Sun damage, pollution, and aging can all give the skin a dull appearance. Removing the outer layers of skin can help you look more refreshed and give you a youthful glow. To learn the benefits of dermabrasion, Dr. Steven Carp gladly consults with patients who live near Canton, Cleveland or Akron in his comfortable clinics located in Green and Beachwood, OH.
What is Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning procedures use controlled surgical scraping to help refinish the skin’s top layers. The treatment gives the skin a smoother appearance. These procedures can soften the appearance of skin surface irregularities.
Dermabrasion is commonly used to improve a person’s facial skin after surgery or an accident that has left the face scarred. It is also used to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles that appear on the face. At times, it can even be used to remove keratoses, which are precancerous growths. Dermaplaning can help to treat acne scars.
Both of these procedures can be performed on the entire face or just in small areas. They can be done alone, or they can be done at the same time as other procedures such as chemical peels, facelifts, or scar removal and revision.
The following information will be helpful for you if you are considering surgery to refinish your skin. You will get a basic understanding of how these procedures are done, how they can help you, and what results can be expected. Not every single question you may have can be answered here, but this will give you basic understanding of dermabrasion and dermaplaning. Please feel free to talk to Dr. Carp if you have any further questions.
Considering Alternative Procedures
If you are planning procedures to repair the surface of your facial skin, it is likely that you may also be considering a chemical peel. This is an alternative method that can be used to remove the top layer of skin and does not require surgery. Dermaplaning and dermabrasion, on the other hand, use surgical instruments to remove the top layers of skin. It is noteworthy to point out that chemical peels require the use of a caustic solution.
All three of these procedures are performed by plastic surgeons. They may use just one procedure or a combination of them based on the needs of the patient. Some plastic surgeons prefer to use just one technique for all types of surface repairs. For the most part, a chemical peel is usually used to treat fine wrinkles. Dermaplaning and dermabrasion are procedures that are more commonly used for deep imperfections such as scars from acne. Since dermabrasion and dermaplaning can produce changes in the skin, such as contrasts in skin color, a nonchemical approach may be preferred by individuals who have a slightly darker skin tone. This is especially true if only limited areas of the face will be treated.
Please feel free to speak to Dr. Carp to get more information about a chemical peel.
The Best Candidates for Dermabrasion
It is possible to improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence using dermabrasion and dermaplaning procedures. However, neither one of these treatments can prevent aging or remove all flaws or scars. Before you decide to use one of these treatments, make sure that you discuss your expectations with Dr. Carp.
Individuals of all ages can reap benefits from dermaplaning and dermabrasion treatments. Some of the factors that should be considered include medical history, skin type, and skin coloring. Older individuals can benefit from this treatment; however, they will likely heal slower.
Asians, African-Americans, or those with a dark complexion may end up having blotchy or discolored skin. Others may notice a decrease in freckles. It is also possible for individuals to develop allergic reactions after treatment. Those who get frequent cold sores or fever blisters may experience a flare-up afterward.
Most surgeons will not perform this treatment on patients with severe acne due to the risk of infection. Plastic surgeons may also not perform this treatment if a person has a bad skin burn, has had previous chemical peels, or recently received radiation treatment.
Planning Your Dermabrasion Surgery
During the initial consultation, make sure that you are honest in discussing the expectations you have after a skin-refinishing procedure. Do not hesitate to ask questions of Dr. Carp. He will speak honestly and openly with you, explaining different factors that could influence the outcome of the procedure such as your skin condition, previous plastic surgeries, and your age.
Dr. Carp will discuss your medical history, take a photograph of your face, and conduct a routine medical exam. He will explain all of the steps involved, and talk about the procedure’s benefits, how long it will take to recover, and the costs associated with the procedure. For the most part, insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures. However, if the procedure is being used to remove a precancerous growth or to treat extensive scars, an insurance company may cover it. Make sure to check your policy before scheduling the procedure.
