About Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion (also known as dermaplaning) is an outpatient cosmetic procedure that uses a specialized device to scrape the skin gently. This “abrasion” process essentially refinishes the skin and gives it a whole new appearance.
Once the outermost layer of the skin is removed, new skin grows in its place. The healthy, natural skin-building process leads to a smoother, flawless complexion with skin free of impurities.
Dermabrasion at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre addresses some of the most common cosmetic concerns, including:
- Acne scarring
- Depigmentation
- Age-related changes, like wrinkles or fine lines
Dermabrasion can also resolve severe scarring caused by injuries or trauma to the skin. This procedure can be performed on small, isolated areas of the skin or on the entirety of the face.
Dermaplaning procedures may also be used to address certain medical concerns. This includes pre-cancerous lesions called keratoses and rhinophyma (swelling and redness of the nose).
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we have developed a meticulous technique for dermabrasion that results in minimal discomfort and little to no recovery time. With a gentle hand and an advanced approach, we will make your dermabrasion procedure relaxing and leave your skin soft, smooth, and more youthful and radiant than before.
- Before Procedure
- During Procedure
- Results & Recovery
What You Should Know Before Your Dermabrasion
Prior to scheduling a dermabrasion at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, you must have a consultation appointment. During this consultation, we will examine your skin, and we will discuss your cosmetic concerns.
The purpose of this appointment is to make sure that dermabrasion is the right treatment for your skin. Let us know during this time whether you have any skin conditions. Please know that certain skin conditions can affect your ability to receive dermaplaning treatment.
You should also always provide your detailed medical history when seeking any new cosmetic treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. During your consultation, we will review your medical history together and assess any information that could impact your procedure.
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we pride ourselves on being honest and upfront with our patients. If we do not believe that dermabrasion is the best procedure for your skin, we will advise you on other cosmetic options. If you are a good candidate for dermabrasion, we will move forward with your treatment by scheduling your first dermabrasion session.
How to Prepare for Your Dermabrasion
Before your dermabrasion procedure, you will want to take certain measures to prepare for your session. This ensures that your skin is ready for treatment, and you will have the best possible outcome from your procedure. The following is a breakdown of the important preparations to follow before your dermabrasion at the AJ Plastic Surgery Centre.
Two Months Before Treatment
If you are a smoker, we require you to quit smoking at least two months before your procedure. If you have been smoking for a more extended period of time, you may need to quit smoking nine months to a year before you can undergo dermabrasion at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre.
Patients who smoke have a significantly higher risk of having wound healing complications. This skin risk can hinder new skin growth after a dermaplaning procedure.
One Month Before Treatment
If you request that we perform dermabrasion alongside a facelift or other surgical procedure, you must receive complete medical clearance from your regular physician. This ensures that you are healthy enough to go under anesthesia and for your surgery.
Patients who are receiving dermabrasion alone may not need medical clearance beforehand.
Several Weeks Before Treatment
Do not overexpose yourself to the sun in the weeks before your procedure. Too much sun exposure will irritate the delicate tissue on your face.
If you are going under anesthesia for your dermabrasion procedure, you will need to arrange for someone to give you a ride home after your treatment. While dermabrasion is an outpatient procedure, the anesthesia can leave patients feeling tired and disoriented for several hours after their session. We do not recommend driving at this time.
One Week Before Treatment
Let us know if you have a cough, fever or any other illness, or any skin changes or infections. If you are feeling sick, please do not take over-the-counter medications without asking us.
Two Days Before Treatment
Thoroughly wash your body with the Hibiclens soap. This will minimize the chance of infection. Shave or remove hair around your surgery site.
The Night Before Treatment
If you will be under general anesthesia for your dermabrasion appointment, please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure, including water. You can take high-blood pressure medications with a sip of water the morning of surgery, but nothing else. These are mandatory precautions when going under anesthesia for any cosmetic procedure.
The Day of Treatment
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (Hibiclens), and do not apply any skincare products or cosmetics. Your skin must be completely bare for your procedure.
Wear something comfortable and please do not wear or bring any jewelry with you to the clinic. We want to avoid this interfering during the dermaplaning process.
What Happens During Dermabrasion at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre?
During your dermaplaning procedure, you will be able to sit or lie back comfortably while we perform the treatment. Dermaplaning is performed at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre either if done alone, or performed in conjunction with other procedures, like a facelift.
What Kind of Anesthesia Is Used?
Dermabrasion at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre is a non-surgical procedure. Typically, we only use general anesthesia when performing dermaplaning in conjunction with other procedures, like a facelift. Dermabrasion on its own can be performed with local anesthesia or just a topical numbing cream.
The Dermabrasion Procedure
Your dermaplaning session begins with cleansing the skin to remove any debris that may be sitting on top of the skin. From there, we will use a handheld dermabrasion device to remove the outermost layer of the skin.
This motorized tool has an abrasive wheel at the tip to gently scrape away the top layer of the skin, stimulating the growth of new skin. Patients do not report any discomfort during this process. We will also apply a topical solution to soothe the skin during and after the procedure.
How Long Does a Dermabrasion Procedure Last?
Dermabrasion at the AJ Plastic Surgery Centre can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the areas we are treating. Dermabrasion can take more than an hour if we are treating large areas of skin, depending on the concerns we are addressing. Typically, patients with deep scarring or severe pigmentation issues have longer appointments.
Dermabrasion Recovery and Results: What to Expect
After your dermabrasion procedure at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we will apply a moist, non-stick dressing to the treated areas of your skin. This dressing acts as a protective layer for the skin while recovering. You will be able to return home and resume normal activity.
This dressing will need to be removed and replaced daily for the first week of recovery. You will also need to apply a medical ointment to the skin at this time.
How Long Does Dermabrasion Recovery Last?
We perform dermabrasion at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre with a gentle hand and meticulous technique that results in minimal pain and a quick recovery. There is no downtime involved. Most patients can return to work in the days following their treatment.
We advise patients to avoid sun exposure during the months following their dermabrasion, as it can lead to skin irritation. You should also avoid any activity that can result in direct trauma to the skin for at least four weeks.
Activity includes contact sports and vigorous exercise. Cosmetics should also be avoided during these initial weeks, as they can irritate freshly “dermaplaned” skin.
Most patients do not report significant pain during recovery. Your skin will be slightly red and swollen for the first three or four days after your procedure. You can resolve any discomfort you may experience with over-the-counter medications.
After the first two weeks, a scab or crust will then begin to develop before new skin starts to form. It can take about three months for new skin to grow in the treated areas. In cases of severe pigmentation or scarring, it can take six to twelve months to see a completely new skin growth.
Does a Dermabrasion Procedure Leave Scars?
One of our primary goals is helping patients feel like the best, refreshed version of themselves. This is why at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, we have developed a meticulous technique for my cosmetic procedures that leaves nearly invisible scars.
When performing dermabrasion, our goal is to create smooth, flawless skin. There will be scabbing and crust formation during the recovery process, but this will ultimately lead to new skin growth. Once your recovery is complete, you will not see scarring or damage but rather a more youthful and vibrant complexion.