Dr. Hollingsworth - Cosmetic Surgery by one of Texarkana's leading Plastic Surgeons featuring Breast augmentation and reduction, botox, microdermabrasion - also specializing in Eyes, Nose and Throat as well as Wrist surgeries

Dermabrasion Home- Back to Cosmetic Procedures

Dermabrasion/Dermaplaning

ermabrasion and dermaplaning help to "refinish" the skin's top layers through a method of controlled surgical scraping. The treatments soften the sharp edges of surface irregularities, giving the skin a smoother appearance. 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. 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.

Both procedures can enhance appearance and self-confidence, but neither will remove all scars and flaws or prevent aging. In addition, individual factors such as your skin type, coloring, and medical history must be taken into account. People with dark skin complexions may become permanently discolored or blotchy after a skin-refinishing treatment. Those who develop allergic rashes or other skin reactions, cold sores, or fever blisters may experience a flare-up. Also, most surgeons won't perform treatment during the active stages of acne because of a greater risk of infection.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can smooth scars left by acne, accidents, or previous surgery. In addition, they can help smooth fine facial wrinkles, especially those around the mouth.

In dermabrasion, the surgeon scrapes away the outermost layer of skin with a rough wire brush, or a burr containing diamond particles, which is attached to a motorized handle. In dermaplaning, the surgeon uses a hand-held instrument called a "dermatome," which resembles an electric razor. The dermatome has an oscillating blade that moves back and forth to evenly "skim" off the surface layers of skin that surround the defects.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are commonly performed under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used instead. The procedures usually take up to about 1 1/2 hours, depending on how large an area of skin is involved. In cases of deep scarring, or when a large area of skin needs to be treated, the procedure may be performed more than once.