Dermabrasion

 

Probably the oldest form of skin peeling treatment, dermabrasion involves controlled abrasion of the skin using a special device roller. This is one of the invasive skin treatments that retained its fame despite the arrival of laser procedures due to its effectiveness.

Dermabrasion, like the other two famous skin resurfacing procedures, aims to restore the smoothness of the facial skin that has changed and has been damaged over time. The procedure however became famous in treating deeper acne scars and melasma but it also helps in enlarged nose due to rosacea, and of course, fine lines and wrinkles.

WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR DERMABRASION?

Patients who are considering dermambrasion should be healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. The result of dermabrasion may be immediate but the recovery of the skin takes long therefore patients should understand that there will be a lot of changes that will go on during the first 6months after the treatment.

Patients who will benefit a lot for the procedure are those who are concerned with acne scars or scars from chicken pox, those with fine wrinkles, those with keratoses (skin growths), and lately, dermabrasion has been proven to cure melasma and hori nevus (acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules).

HOW IS DERMABRASION DONE?

Dermabrasion is usually done by Prof. Somyos Kunachak under general anesthesia though it can be done under local anesthesia if the patient prefers. A high speed mechanical roller is then used to “sand” the top layer of the skin until the point where we reach the healthy skin and all the flawed skin is removed.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY?

The area treated with dermabrasion will be covered with bandages for 7 days after the procedure. Post-op patients may experience discomfort on the area with some itching but this is normal. After the bandages are removed, there will be scabs which will fall off naturally in the next few days. A couple of creams will be recommended by your surgeon to be applied on your face and on the area to improve the result of the procedure.

The area treated with dermabrasion will have a pinkish the reddish tint for about a month then it will gradually even out with your natural skin tone. Once the scabs had fallen off and the area is dry, you can start applying foundation cream to mask the unevenness on your skin tone.

Patients who had done dermabrasion are advised to avoid sun exposure on the treated areas for at least 3-4 weeks. Should there be a need to go out, it is highly recommended that you apply sun screen with high SPF to avoid sun damage as the new skin will be more sensitive.

Swelling will subside in a week after the surgery. Small acne and brown spots may appear on the area treated with dermabrasion, but this is also normal and it should be treated with an ointment or left alone to heal for itself.

Normally, post-op patients can go back to work in a week after the procedure.

WHAT RESULT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Since it will roughly take about 3-6 months for the new skin to somehow blend in with your old skin, we recommend that you exercise some patience. After the healing period, your skin will be smoother, softer, and rejuvenated. The treated area may be slightly different in tone with the rest of your face but this difference fades over time.

If your concern is melasma, you should be able to see it cleared out with very slim (almost zero) chance of recurrence.

WHY SHOULD YOU DO THE PROCEDURE WITH US?

Our surgeon, Prof. Somyos Kunachak, did a research on the use of dermabrasion as a cure for Melasma and other forms of acquired bilateral nevus on Ota like macules, and his papers, along with his colleagues, was actually published. With this, you can rest assured that our surgeon knows dermabrasion in a more in depth manner and that he had mastered the technique of using it for different skin types.

Aside from this, we also provide patients with full package as we are affiliated with Aphrodite Inn, the hotel just beside our clinic. Patients wanting accommodation are recommended to stay at Aphrodite Inn during their recovery after surgery. With this, they will enjoy the convenience of not having to travel for follow up check ups as our nurses and doctors can visit them directly to their room.

It also provides extra privacy as our patients no longer need to go outside to come to our center because we have a connecting door from the hotel straight to our clinic. 

Room service and complimentary breakfast is also available for the patient and their companion during their stay at the hotel.