Definition
Skin-smoothing surgery is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is commonly called dermabrasion.
Other Names
Dermabrasion
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Definition
Skin-smoothing surgery is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is commonly called dermabrasion.
Recovery
Doctors recommend that men who have this procedure avoid shaving for a while, and to use an electric razor when shaving can begin again.
The new layer of skin will be a little swollen, sensitive, and bright pink for several weeks. Most patients can go back to normal activities in about 2 weeks. You should avoid any activity that could cause injury to the treated area. Avoid sports that involve balls, such as baseball, for 4 - 6 weeks.
Keep your face out of chlorinated water (such as that used in pools) for at least 4 weeks.
Protect the skin from the sun for 6 - 12 months until your skin coloring has returned ...
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Description
Dermabrasion is usually done while you are awake. You will receive local anesthesia. This means the doctor will numb the area to be worked on.
If you are having a complex procedures, your doctor may prescribe medicines to make you sleepy and less anxious (sedatives), or general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep through surgery and not feel any pain.
During dermabrasian, the doctor uses a special device to gently and carefully "sand" the surface of the skin down to normal, healthy skin. Petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointments is placed on the treated skin to reduce scab formation (crusting) and scaring.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Your doctor will likely give you antibiotics to prevent severe cold sores from forming.
The skin may be treated with ointment and a wet or waxy dressing. After surgery, your skin will be quite red and swollen. Eating and talking may be difficult. You may have some aching, tingling, or burning for a while after surgery. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help control any pain.
Swelling usually goes away within 2 - 3 weeks. New skin starts to itch as is grows. If you had freckles, they may temporarily disappear.
You may have enlarged pores or whiteheads after the skin-smoothing surgery, but they eventually go away.
If the treated skin remains red and swollen after healing has started, this may be a sign ...
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Risks
The risks for any anesthesia are:
- Reactions to medications
- Infrequent but potentially severe heart or breathing problems
The risks for any surgery are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
Additional risks include permanent skin discoloration (either lighter, darker, or pinker).
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