Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is a type of skin smoothing surgery.
Description of Procedure
Dermabrasion is usually done while you are awake. The health care provider will apply a numbing medicine (local anesthesia) to the area of skin that will be worked on.
If you are having a complex procedure, you may be given medicines called sedatives to make you sleepy and less anxious, or you may receive general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep through surgery and not feel any pain during the procedure.
Dermabrasion uses a special device to gently and carefully "sand" the top surface of the skin down to normal, healthy skin. Petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment is placed on the treated skin to reduce scab formation and scaring.
Risks of Dermabrasion
Risks of dermabrasion include permanent skin coloring changes (either lighter, darker, or pinker). Excessive scars or keloids may also result.
The risks of any anesthesia include:
- Reactions to medications
- Infrequent but potentially severe heart or breathing problems
The risks of any surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
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Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
