Dermabrasion / Dermaplaning
What is dermabrasion?
Similar to a chemical peel, dermabrasion is a procedure that removes fine wrinkles and/or minimizes scars on the skin. The difference between a chemical peel and dermabrasion, however, is the method used. Dermabrasion involves the surgeon utilizing a high speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. The size and depth of the scars, as well as the degree of wrinkling, determine the appropriate level of skin that will be surgically sloughed.
Possible complications associated with dermabrasion:
Possible complications associated with dermabrasion may include but are not limited to the following:
- fever blisters
Dermabrasion can cause fever blisters to reappear in those who are prone to frequent herpes simplex infections. Antiviral medications are often used to treat this symptom.
- pigmentation changes
Some individuals may develop a change in the pigmentation of their skin after undergoing the procedure. Treatment for this symptom may include the use of bleaching creams as prescribed by a physician. A decrease in pigmentation can be permanent.
- thickened skin
Thickening of the skin can develop. This symptom may be treated with cortisone creams or injections that help the skin return to its normal state.
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is used to treat deep acne scars with a handheld instrument called a dermatome. The dermatome resembles an electric razor and has an oscillating blade that moves back and forth to evenly "skim" off the surface layers of skin that surround the craters or other facial defects.
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. Neither treatment, however, will remove all scars and flaws or prevent aging.
Who can benefit from dermabrasion or dermaplaning?
Men and women of all ages can benefit from dermabrasion and dermaplaning. Important factors that help determine the potential effectiveness of treatment include the following:
- skin type
- skin coloring
- medical history
About the procedure:
Although each procedure varies, generally, dermabrasion and dermaplaning surgeries follow this process:
- Location options may include:
- surgeon''s office-based surgical facility
- outpatient surgery center
- hospital outpatient
- hospital inpatient
- Anesthetic options may include:
- local anesthesia, combined with a sedative (allows the patient to remain awake but relaxed)
- a numbing spray, such as freon, may be used along with or instead of local anesthesia
- general anesthesia
- Average length of procedure:
- from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area of skin to be refinished. The procedure may be performed more than once, or in stages.
- Some possible short-term side effects of surgery:
- The skin may be red and swollen.
- Eating and talking may be difficult for a few days following the procedure.
- Tingling, burning, or aching may occur.
- Swelling and scabbing may occur.
As the new skin begins to grow, it may appear and feel swollen. The skin may also be sensitive and bright pink in color, which may take about three months to fade. Protection from the sun is very important following this type of procedure.
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The Dermatology Programs and Services at Rush
Dermatology specialists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offer comprehensive care for common and rare skin, hair and nail diseases. Offering care for people of all ages, our dermatologists are leading authorities in skin care whose expertise draws patients from all over the Midwest. The dermatology team at Rush offers safe and innovative treatments based on years of experience as well as the latest scientific research.
Click here to visit our Department of Dermatology.
Services Provided
Comprehensive dermatology services for adults and children include:
- Innovative treatments for various dermatologic conditions
such as
- Acne
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- State-of-the-art treatments for all forms of skin cancer include:
- The CTCL Clinic provides multidisciplinary care for people with a rare type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Treatments include extracorporeal photophoresis, one of the most effective treatments for patients with this disease.
- The Melanoma Surveillance Clinic provides innovative intervention and treatment strategies for melanoma, including the use of photographic surveillance to track high-risk moles over time.
- Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) Clinic provides Mohs surgery, which has the highest cure rate of any procedure for skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon uses a microscope to remove the very last traces of cancer cells.
- The Cosmetic Dermatology Program provides:
- Antiaging therapies, such as Botox and collagen injections.
- Chemical peels and microdermabrasion to make skin smoother and improve acne, wrinkles and skin discoloration.
- Advanced laser therapy to decrease excess hair growth and reduce lines and scars.
- Varicose vein treatments, including laser therapy and sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of special solutions into the veins to reduce their appearance.
In addition to the services above, the department tests the efficacy of new treatments for different skin diseases through its Clinical Pharmacology Unit. Clinical studies are complemented by a basic science laboratory, where investigators are conducting state-of-the-art research on mast cell biology and mastocytosis.
Finding a specialist at Rush:
To find a dermatologist at Rush click here.
Or make an appointment with a doctor at Rush by calling our toll-free physician referral number:
To reach the hospital operator, call (312) 942-5000. If you have difficulty hearing, call (312) 942-2207 (TTY/TTD).
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Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology
