Cosmetic Procedures

Home » Cosmetic Procedures » Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion, also called surgical skin planning, is used to remove wrinkles, tattoos, blemishes from sun damage, broken blood vessels, acne scars, and pre-cancerous lesions. In this procedure, the top layer of skin is essentially "sanded" down, revealing a smoother, clearer layer.

Prior to dermabrasion, the treatment area is cleaned and sprayed with a freezing agent that acts as an anesthetic. Then, a tool with an abrasive wheel or brush is used to "sand" off the top layer of skin and, along with it, the undesired features.

Risks of dermabrasion are minimal and recovery usually occurs within 10 days. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication may be used to reduce discomfort following the procedure. This skin will be pink for a short time, but eventually returns to its natural color. For 3 to 6 months following the procedure, patients should avoid direct sunlight and use sunblock whenever outdoors.

Microdermabrasion is a less intense method of skin resurfacing. In this procedure, small sterile particles are used to wear away the top skin layer and a suction tool is then used to remove the particles and the dead skin.

Microdermabrasion is similar to a superficial chemical peel and can be used to complement other cosmetic procedures. In most cases, anesthesia is not required and patients recover quickly with no complications.

Cosmetic Procedures, Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion reprinted with permission from dermatologychannel.net
© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Cosmetic Procedures Resources

	Join Our Skin Rejuvenation Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer