Dermabrasion. Roughin’ it.
Dermabrasion: A surgical procedure in which a patient’s upper layers of skin, scarred from acne, pox or other causes, is frozen and then removed using a high-powered rotating brush. Also: Dermaplaning or surgical skin planing.
We don’t get many “do-overs” in life, but dermabrasion is close. Ranked 25th among all cosmetic procedures for 2008, this procedure literally sands away scarring or skin discoloration using a high-speed wire brush or diamond wheel, allowing new, smooth skin to emerge. Developed more than 100 years ago, dermabrasion was first used to treat scars, but now is also used to erase wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, tattoos and other skin discolorations. The cost varies depending on how large an area is treated, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, and the results are long-lasting. Healing generally begins within 7-10 days. The pinkness of the new skin fades over 8-12 weeks, and makeup can be used to cover it once the crust from the new skin is gone. It is important to avoid sun exposure for 3-6 months after surgery and always use sunscreen. With the emergence of laser treatments and less invasive processes such as microdermabrasion, the number of dermabrasion procedures has declined by more than half in the last seven years, down to about 27,000 from about 60,000 in 2001.
- The majority of reviewers at realself.com feel dermabrasion was worth it.
- A surgeon describes dermabrasion in laymen’s terms.
- This video gives a good idea of what the procedure is like, but is not graphic.
