IMPROVE THE LOOK OF YOUR SKIN
Dermabrasion Atlanta, GA
Dermabrasion improves the look of the skin by employing a diamond-tipped rotary instrument to remove or abrade the existing upper layer of skin in a precise manner. The bit spins quickly, taking off and leveling, or planing, the top layers of the skin. This process injures, or “wounds” the skin and causes it to bleed. As the wound heals, new skin grows to replace the damaged skin. Healing typically occurs within about a week.
Dermabrasion is used to treat damage and defects in the upper layers of the skin. You are a good candidate for dermabrasion if you have any of the following:
- Acne scars (the most common uses for dermabrasion are to remove and improve the look of acne scars)
- Scars caused by surgery or trauma, if they are not deep
- Surface skin growths
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth
- An enlarged nose caused by rosacea
You may not be a good candidate for dermabrasion if you have any of the following conditions:
- A history of abnormal scarring, keloid or hypertrophic scars
- Have an active herpes infection or other skin infection
- Are overly sensitive to cold because the freezing spray could be a problem
- Have a skin, blood flow, or immune problem that could make healing harder
During the initial consultation, we will work closely with you to ensure the most precise level of dermabrasion is performed. Whether dermabrasion is the right option for you will be discussed, as well as how much skin can be safely removed and the amount of improvement that can be expected. Part of this frank conversation includes potential risks and complications of dermabrasion.
Once the treatment plan is finalized, the procedure is usually performed in our office, on an outpatient basis, under a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine. The areas to be treated are cleaned and marked, and the local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin. Ice packs are placed on the skin for up to 30 minutes. A freezing, or cryogenic, spray may be used to harden the skin for deeper abrasions if the anesthetic and ice packs don’t make the skin firm enough. For deep abrasions, or if the entire face is going to be treated, a stronger anesthesia, pain killers, sedation, or general anesthesia may be needed.
One small area at a time is treated. If the freezing spray is needed, it is applied for a few seconds. Then the rotating brush is used to remove the top layers of skin. Gauze is used to stop any bleeding and the area is covered with a clean dressing or ointment.
The time it takes to heal after dermabrasion depends on the size and depth of the area treated. A full-face treatment will take longer to heal than that of a small area of skin. Deeper abrasions take the longest to heal. In most cases, the skin grows back in five to eight days. This new skin is pink or red. The color most often fades in six to 12 weeks. Until then, normal skin tones can be matched using makeup. Please note that some patients experience a permanent lightening of the skin.
Most patients have little or no pain and return to their regular activities soon after the treatment. Some need pain relievers. A corticosteroid, such as prednisone treats any instances of post-surgical swelling.
Proper care of the treated area while the skin is healing is important.
- Clean the skin several times a day to help avoid infection and get rid of crusting that may occur
- Change the ointment or dressing on the wound to keep the area moist and help heal the skin
- Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen every day after the peeling has stopped; tender new skin is more likely to get sun damage
A follow-up appointment is necessary to make sure the healing process is going well.
Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS
IMPROVE THE LOOK OF YOUR SKIN
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion improves the look of the skin by employing a diamond-tipped rotary instrument to remove or abrade the existing upper layer of skin in a precise manner. The bit spins quickly, taking off and leveling, or planing, the top layers of the skin. This process injures, or “wounds” the skin and causes it to bleed. As the wound heals, new skin grows to replace the damaged skin. Healing typically occurs within about a week.
Dermabrasion is used to treat damage and defects in the upper layers of the skin. You are a good candidate for dermabrasion if you have any of the following:
- Acne scars (the most common uses for dermabrasion are to remove and improve the look of acne scars)
- Scars caused by surgery or trauma, if they are not deep
- Surface skin growths
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth
- An enlarged nose caused by rosacea
You may not be a good candidate for dermabrasion if you have any of the following conditions:
- A history of abnormal scarring, keloid or hypertrophic scars
- Have an active herpes infection or other skin infection
- Are overly sensitive to cold because the freezing spray could be a problem
- Have a skin, blood flow, or immune problem that could make healing harder
During the initial consultation, we will work closely with you to ensure the most precise level of dermabrasion is performed. Whether dermabrasion is the right option for you will be discussed, as well as how much skin can be safely removed and the amount of improvement that can be expected. Part of this frank conversation includes potential risks and complications of dermabrasion.
