Dermabrasion is a
procedure in which a special, rotating surgical
instrument is used to carefully resurface the
irregularities of the skin, giving the skin a much
smoother appearance. It can improve fine facial
wrinkles and scars from acne or chicken pox.
Dermabrasion can be performed on the whole face or
small areas, such as the cheeks.
With every surgery
there are possible risks and complications:
Dr. Yaker performs many dermabrasion procedures
successfully each year. However; there are risks
associated with this surgery. Possible complications
include infections, bleeding, poor healing, and
reaction to anesthesia. As well, permanent darkening
of the skin often caused by sun exposure during the
healing process. Skin may be blotchy in areas. Tiny
white heads may develop after surgery, usually
disappearing on their own. Enlarged pores may develop,
and should return to normal size once swelling
subsides. In rare cases excessive scar tissue may
develop requiring steroid injection treatment.
About the
Surgery:
The size of the area being treated will determine the
length of the surgery. If the entire face is treated,
surgery will last about an hour. The procedure is
performed in our on site AAAASF certified
ambulatory surgery center under local or
general anesthesia. After the surgery an ointment is
applied to the skin. You may feel a tingling, burning
or aching, but the pain medication should control the
pain. A scab or crust forms as the skin begins to
heal, and as new skin forms underneath, the top layers
fall off. Swelling should subside about 10-14 days
after surgery. We ask that you not wear make-up for
approximately two weeks. Afterwards, you should avoid
direct sunlight, since the procedure takes away a
layer of the skin. Sun exposure may result in
permanent light or dark spots. Once the area is
completely healed, you should avoid sunlight and use
sunblock or wear a hat. Refinishing treatments provide
improvements to the facial skin, although it will take
time to see the final results. Your skin will look
like you have a sunburn for up to 6-8 weeks.
Illustrations
above are courtesy of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
(The
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, Inc.)
Pre-Operative
Instructions
for
Dermabrasion
2 Weeks Before
Surgery:
- Do not take aspirin
or ibuprofen products (You make take Tylenol)
- Do not take any
diet pills or similar appetite suppressant
medications, (i.e. Metabolife)
- Do not take any
herbal preparations, (i.e. St. Johns Wart)
- Do not take Vitamin
E
- Smoking may
interfere with the circulation and healing process
Products Needed at
Home:
Fill your
prescriptions given to you during your pre-op visit:
- Lortab or Darvocet
is for the pain
- Keflex is an
antibiotic (you will need to take all of these as
directed)
- Diazepam is a
muscle relaxer
- If you have a
tendency to get cold sores or fever blisters you
will need to start a preventative medication:
Zoviarax or Valtrex
- Extra-strength
Tylenol
- Benadryl 25mg - For
occasional itching
- Small bottle of
Hydrogen Peroxide
The Night Prior to
Surgery:
- Eat a bland meal -
Nothing Spicy
- Before going to bed
take a Pepcid AC
- Take one Diazepam
to help you rest
The Day of Surgery:
**Eating
or Drinking Prior To Surgery Will Result in
Cancellation of the Surgery**
- Wear loose
clothing, something easy to put on after surgery.
Wear a top that buttons or zips in front. (Do not
wear jeans or tight clothing)
- Do not wear make-up
- Men shave as usual
- Leave all jewelry
and valuables at home
- The person caring
for you after surgery will need to stay with you
for at least 24 hours
Post-Operative
Instructions
for
Dermabrasion
Medications:
- Take your pain
medications for the pain. Do not take on an empty
stomach
- Take the
antibiotics as directed until they are all gone
- Sometimes patients
will develop a yeast infection from the
antibiotics, if this occurs call the office
- Should you become
constipated, you may use an over the counter stool
softener. If you do not have relief from your
stool softener, call the office.
- If you have
itching, discontinue the pain medications and take Benadryl 25 mg: one capsule every 6 hours
as needed.
- Remember no aspirin
products until 2 weeks after surgery
Other Things to
Remember:
- If you feel you are
in an emergency situation, please call the office
at any time. Our phone are answered 24 hours a
day. These calls include: abnormal bleeding,
abnormal swelling, and or a temperature over 101
degrees. Other calls should be made during
business hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.
- Swelling can
increase in the first 48 hours, and then should
begin to go down over the next few weeks.
- The area will burn
for a few days following the procedure.
- Should you see puss
or what may appear to be an infection, call the
office.
- Keep your hair tied
back and out of your face.
- Often your face
will feel tight, you may need to use a straw and
eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Sleep on your back
with your head elevated with pillows to help
reduce swelling.
- If cold sores
appear on your face call the office.
- No bending forward
or lifting heavy objects for 5-7 days.
- Most patients take
10-14 days off from work.
- You may take a
shower the day after surgery, be sure to keep the
face dry.
- Keep activity
moderate for the first 2 weeks. After 2 weeks you
may ride a life cycle, take walks, and lift light
weights. After 3 weeks you may resume normal
activity as tolerated.
- Wear sun block or a
hat to protect the new skin.
- Smoking may
interfere with the circulation and healing process
causing major complications.
