Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion for wrinkle and scar reduction
Dermabrasion is classified as a surgical procedure, whereby the dermatologist abrades away the top few layers of skin using a rotating abrasive instrument.

Why is microdermabrasion used for certain skin conditions?
Microdermabrasion is sometimes used for the following applications :
• acne and chicken pox scars, to make the skin region more level
• removal of tattoos
• removal of aging spots, precancerous degenerating skin, and scars
• wrinkle reduction by smoothing of skin

There are other treatments for some or all of the above conditions, and microdermabrasion is an option chosen on a case by case basis.

How is microdermabrasion performed?
The patient may be given a local anesthetic and possibly medication to help in relaxation or a sedative. The skin area is thoroughly cleansed and an antiseptic applied. Sometimes the skin is sprayed with a freezing or numbing agent. Alternatively, the skin may be swollen or "tumesced" with an anesthetic solution. A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush removes or abrades the upper layers of the skin and improves irregularities in the skin surface. Soothing ointments and dressings are then applied.

What happens after the dermabrasion treatment?
Depending upon how much skin was removed, the area will take between a few days and a couple of weeks to heal, will be sensitive, and must be kept clean. Most patients do not feel much pain, but medications may be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort. Special dressings and the application of emollients help speed the skin's recovery. A typical healing time is usually within 10 days.
The new surface skin is pink and gradually returns to its normal appearance by eight to twelve weeks. Make-up can be used to make the skin appear more normal after the initial healing phase, and people can resume their normal activities in about week to ten days. Patients should use a sunscreen daily and avoid unnecessary direct and indirect exposure to sunlight for three to six months.

Are there any possible complications from microdermabrasion?
The skin heals differently for various kinds of people. Some types of individuals tend to develop light or dark areas after skin injuries, and this can also to some people after microdermabrasion treatment. The dermatologist can usually treat increased pigmentation with bleaching creams, but decreased pigmentation may be permanent.
Some people may develop thickened skin in certain areas after microdermabrasion similar to keloids. Several therapies, such as cortisone creams and injections, can be administered to treat this problem and help the skin return to normal.

Patients with clotting disorders or bleeding, keloidal scarring, immunosuppression, or patients on 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) should tell their dermatologist.

Patients with clotting disorders or bleeding, keloidal scarring, immunosuppression, or patients on 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) should tell their dermatologist.

What are the limitations of microdermabrasion ?
Microdermabrasion cannot be expected to eliminate or improve all scars in all patients. Some scars require the use of other procedures to obtain the best results. These include careful surgical removal of the scars followed by small skin grafts or suturing. Microdermabrasion is then used to smooth over these fresh scars six to eight weeks later.

Other patients may benefit from the use of filling substances in conjunction with microdermabrasion . These include injectable collagen or fat which are used to elevate depressed scars. Some patients may benefit from repeat touch-up microdermabrasion of areas that have not been sufficiently improved after the initial procedure.

Your dermatologist can advise you as to the likelihood of the need for additional treatments, depending on the specific condition of your skin.