Smooth as silk: indications, contraindications and dermabrasion technique

Mechanical dermabrasion – This is a cosmetic procedure that consists in grinding the surface of the skin with the help of abrasive, milling materials. Proper use of this procedure can effectively eliminate many complex skin defects, in particular scars, pigmented nevi, rosacea.

At the same time, the use of this method requires the doctor to have certain experience and high professional skills. In this article on estet-portal.com, we will review the indications and contraindications for mechanical dermabrasion, as well as the method of performing the procedure and possible complications.

What are the indications for dermabrasion

The use of dermabrasion can effectively eliminate various cosmetic skin defects. The following indications for dermabrasion should be highlighted:

1.    Post-traumatic, postoperative, post-burn, post-acne, keloid scars;

2.    Extensive pigmented nevi;

3.    Rosacea stage II-IV;

4.    Xanthomatosis;

5.    Actinic Keratosis;

6.    Tattoos;

7.    Adenoma of Pringle's sebaceous glands.

For more information about the dermabrasion technique, as well as possible complications and contraindications to the procedure, read further in the article.

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Before dermabrasion, the patient must be examined

Before the dermabrasion procedure, the patient must undergo a preoperative examination, which includes a complete blood count, urine, coagulogram, and a blood test for syphilis. If facial skin resurfacing is performed in the perioral region, then it is necessary to conduct a course of antiherpetic therapy with acyclovir, 400 mg per day, one day before the operation and for 7 days after it.

The dermabrasion procedure is quite painful, so it is advisable to use anesthesia. Read more about dermabrasion anesthesia later in the article.

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Peculiarities of the dermabrasion procedure: a practical guide

The type of anesthesia depends on the area of ​​the operated surface and the nature of the cosmetic defect.
Trimecaine solution 1% is used in most cases for local anesthesia.

The skin resurfacing procedure begins with the removal of the epidermal layer with a nylon brush. After that, using a diamond burr, the skin is removed to the papillary layer (until the symptom of "bloody dew" appears).

Do not use the burr on areas of the chest, upper lip, inner corner of the eyes, lower lip, as there is a high possibility of keloid scarring.

Postoperative treatment is carried out either under a scab (open method), or under wound dressings: aerosol, film, gel, ointment  (closed method). The latter method has a number of advantages, since it can significantly reduce the burning sensation, pain, and swelling in the postoperative period. The period of epithelization when using the open method of healing is on average 8-10 days, and when using the closed – 6-7 days.

Within a month after the procedure, the skin has an increased sensitivity to the action of atmospheric factors and solar radiation.

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Contraindications and possible complications of dermabrasion

Before performing dermabrasion, make sure that the patient has no contraindications to the procedure.

There are such contraindications for dermabrasion:

1.    Acute inflammatory and pustular skin diseases;

2.    Period of exacerbation of severe chronic somatic diseases;

3.    Predisposition to the formation of keloid scars;

4.     Tendency to dyschromia.

Dermabrasion is an effective but traumatic cosmetic procedure. Among the possible complications of dermabrasion, persistent erythema, folliculitis, post-procedural scars, and dyschromia should be highlighted.

Dermabrasion is an effective facial cosmetic procedure and can be used when other techniques – powerless.

It is worth noting that the dermabrasion procedure must be carried out under conditions of perfect asepsis. This is one of the main points in preventing the development of infectious complications.

Thank you for staying with estet-portal.com. Read other interesting articles in the "Dermatology" section. You may also be interested in: Acneform dermatoses: features of diagnosis and treatment.