Health Encyclopedia

Skin-smoothing surgery

Definition

Skin-smoothing surgery is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is commonly called dermabrasion.

Alternative Names

Dermabrasion

Description

Dermabrasion is usually done while you are awake. You will receive local anesthesia. This means the doctor will numb the area to be worked on.

If you are having a complex procedures, your doctor may prescribe medicines to make you sleepy and less anxious (sedatives), or general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep through surgery and not feel any pain.

During dermabrasian, the doctor uses a special device to gently and carefully "sand" the surface of the skin down to normal, healthy skin. Petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointments is placed on the treated skin to reduce scab formation (crusting) and scaring.

Indications

Dermabrasion may be offered to patients with:

Facial scars due to acne, accidents, or previous surgery
Fine lines and wrinkles, such as around the mouth
Precancerous growths (keratoses)

For many of these conditions, alternative treatments exist. Always discuss your options with your doctor.

Risks

The risks for any anesthesia are:

Reactions to medications
Infrequent but potentially severe heart or breathing problems

The risks for any surgery are:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring

Additional risks include permanent skin discoloration (either lighter, darker, or pinker).

Expectations after surgery

Your doctor will likely give you antibiotics to prevent severe cold sores from forming.

The skin may be treated with ointment and a wet or waxy dressing. After surgery, your skin will be quite red and swollen. Eating and talking may be difficult. You may have some aching, tingling, or burning for a while after surgery. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help control any pain.

Swelling usually goes away within 2 - 3 weeks. New skin starts to itch as is grows. If you had freckles, they may temporarily disappear.

You may have enlarged pores or whiteheads after the skin-smoothing surgery, but they eventually go away.

If the treated skin remains red and swollen after healing has started, this may be a sign that abnormal scars are beginning to form. Talk to your doctor. Treatment may be available.

Convalescence

Doctors recommend that men who have this procedure avoid shaving for a while, and to use an electric razor when shaving can begin again.

The new layer of skin will be a little swollen, sensitive, and bright pink for several weeks. Most patients can go back to normal activities in about 2 weeks. You should avoid any activity that could cause injury to the treated area. Avoid sports that involve balls, such as baseball, for 4 - 6 weeks.

Keep your face out of chlorinated water (such as that used in pools) for at least 4 weeks.

Protect the skin from the sun for 6 - 12 months until your skin coloring has returned to normal. Hypo-allergenic makeup may be worn to conceal any discoloring. When full color occurs, it should closely match the surrounding skin, making the procedure virtually undetectable.

For about 3 weeks after surgery, your skin will turn red when you drink alcohol.

Review Date:4/12/2007
Reviewed By:Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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