant or minor procedure. During the healing process, your skin will probably look much worse than it did prior to the procedure. The idea behind the process is to remove the skin, allow it to swell and eventually scab over, thereby regenerating new skin that takes the place of the old, damaged skin.
You can expect some or all of the following to occur during the week or so after your treatment:
* Pain and redness as the skin swells
* Talking and eating can be painful as the healing skin stretches
* Depending on the extent of the procedure, dressings may be applied
* Tingling, burning, or itching sensation
* Enlarged pores across the affected area
Each of the above are normal consequences of the procedure and do not indicate adverse complications.
Long Term Outlook
Because dermabrasion is a treatment that damages the skin in order to refinish it, healing can take up to three months. During this time you can expect changes in the color of your skin, which should eventually return back to your normal skin tone over time.
Some patients have reported a return to normal skin tone taking as long as a year post procedure, though this is entirely a function of the depth and extent of treatment.
It is crucial during this time of healing to take good care of the affected skin. Avoid sun exposure by wearing an effective sunblock, avoid trauma to the skin caused by contact sports, and apply dermatological products only as directed by your physician.
Is Dermabrasion For You?
For people like Lois, a middle-aged Caucasian woman, dermabrasion can be an effective, life-enhancing treatment. Many patients undergoing successful dermabrasion report that their self-confidence and self-esteem levels have risen dramatically. It is extremely important to discuss not only the benefits and possible risks of dermabrasion, but also to discuss your expectations for the procedure to ensure they are realistic.
After her treatment, Lois maintained a strict adherence to her doctor's recommendations that enabled her to make a full recovery as well as to make the most of her dermabrasion experience. But like any medical procedure, a well-educated patient is much more likely to be a satisfied patient in the long run.
Author
Keith D Grimes
