Dermabrasion

UPMC Stofman Plastic Surgery Group provides Dermabrasion and other Skin Care Procedures to patients from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.

Why Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a commonly used method of rejuvenating the skin. Dermabrasion is generally used to improve facial skin that has been scarred by an accident or previous surgeries. It is also used to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and to soften acne scars.

Dermabrasion helps to refinish the top layers of the skin through a method of controlled surgical scraping or sanding. The treatment is designed to soften the surface irregularities, allowing for a much smoother appearance of the skin. Dermabrasion can be performed on small areas of the skin or on the entire face.

Is Dermabrasion Right For Me?

While Dermabrasion can serve to enhance your appearance and self-confidence, it will not eliminate all skin imperfections or prevent aging. Dermabrasion can be beneficial for men and women of all ages, though the healing process will be slower in older adults. The key factors in determining whether dermabrasion is right for you are skin type, coloring, and medical history. Individuals with darker complexions may become permanently discolored or blotchy after dermabrasion. Individuals that are prone to skin reactions or who get frequent fever blisters or cold sores may experience a flare up. Your physician may recommend an antiviral medication prior to the procedure. Dermabrasion is not recommended during the active stages of acne, if you’ve had radiation treatment, a bad skin burn, or a previous chemical peel. During your initial consultation with our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, he will assess your condition and fully explain the procedure. This will help to determine which treatment is right for you to help you achieve your goals.

Dermabrasion Procedure

The Dermabrasion procedure can take from a few minutes up to an hour and a half, depending on the condition of the skin as well as the size of the treatment area. It is fairly common to require more than one procedure, or for treatment to be done in stages, particularly with deep scarring or when a large area of skin is involved. If skin damages are severe or scarring is significant, this procedure may require anesthesia in an operating room setting.

In Dermabrasion, the outermost layer of skin is sanded, or scraped away, with a special instrument attached to a motorized handle.

What To Expect After Dermabrasion

Following treatment, the skin will be very red and swollen. There may be some tingling, burning or aching, which can be alleviated by following your post-treatment instructions. The swelling will subside in a few days to a week, depending on the extent of your treatment. In order to ensure long-term success, it is important to keep up with the necessary follow-up appointments or recommended treatments.

Chewing and talking should be kept to a minimum following treatment, and recovering patients should avoid any activity that could result in contact with the face for at least two weeks. Sports that require more activity should be avoided for six weeks; and chlorinated swimming pool water and other harsh chemicals should be avoided for at least four weeks.

Most importantly, it is essential to protect any treated skin from the sun and wind until the pigment has completely returned, which can take up to six months.

UPMC Stofman Plastic Surgery Group’s State Licensed aestheticians have the knowledge  and extensive experience to help find the right Skin Care Solution to help you look your best. Please refer to our Skin Care Page for more details, and contact us today to schedule an appointment.