Dermabrasion is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure where the surface of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) is removed by abrasion. The process involves a method of controlled surgical scraping – the skin is injured so that a new layer replaces the treated area. The new skin has a smoother appearance, thus patients achieve smoother, tighter and rejuvenated skin.
Traditional Dermabrasion
The equipment used to remove the upper skin layer is a wire brush (a burr) or a diamond wheel with rough edges (a fraise). There are factors that may affect the depth (final result) of the skin resurfacing, which include:
- How much pressure is applied and for how long
- How quick the burr or brush rotates
- The condition and features of the patient’s skin
The most likely site for dermabrasion is the face, but several other areas can also be treated. When the procedure was first developed, it was used mainly to treat acne scars, pox marks, and scars resulting from accidents or diseases. Today, it is used to improve other skin defects, including lines around the mouth, tattoo scars, and age spots. It may also be used to treat rhinophyma (an enlarged nose), caused by rosacea, which is an inflammatory skin disease. The procedure, however, may not be effective when treating congenital skin conditions like moles, birthmarks, and scars due to burns.
In addition, new developments in the field of non-invasive cosmetic procedures continue to be made. Today, patients have the option of undergoing dermabrasion that uses laser light.
Laser Dermabrasion
Most doctors who prefer laser dermabrasion say that the instrument allows them to have more control and to be more precise. Here, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used to remove areas of the skin, layer by layer. The treatment is aimed at smoothing the wrinkled or damaged skin by eliminating the “bad” layers. Usually, it is performed on portions of the face or the entire face.
The laser treatment is done first by stripping the upper layers of the damaged area. Then, as new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, more youthful skin will surface, making the patient have a rejuvenated, enhanced appearance.
Laser dermabrasion provides a number of advantages over other skin rejuvenating techniques like chemical peels because it is more accurate and doesn’t cause bleeding. In addition, there is less recovery time and the patient doesn’t need to take so much time off from work and other daily activities. It is important to note, however, that dermabrasion using lasers is not for all because its effectiveness depends on individual skin characteristics.
Dermabrasion at Home
In the past, the dermabrasion procedure can only be done within doctors’ offices. However, advancements have allowed patients to perform the procedure themselves in their own home. Patients can now supplement a professional session with the doctor by using dermabrasion home kits. With this product, people can get great skin improvement results compared to using other skin care products they use at home. Plus, the home kit is a more cost-effective solution for they are significantly less expensive than the average dermabrasion treatment in a spa or clinic.