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

Sometimes when you look in the mirror, you feel a little sad and worried, don't you? Maybe it's the scars left behind by acne from your youth. Or it could be the fine lines that appear with age, or the spots on your skin that have been sunburned. If these things are reducing your confidence, today we are talking about a special treatment that can be used as a solution. This is called dermabrasion.

Simply put, what is dermabrasion?

The word dermabrasion may sound like a big deal, but it's actually quite simple. "Derm" means skin, and "abrasion" means scraping. So, in simple terms, dermabrasion is the process of scraping away the skin.

Imagine sanding a piece of wood. What happens is that the rough, damaged areas are removed, leaving a smooth surface. The same thing happens with dermabrasion. Here, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a special, high-speed rotating tool (like a small brush or diamond wheel) to gently remove the top layer of your skin that has been damaged. This reveals the healthy, fresh, smooth skin underneath.

What skin problems is this treatment used for?

Dermabrasion is not a solution to every skin problem. However, it can be very effective in some cases. Let's take a look at what conditions this treatment is and is not suitable for.

Can I do this myself at home?

Absolutely not! This is a very important point. Dermabrasion should only be performed by a trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Trying to do it at home can cause serious skin damage, infection, and permanent scarring. Therefore, be sure to see a qualified doctor.

What is the difference between dermabrasion and other skin treatments?

You may have heard of other ways to brighten and smooth your skin, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels. It's important for you to know the difference between these.

Who is this treatment suitable for and who is it not suitable for?

It's important to know if this treatment is right for you before you decide to have it. There are two main factors that affect it: your skin type and your health history.

• Skin tone: If you have dark skin (e.g. Asian, black), you are more likely to experience permanent skin discoloration (darkening or whitening in spots) or scarring after dermabrasion. Therefore, it is not recommended for people with dark skin.
• Health conditions: Dermabrasion may not be suitable for you if you have the following conditions:
• Currently active acne (due to risk of infection).
• Frequent skin infections such as herpes.
• Skin allergies or rashes.
• Having scars that thicken and grow (keloids).
• If you have taken medication such as Isotretinoin for acne in the past few months.
• Taking blood-thinning medications.

You should talk to your doctor about this openly. He or she will examine your skin and decide whether this is right for you or not.

What happens before and during treatment?

Once you decide to have this treatment, you will have a discussion with your doctor. There you can discuss all your expectations, results, and risks.

Preparation before treatment:

The doctor may give you advice like this:

• Avoid sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure for a few weeks before treatment, or your skin color may change permanently after treatment.
• Stop some medications: You may be asked to temporarily stop some medications, such as blood thinners.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking slows down the healing process, so you should stop at least two weeks before treatment.

During treatment:

This is usually done in the outpatient department, not in the hospital.

1. First, cleanse your skin and apply an antiseptic.

2. Next, the area to be treated is numbed with medication. This can be done with a numbing spray, gel, or injection. Sometimes, if the area is being treated over a large area, complete anesthesia may be required.

3. Once the area is numb, the doctor carefully removes the top layer of skin with a special instrument.

4. Finally, a special dressing is applied to the treated area to retain moisture.

The entire process can take anywhere from a few minutes to about an hour and a half, depending on the amount of skin being treated.

What to expect after treatment?

How you take care of your skin after treatment is very important. If you don't take care of it properly, it can lead to infections and scarring.

• The first few days: The skin will look very pink or red . It may feel like you've been badly sunburned. The doctor will prescribe medication to help relieve the pain.
• Healing time: It usually takes 10-14 days for the skin to heal. You may not be able to go to work during this time. The new skin may be pink at first, but it can take up to 3 months to return to its normal color.
• Must-do things:
• The doctor says you should cleanse your skin several times a day.
• To speed healing and prevent infection, the prescribed ointment or dressing should be changed regularly.
• Avoid the sun completely. Even after healing, you should definitely use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever you go outside for 3-6 months.
• Take antibiotics and antiviral medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Be sure to go on the days when they say come back to show you.

What are the side effects and risks?

Although side effects of dermabrasion are uncommon, they can occur, so it's important to be aware of them.

• Acne reappearance.
• Temporary or permanent change in skin color (darkening or lightening in places).
• Enlarged skin pores (often temporary).
• Scarring.
• Swelling.
• Infections.

These risks can be minimized by seeking treatment from an experienced doctor and following post-treatment instructions carefully.

Dermabrasion, Skin Treatment, Acne Scars, Wrinkle Removal, Skin Smoothing, Dermatology, Skin Pigmentation