Preparing for Your Dermabrasion Surgery
You will be given specific instructions by Dr. Carp on how to prepare for your surgery. This will include instructions on eating and drinking, and taking or avoiding medications. Special instructions may be given on how to care for your skin before and after surgery. If you are a smoker, you will need to stop smoking for at least a few weeks before and after surgery. Smoking can decrease blood circulation, which impedes healing.
As you are making preparations for the surgery, make sure that you ask a friend or family member to drive you home after your surgery and to be of assistance to you for the first day or two after the procedure.
The Dermabrasion Surgery
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning procedures are performed quite quickly. They can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to half an hour. This will depend on how much skin is being treated. It is common for the procedure to be repeated multiple times or even in stages. This is more likely to happen if there is deep scarring.
During the dermabrasion procedure, Dr. Carp will scrape away the outermost layer of skin. He will use a rough wire brush or a burr that contains diamond particles. Both of these are attached to a motorized handle. The scraping will continue until he reaches a safe level that will make wrinkles or scarring less visible.
An instrument called a dermatome is used for the dermaplaning procedure. It looks similar to an electric razor with an oscillating blade that moves back and forth. This allows it to evenly skim off surface layers of the skin. This tool is used until the acne scars are at a lower point and become more even with the surrounding skin.
After the procedure, Dr. Carp may use a wet or waxy dressing, an ointment, or a dry treatment to protect the skin.
REAL PATIENT REVIEW
“Very thoughtful and experienced and oh did I mention gifted cosmetic surgeon! Staff is very attentive and knowledgeable. I wouldn’t go anywhere else! The new surgery center is state of the art. Great location with lots of parking. I’m a returning patient who is very satisfied with the procedures by Dr. Carp.” – Ggarbrandt
After Your Dermabrasion Surgery
Immediately after treatment, your face will be swollen and red. It may be difficult for you to eat or talk. You may also experience some aching, burning, or a tingling sensation. Dr. Carp will prescribe medications to help deal with the symptoms. The swelling will likely go away within a few days.
If you have ever scraped your skin, you know that a scab will form over that area as soon as it begins to heal. Eventually, the scab will fall off and reveal a new layer of skin underneath it. As this new skin starts to grow, your face may feel itchy. An ointment may be prescribed by Dr. Carp to help you feel more comfortable.
You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your skin after the procedure. Men will be instructed to avoid shaving for a while. It is important for patients to follow Dr. Carp’s instructions to ensure the best outcome.
If you notice that the treated area feels extremely itchy, or it becomes increasingly red or raised, this may be a sign that abnormal scars are forming. Contact Dr. Carp as soon as possible.
How Much Does Dermabrasion Cost?
Dermabrasion is considered to be elective, so most insurance providers won’t cover the costs. To help make dermabrasion affordable and accessible for everyone, Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center offers financing options. We also accept cash, personal checks, and major credit cards.
Getting Back to Normal
During the first couple of weeks after the procedure, your face will be slightly swollen, sensitive, and a bright pink color. During these few weeks, you can begin to resume some of your normal activities.
It usually takes about two weeks before individuals can go back to work. It is important to avoid physical activities, active sports, and any other activities that could cause you to bump your face for the first 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure. Avoid the sun, the wind, swimming in chlorinated water, and drinking alcohol during the first four weeks after the procedure.
The most important thing is to protect your skin from the sun. You want your pigment to return to your skin, and this can take from 6 to 12 months.
Your New Look
Individuals who have undergone skin-refinishing treatments have seen dramatic improvements to their skin. However, it can take time for a person to see the final outcome.
After the procedure, a person will notice that their skin is very pink. It usually takes about 3 months for this to fade. During that time, you can wear non-allergenic makeup when you go out. Dr. Carp can give you the ASPS brochure that provides tips on how to camouflage your condition while it heals. Once the skin is fully healed, and the pigment has returned, it will be almost impossible to tell that you ever went through the procedure.
If skin resurfacing is something you desire, contact Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center to find out if dermabrasion is right for you. Dr. Steven Carp gladly performs dermabrasion in his Green and Beachwood, OH clinics for patients living near Akron, Cleveland or Canton.