Once the treatment plan is finalized, the procedure is usually performed in our office, on an outpatient basis, under a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine. The areas to be treated are cleaned and marked, and the local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin. Ice packs are placed on the skin for up to 30 minutes. A freezing, or cryogenic, spray may be used to harden the skin for deeper abrasions if the anesthetic and ice packs don’t make the skin firm enough. For deep abrasions, or if the entire face is going to be treated, a stronger anesthesia, pain killers, sedation, or general anesthesia may be needed.
One small area at a time is treated. If the freezing spray is needed, it is applied for a few seconds. Then the rotating brush is used to remove the top layers of skin. Gauze is used to stop any bleeding and the area is covered with a clean dressing or ointment.
The time it takes to heal after dermabrasion depends on the size and depth of the area treated. A full-face treatment will take longer to heal than that of a small area of skin. Deeper abrasions take the longest to heal. In most cases, the skin grows back in five to eight days. This new skin is pink or red. The color most often fades in six to 12 weeks. Until then, normal skin tones can be matched using makeup. Please note that some patients experience a permanent lightening of the skin.
Most patients have little or no pain and return to their regular activities soon after the treatment. Some need pain relievers. A corticosteroid, such as prednisone treats any instances of post-surgical swelling.
Proper care of the treated area while the skin is healing is important.
- Clean the skin several times a day to help avoid infection and get rid of crusting that may occur
- Change the ointment or dressing on the wound to keep the area moist and help heal the skin
- Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen every day after the peeling has stopped; tender new skin is more likely to get sun damage
A follow-up appointment is necessary to make sure the healing process is going well.
Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
TESTIMONIALS
“Dr. Neckman came highly recommended by my wife, and I was a little nervous on my first visit. She made me feel very comfortable and almost like a sister was looking out for her brother. She explained everything very well and took care of me with speed and compassion. Couldn’t recommend a dermatologist more.”
“Dr. Berghoff has been my doctor for years and has identified and repaired significant skin issues on several occasions that could have resulted in serious health issues. I always leave his office feeling like I know what my skin health is!”
“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Garvey for a little more than six months. She has provided me relief from a serious varicose vein issue. I couldn’t be happier or more impressed with her knowledge, skill, and bedside manner. She has my highest recommendation. Her nurse, Eulene, and office manager, Chris, are also wonderful. Thanks to Dr. Garvey and team!”
“Dr. Pearl and her staff are amazing. I can’t speak highly enough about them all.”
“I’ve been Dr. Kim’s patient for over 10 years and she is amazing! I recommend her to everyone and am grateful for the care and compassion she has shown me. Unfortunately, because of my skin, I see her a lot, but she makes visits and procedures as stress free as possible.”
“I have been going to Dr. Alford for several years. She is great! She is so pleasant and listens to any concerns you may have. She is thorough and professional. I always look forward to seeing her. If you’re looking for a great dermatologist, I highly recommend Dr. Alford.”
“I have always had the best of care from Dr. Niren. I’ve been going to her since 1986, and I have nothing but praise for her professionalism and the time she spends with me.”
“Dr. McClure has no peer in his field. Apart from his incredible skill as a surgeon, he is also wise and compassionate, too. He knows when it’s the right thing to do nothing. I would not be alive today were it not for his treatment of my melanoma years ago. My wife and I trust him more than any other doctor whom we have ever known.”
“Dr. Papadopoulos did a wonderful job on my recent surgical procedure on my arm. He made me feel at ease and explained everything to me in terms that I could understand. He was precise and succinct during the surgery, and my recovery could not have gone any smoother. I highly recommend Dr. Papadopoulos for any and all skin cancer surgery.”
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