Dermabrasion: When, Where, Who, What, How

First things first, dermabrasion is a medical cosmetic procedure wherein the skin's surface or epidermis is removed using the process of abrasion. Dermabrasion is usually done to remove skin that is damaged by the sun or to help lessen the visibility of dark spots and scars. Take note that dermabrasion is not a new medical procedure.

When and where did the process of dermabrasion begin?

Believe it or not, dermabrasion has since been used during ancient times specifically by physicians in Egypt. They used techniques similar to today's process of sandpapering the skin in order to treat unsightly scars.

But the first recorded controlled-skin-abrasion was done in the year 1905 by a German dermatologist named Kromayer who used rotating rasps and wheels to treat keratoses, scars caused by acne and hyperpigmented areas of the skin. However, it was only during the 1950's that the process gained popularity.

Who popularized dermabrasion?

It was Abner Kurtin, a New York dermatologist working at Mount Sinai Hospital who first presented patients who went through the dermabrasion process using modified versions of dental equipment in the year 1953. The actual "dermabrasion" term was coined by Blau and Rein in 1954. Later on, Yarborough and Alt contributed further by advocating the use of diamond fraise as well as end piece wire-brushes. Then, the procedure was further improved with the development of anti-viral medications as well as dressings that are semi-permeable, cryoanesthesia and tumescent anesthesia.

What is the purpose of dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is done to improve the skin of the face or any skin area scarred by previous surgeries or accidents. Dermabrasion is also done in order to smoothen wrinkles on the face or around the area of the mouth. It is also used to eliminate growths that are pre-cancerous.

All in all, anyone and everyone could undergo dermabrasion and benefit from it. Although people who are older and have gone thru dermabrasion may take a longer time to heal, other factors which could affect dermabrasion results include a patient's medical history, coloring and skin type. People who have dark complexions as well as Asian skin may develop discoloration or blotchiness after the process. It is best to discuss with your trusted surgeon any issues you may have about dermabrasion prior to going thru the process.

Still, dermabrasion remains a tool that is useful for resurfacing the skin and helps enhance one's appearance, develop self-confidence and even prevent aging.

Dermabrasion before, during and after

Dermabrasion is generally applied to treat deformed skin areas as well as other conditions of the skin such as tattoos, sun damage, wrinkles and age spots. Take note that dermabrasion is generally not effective in the treatment of congenital defects on the skin, moles, burn scars and birthmarks that are pigmented. But what really happens in a dermabrasion medical procedure?

What happens before dermabrasion?

Before going through dermabrasion, the patient's complete medical history is taken and the person's general health is carefully examined and evaluated. The consultation begins with the assigned dermasurgeon describing the various anesthesia types to be used, the description of the procedure and the expected results. Possible risks as well as complications are discussed by the doctor. Photographs are also taken before the surgery commences, this is done to further evaluate how the skin has improved. During this time, instructions on pre-operative care and post-operative care are given.

What happens during dermabrasion

The dermabrasion procedure is performed in the office of a dermasurgeon or a surgical outpatient facility. At this time, medication to be able to make the patient relax is given and the target dermabrasion area is cleansed thoroughly using a cleansing antiseptic agent.

The area is then treated with a particular spray to be able to freeze the target skin. Local anesthesia tumescent is used and a rotary high-speed instrument with a brush or abrasive wheel abrades and removes the skin's upper layer and helps improve the skin surface's irregularities. This procedure is done to be able to rejuvenate the skin's appearance as a new remodeled skin layer surfaces thus replacing the previously damaged skin. Generally, the new skin appears more refreshed and smoother and the results usually last remarkably long.

What happens after dermabrasion

After undergoing thru the dermabrasion procedure, the target skin has the feeling of being brushed and burned severely. Certain medications may be prescribed in order to help alleviate the patient's discomfort as healing occurs anywhere between seven to ten days.

As the new skin heals, it may at first appear pinkish until it slowly appears normal. In a lot of cases, the skin's pinkish color fades by the eighth or twelfth week. Before that time, make-up could be used to cover the area up. generally, people could begin their normal activities after dermabrasion within seven or ten days.

Patients are highly advised to avoid direct as well as indirect sunlight for at least six months as well as to regulalr use sunscreen especially when in the outdoors.