Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are procedures that give the skin a smoother appearance by treating the sharp edges of surface irregularities. Through a method of controlled surgical scraping, the skin’s top layers are “refinished”.

Dermabrasion is most often used to improve the look of facial skin left scarred by accidents or previous surgery, or to smooth out fine facial wrinkles, such as those around the mouth. It’s also sometimes used to remove the pre-cancerous growths called keratoses. Dermaplaning is commonly used to treat deep acne scars.

Both dermabrasion and dermaplaning can be performed on small areas of skin or on the entire face. They can be used alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift, scar removal or revision, or chemical peel.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Always talk to your Specialist Plastic Surgeon before making a decision. Your surgeon will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.

Before you decide on undergoing chemical peel, there are some important issues to keep in mind:

• Neither dermabrasion nor dermaplaning will be able to remove all scars and flaws
• Dermabrasion nor dermaplaning will not “stop the clock” and prevent the ageing process
• Older people may experience a slower healing process
• Your skin type, colouring and medical history may impact the outcome. For example, people with dark skin and complexions may become permanently discoloured or blotchy after a skin-refinishing treatment
• Patients who develop allergic rashes or other skin reactions, or who get frequent fever blisters or cold sores, may experience a flare-up
• Most surgeons will not perform treatment during the active stages of acne because of a greater risk of infection. The same may be true if you have had radiation treatments, a bad skin burn, or a previous chemical peel

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• You are a non-smoker or have stopped smoking

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning may be performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. Sometimes a numbing spray, such a freon, is used along with or instead of local anaesthesia. In more severe cases, your Specialist Plastic Surgeon may prefer to use general anaesthesia, in which case you will sleep through the procedure.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur.

Some risks and complications associated with dermabrasion and dermaplaning may include but are not limited to:

• Change in skin pigmentation including permanent darkening of the skin, usually caused by exposure to the sun in the days or months following surgery
• Skin becomes lighter or blotchy in appearance
• Development of whiteheads after surgery
• Temporary enlargement of pores
• Rarely, infection and scarring
• Development of excessive scar tissue, including keloid or hypertrophic scars
• Further treatment may be necessary to correct complications

Before undergoing the procedure, it is important that you:

• Be as fit as possible to help the recovery process
• Stop smoking
• Do not wear makeup, mascara, contact lenses or hairspray on the day of treatment

Prepare a “recovery area” in your home. This may include pillows, ice packs, a thermometer and a telephone within easy reach. Make sure you arrange for a relative or friend to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic. Someone should also stay with you for at least 24 hours after you return home.

Your surgeon should give detailed instructions to prepare for the procedure. Follow them carefully.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, further treatment may be necessary to achieve the optimal result or to correct minor irregularities.

Cost is always a consideration in elective procedures. Prices for individual procedures can vary widely between Specialist Plastic Surgeons. Some factors that may influence the cost include the surgeon’s experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic location of the office.
Costs associated with the procedure may include:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Anaesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medication
• Medical tests

Your surgeon should welcome any questions you may have regarding fees.

General anaesthesia:
Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness

Intravenous sedation:
Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to achieve relaxation

Local anaesthesia:
A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain

Pigmentation:
Freckles, sun spots, melasma, or other darkened patches of skin result mainly from sun exposure

Scars:
As the result of acne or injury to the skin, scars may be rolling (a wavy appearance to the skin), pitted, discoloured, or have raised borders

Visit the Plastic Surgery Glossary for more medical terms.