DERMABRASIA
What is dermabrasia?
Dermabrasia is a technique that allows scars and other irregularities can be made less visible. During dermabrasia, the skin is peeled off until the layer underneath the epidermis.
When is the procedure useful to you?
Dermabrasia is often used for the removal of tattoos. Wrinkles and scars resulting from serious acne can also be removed using this technique. If you have superficial wrinkles that aren’t too deep, you can be certain of a good result.
During a preliminary discussion with Dr Lemmens, you will be given all the information you need regarding this treatment. You will also receive personal advice based on your specific situation and the best possible method will be worked out in consultation with you beforehand.
Dermabrasion is usually performed under local anaesthesia, depending on the size of the skin surface to be treated. After thoroughly cleaning the skin, the skin is abraded with a rapidly rotating disc consisting of diamond grains.
After treatment, the skin is bandaged or immediately rubbed with an ointment or cream, depending on the area treated and the intensity of the treatment. You will be given plenty of information and advice after the treatment regarding aftercare. In most cases, the skin is completely healed after just one week, if you have followed the care guidelines. The skin does remain pinkish-red in colour for several months. Therefore, it is strongly discouraged to expose it to the sun or undergo tanning sessions during that period.
Certain skin defects are so persistent that several dermabrasion treatments are needed to even them out again. There is also a small risk of pigmentation abnormalities developing in the skin after treatment. In most cases, you will get less pigment in the treated skin surface but it is also common for the treated area to become higher pigmented as a result of the treatment. Often, this colour difference between the treated and untreated skin is only temporary.
Another possible complication is the appearance of noticeable grooves in the skin or scars due to too deep dermabrasion. Therefore, Dr Lemmens always thoroughly examines your skin before treatment and you are often advised to undergo several sessions of less intrusive treatment rather than one intensive one to avoid such complications.