Dermabrasion  As An Anti Aging Treatment

Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure.  It is also called skin planing.  Originally used to remove scars caused by acne and chicken pox, it is now a popular anti aging procedure.  Dermabrasion can remove fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.  It can also eliminate sun damage and is used to remove tattoos.  It cannot be used on some types of moles and birth marks and should not be used on burn scars.  In this procedure a rotary abrasive instrument or metal brush is used to scrape the skin and improve its surface.  Dermabrasion can produce smoother skin with a more youthful appearance.

The Procedure

The doctor uses a high speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush to remove the outer layers of skin.  The doctor will remove enough layers to be effective but safe.  The depth of the procedure will be determined by factors such as the depth of the acne scars or wrinkles to be removed.  Dermabrasion cannot remove deep wrinkles.  After the treatment, a scab will form over the treated skin.  When the scab falls off, the skin beneath it will be smooth and clear.  Dermabrasion will give the skin a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Financial Considerations

As with any medical treatment, if dermabrasion is used to treat a medical condition, it may be covered by your medical insurer.  If dermabrasion is used as an anti-aging treatment, it will not be covered by most medical insurance plans.  Prices for dermabrasion vary, but average between $1000 and $1500.  Factors effecting cost include your geographical area and the experience and reputation of your doctor.  The cost is per procedure and your doctor may recommend more than one treatment to achieve your desired results.

Preparing For Treatment

Your doctor will advise regarding preparation for treatment.  He may recommend changes in you diet and alcohol consumption.  Smoking tobacco increases your risks in any surgery and can create complications during recovery.  Your doctor will probably recommend that you stop smoking at least two weeks prior to your procedure and refrain from smoking for at least two week following it.  If you take aspirin regularly, it may be recommended that you stop, as aspirin can increase the risk of excessive bleeding.  If you are taking blood thinners for a medical condition, you may not be a candidate for dermabrasion because blood thinners interfere with your ability to form scabs.

The procedure may performed in your doctor's office or in an outpatient surgical facility.  Anesthesia is necessary, and can be either local or general.  Local anesthesia is usually preferred when possible, because there is a lower risk of adverse reaction.  If the area to be treated is small, it is probable that only a local anesthetic will be needed.

The length of time the procedure will take depends on the amount of skin being treated.  The procedure should not take longer than an hour and a half.  The skin is cleansed with antiseptic, and a freezing agent may be sprayed on the area.  Ice packs may be used instead of a freezing agent. The instrument for dermabrasion is hand held and rotates at high speed.  It is around the size of a ball point pen.  The tip of the machine contains a small cone of sand paper or a stiff brush.  This is used to remove the outer layer of skin.  After the procedure, your skin will scab and the scab will remain for about one week.  When the scab falls off the skin will be very pink and smooth.