Dermabrasion

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Skin smoothing surgery - series

Skin-smoothing surgery involves surgical removal of the top layers of the skin.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is usually performed on an awake patient using local anesthesia. Extensive procedures, however, may require sedation or general anesthesia. A surgical instrument is used to gently and carefully "sand" the surface of the skin down to normal, healthy skin. The healing tissue is treated with ointments (such as petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointments) to reduce scab formation (crusting) and therefore reduce scar formation.

Dermabrasion is helpful in reducing scars and fine skin creases (wrinkles).

Dermabrasion may be offered to patients with:

• Facial scars from
  • Acne
  • Accidents
  • Previous surgery
• Fine facial wrinkles, such as around the mouth
• Precancerous growths (keratoses)

For many of these conditions, alternative treatments exist. Always discuss your options with your physician.

Review Date: 04/30/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.