Want to get rid of blemishes and wrinkles on your skin? Let's talk about dermabrasion!

When you look in the mirror, do you sometimes think, "Oh, if only these acne scars weren't there... these sun spots weren't there... how much better I would look?" Maybe you're feeling a little sad and self-conscious about the small wrinkles on your skin, old scars, or uneven skin tone. This is a common problem that many people have. So today we're going to talk about a slightly deeper treatment that can be used as a solution to these skin problems. That's dermabrasion.

What is dermabrasion?

Simply put, dermabrasion is a procedure that involves using a special tool to "scrape" away the top layers of your skin in a very controlled manner. This may sound a little scary, but it can only be performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Imagine, there's a beautiful table made of wood, but it has small scratches and rough spots on its surface. What do we do to make it smooth? We gently rub the surface with sandpaper, right? Then that rough, old layer is removed, and the smooth, new layer of wood underneath is revealed. Dermabrasion is exactly the same thing . But this is done on your skin.

In this treatment, a device with a rapidly rotating brush or wheel is used to remove the old, damaged top layers of skin. This then exposes the healthy, undamaged, new skin underneath. This new skin is much smoother, brighter, and has fewer blemishes and wrinkles than the old skin.

What skin problems is dermabrasion treatment suitable for?

This treatment is not a solution for every skin problem. However, it can be very effective for certain conditions. Let's take a look at the cases where this treatment can and cannot be effective.

Who is this treatment best suited for? Who should avoid it?

Dermabrasion is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Your skin type and your health history will greatly affect this.

The most suitable ones

People with generally fair skin can achieve very good, successful results with this treatment.

People who should think twice about treatment

• People with dark skin: If your skin tone is black, tan, or dark brown, you may be more likely to experience permanent skin discoloration (some areas may become whiter or darker) or scarring after dermabrasion. Therefore, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.
• Older people: As we age, the skin's healing rate slows down. Therefore, if an older person undergoes this treatment, it may take longer for the skin to recover than it would for a normal person.

Those who should not undergo treatment

• People with active acne: If you already have active acne on your face, this treatment is not recommended. The risk of spreading an infection is much higher if you do so.
• People with skin allergies or allergic rashes: If you have frequent skin rashes, the condition may worsen after this treatment.
• Herpes infection (Herpes simplex): If you often get cold sores on your lips or face, they may recur after this treatment.
• People with keloid scars: Some people develop large, thick, raised scars (keloid) after even a small wound heals. If you have this habit, this treatment is not suitable for you.
• People who have taken certain medications for acne in the past few months: If you have used strong medications that thin the skin, such as Isotretinoin, you will need to wait a while before undergoing this treatment.

What is the difference between dermabrasion and other skin treatments?

There are several other treatments that are similar to dermabrasion. For example, you may have heard of microdermabrasion and chemical peels. It is important for you to know the difference between these.

What should I do before treatment?

If you decide to have dermabrasion, it is very important to prepare well for it.

1. Consultation: First, you need to see a specialist. There,

• Talk openly about what you expect.
• Tell your doctor everything about your other illnesses, medications you take, and allergies.
• The doctor will examine your skin and explain whether this treatment is suitable for you and what kind of results you can expect. Usually, a 50% improvement is a very good result.
• The doctor will also explain how your skin will look while it heals after treatment. Your skin may be red and a little moist. It's important to be mentally prepared for that.

2. Preparation before treatment:

• Be careful with the sun: You should avoid intense sunlight for a few weeks before treatment. Sun exposure can cause permanent changes in skin color after treatment.
• Stop taking certain medications: If you are taking medications such as blood thinners, you may need to temporarily stop them as directed by your doctor.
• Quit smoking: If you are a smoker, you should stop at least two weeks before treatment. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which slows down skin healing.

What happens during treatment?

Dermabrasion is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day without having to stay in the hospital.

• First, cleanse your skin thoroughly with an antiseptic solution.
• Then, the area being treated is numbed so that you don't feel any pain. This can be done with a numbing spray, gel, or a small injection of a numbing medicine. So you don't feel any pain. You are awake, but the area is numb.
• Once the skin is numb, the doctor will use a special instrument to carefully and carefully remove the top layers of your skin.
• After the procedure is complete, a special moist dressing is applied to protect the new skin.

The time it takes for this entire process varies depending on the size of the area being treated. A small area can be completed in a few minutes, while a full face treatment can take up to an hour and a half.

What should I do after treatment?

The time after treatment is the most important factor in the success of the results. It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

• Pain and Appearance: After the treatment, your skin will be slightly red, swollen, and feel like it has been sunburned. This is normal, so don't worry. This may last for a few days. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication.
• Keeping the skin clean: After a few days, a small crust will start to form on the skin. To prevent infection, you should clean the skin several times a day, as the doctor recommends.
• Ointments and dressings: You will need to regularly apply a special ointment or dressing to help the skin retain moisture and heal faster.
• Avoid the sun completely: The newly formed skin is very sensitive during this period. Therefore, it is necessary to completely avoid strong sunlight for three to six months . If you go out, you should definitely use a sunscreen with a high SPF value.
• Things to avoid:
• Don't drink alcohol for the first two or three days.
• Do not take blood-thinning painkillers such as aspirin for a week.
• Do not swim in chlorinated swimming pools for a month.
• Avoid sweaty, strenuous sports for 4-6 weeks.

It can take about 3 months for the skin to fully heal, lose its pink color, and return to its normal color. So it's very important to be patient.

Dermabrasion, Dermabrasion, Skin Treatment, Acne Scars, Wrinkle Removal, Skin Smoothing, Skin Resurfacing