How the dermabrasion procedure works and when it is indicated

Dermabrasion is an aesthetic procedure that renews the surface layers of the skin through surgical sanding. It is efficient to treat acne scars, wrinkles, melasma and even to remove certain tattoos. Find out what dermatologists Flavielle Fagundes and Marcela Benez say about the procedure!

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is an aesthetic procedure performed in dermatological offices, in which the skin is sanded using a sterilized dermabrasion device. Known as “mechanical peeling”, the technique promotes skin renewal and is therefore used to smooth acne scars, wrinkles, melasma and even tattoos.

According to Dr. Marcela Benez, “the procedure is used when the objective is to thin and regularize the skin”. The doctor warns that “it must be performed in dermatological clinics, as it requires the use of anesthesia” and adds that “it must be performed by a dermatologist, dermatological surgeon or plastic surgeon”.

Dermabrasion can cost from R$400 to R$3,000, depending on the professional who applies the technique. The value varies according to the extension of the sanded area, the devices and products used in the procedure.

Who is dermabrasion suitable for?

It is suitable for those who want to leave a certain region of the skin smoother. Therefore, it is very efficient for acne scarring, deep wrinkles, rhinophyma caused by rosacea, tuberous sclerosis, pores, baldness, melasma and blemishes in general.

As for acne scars, Marcela Benez warns that “dermabrasion is not suitable for all types of scars”. Therefore, it is important to make appointments to evaluate the stains before performing the procedure.

The doctor explains that “there are several types of acne scars, which vary in shape and depth”. Therefore, the doctor recommends dermabrasion for “scars in which skin dystrophy or enlarged and deep spots occur to make the skin thin, reaching the same level as the scar”.

Regarding wrinkles, Flavielle Fagundes explains that it is also not indicated in all cases: “dermabrasion improves fine wrinkles through cell renewal, so it is indicated for deep wrinkles”.

The doctor also recommends dermabrasion for melasma and baldness, explaining that “the procedure works by disseminating melanin” and “the inflammatory process generated in the hair follicle causes the follicle to induce the renewal of the thread, improving its quality and causing its growth. “, ends.

Does dermabrasion remove tattoos?

One of the main doubts regarding dermabrasion is whether the procedure is efficient to remove tattoos. Dr. Marcela Benez explains that “for many years the procedure was used to remove pigments, since the laser did not yet exist”. However, “currently it is better and more efficient to remove using laser”.

She adds, saying that “dermabrasion to remove tattoos is only indicated in cases where the patient has already undergone laser sessions, as the procedure cannot zero the pigment and can leave stains on the skin”. Dermabrasion can also be used “when the patient wants a quick response and wants to do another one over that pigment,” she points out.

How dermabrasion works

Dermabrasion is a simple procedure, which takes an average of one hour and requires the use of anesthesia. In general, one session is enough to achieve the desired result, and in some specific cases, more than one session may be necessary.

Marcela Benez says that “first the skin is cleaned, followed by the application of a significant amount of anesthetic”. After the skin is completely anesthetized, “the sanding of the area begins and it can be done with a sterile water sandpaper or with a dermabrasion agent”.

The doctor warns that “because there is a significant amount of bleeding, the procedure needs to be performed by a well-trained professional, because after sanding, hemostasis is performed on the skin to stop the bleeding”. Finally, “a dressing is made, in which the patient must remain with it for 24 hours”, declares the dermatologist.

Essential care after dermabrasion

As with any skin procedure, dermabrasion also requires some care that must be followed to the letter. Among them are:

• Do not expose yourself to the sun: “After the procedure, the skin takes an average of 7 days to heal. It is common for the area to become red and may take one to three months to clear. That’s why at that time, the patient cannot be exposed to the sun”, explains Marcela Benez;
• Avoid touching the skin: Dr. Flavielle Fagundes warns that “one of the main measures that the patient should take is to avoid manipulating the place where the procedure was performed”. For her, “this helps not to contribute to the contamination of fungi and bacteria”.
• Use of healing creams: dermatologists also show the importance of “using the prescribed medication, according to medical advice. Thus, “modulated cell renewal is stimulated and healing takes place correctly”.
• Use sunscreen daily: the daily use of sunscreen is essential, “because it prevents the formation of spots in the area where the procedure took place”.

After dermabrasion, it is common for the skin to become red and symptoms such as swelling, itching and irritability. Thus, dermatologists warn that these symptoms can last up to a week, and it is necessary to take all post-operative care for a quick and incident-free recovery.

Dermabrasion X microdermabrasion X chemical peeling: is there a difference?

Despite being indicated as a treatment for the same issues, there are some differences between chemical peeling, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Thus, the biggest differences between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are in the size of the needles used and the depth of each procedure.

“In dermabrasion, the skin is sanded with coarser sandpaper, so there is a deepening and removal of a thicker layer of the dermis”. “In microdermabrasion, the sandpaper used is usually finer, acting on a more superficial layer of the skin”, explains Dr. Marcela.

Therefore, microdermabrasion does not have as satisfactory a response in the treatment of scars as dermabrasion. Chemical peeling is done with an acid placed under the skin that, depending on the type, can reach a more superficial or deeper layer of the dermis.

“Chemical peeling promotes cell renewal, as well as dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. But, this renewal is done through an acid and not through stitches”, explains Dr. Flavielle.

Dr. Flavielle adds that the choice of which procedure will be performed depends a lot on the consultation with the professional: “in general, I prefer dermabrasion when the patient has enlarged pores, blemishes and acne scars. When it’s just a stain, I prefer peeling. But most of the time, the skin has more than one characteristic, so there is no exact formula.”

Dermabrasion is an aesthetic procedure that aims to smooth wrinkles, acne scars, melasma, among others. Therefore, it is essential that the technique is performed by a competent and specialized professional. If you are looking for a way to remove a tattoo, learn about tattoo removal procedures.