DERMABRASION PROCEDURE

An inexpensive yet effective and widely accepted procedure for acne scar treatment

DERMABRASION - LEARN ABOUT THIS EFFECTIVE AND POPULAR ACNE SCAR TREATMENT METHOD

Dermabrasion is another way for acne scar treatment. It is easy to learn and perform, does not require expensive equipment, and has minimal complications when performed correctly. These qualities led to widespread acceptance of dermabrasion throughout the medical community as a clinical procedure for acne scar treatment.. Although in recent years the emphasis in treating facial skin aging has shifted away from dermabrasion and chemical peels and toward laser treatment, dermabrasion remains a useful modality with which the facial plastic surgeon should be familiar and prepared to offer to patients when the proper indications exist.

Dermabrasion is the process of mechanically removing the damaged outer layers of skin. The epidermis then regenerates from the epidermal appendages located in the remaining dermis. This process begins within 24 hours of wounding and is usually complete after 7-10 days. The new epidermis shows greater organization and vertical polarity with the disappearance of actinic keratoses and lentigines. Dermal regeneration is a slower process but usually is complete within several months. The regenerated dermis demonstrates less elastosis and improved organization, with compact horizontally arranged bundles of collagen interspersed with elastic fibers. Ground substance is decreased, and telangiectasias are absent. The overall result is soft supple skin that appears more youthful and has fewer rhytids and dyschromias. This helps in acne scar treatment

Destruction confined to the epidermis results in rapid healing without leaving behind acne scar, although some pigmentation change may occur if melanocytes are damaged. This superficial wounding has the disadvantage of producing less dramatic results but is very safe. Deeper wounding, extending into the papillary and sometimes reticular dermis, produces more dramatic results. However, deeper penetration eradicates a portion of the epidermal appendages, increasing healing time and making scarring more likely. Penetration into the reticular dermis entails a high risk of scarring. By the same token, dermabrasion of full-thickness acne scar results in full-thickness wounds. These heal by wound contraction and reepithelialization and have a much higher likelihood of wound problems and hypertrophic scarring. These types of lesions generally are best treated by full-thickness excision with a punch biopsy or scalpel

Erythema generally subsides within 90 days, but postinflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur. Patients at increased risk include those taking oral contraceptive pills, exogenous estrogens, or other photosensitizing medications. Application of topical hydrocortisone lotion and/or a short course of systemic steroids may lead to earlier resolution of erythema. Other treatment options include transretinoic acid, glycolic acid, or hydroquinone. Accompanying pruritus may be treated with oral antihistamines. The skin typically is sensitive to the sun following dermabrasion, and this also may be a source of hyperpigmentation. Instruct patients to use sunscreen daily for 6-12 months following dermabrasion. Patients also should be instructed in the appropriate application of camouflage makeup.

Dermabrasion may produce profound improvement in the quality of facial skin and also reducing acne scar, but it also has potential complications. Results and complications generally are related to the depth of wounding, with deeper wounding providing more marked results and a higher incidence of complications. Complications are also more likely with certain skin types. Thus it is recommended to get your skin type analysed and checked prior to going ahead with this type of acne scar treatment.

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