Dermabrasion & Acne scars- Part 3

What preparations are required prior to dermabrasion for acne scars?

There are no extensive preparations required prior to dermabrasion. At the initial consult, the dermatologist will hopefully discuss all the positive and negative aspects of treatment. Never get treatment from any physician who does not explain the procedure.

Who should not undergo dermabrasion?

Individuals who have an acute skin infection, uncontrolled diabetes or those who take a blood thinner should not immediately undergo dermabrasion. Because dermabrasion can frequently activate herpes virus, individuals who have had a prior attack of this virus should start on acyclovir before the procedure
Other individuals who should avoid dermabrasion are those with collagen vascular disease like lupus or scleroderma

What happens after dermabrasion?

After the procedure, all individuals develop skin that looks as if one has had an intense sunburn. The skin appears raw, red, bloody and is associated with pain. In most cases, the pain is easily controlled with over the counter pain medications but sometimes prescription pain medications are required. Special dressings and antibiotic ointments are applied on a daily basis. Healing starts to occur after 7-10 days. The initial skin is pink but then starts to change into a normal color. The normal skin color finally occurs at about 6-8 weeks. Individuals who like to go out soon after dermabrasion can cover the pink skin with a camouflage make-up.
It is extremely important for all individuals to avoid sun exposure after dermabrasion. Sun can cause intense darkening of skin that is often irreversible. A sunscreen is a must.

Are there complications after dermabrasion?

Sure, any time you grind someone’s face with sand paper, complications can happen. The most common complications after dermabrasion include:

- Excessive skin darkening. This is a common
complication in light-skinned individuals.
The skin darkening can be decreased by
bleaching agents
- Excessive skin lightening. This is a common
complication in dark skin individuals. this
complication is often permanent
- formation of scars or keloid. Keloid or scars
are very difficult to treat; scars and keloids
are common in individuals with dark skin.
- The most common complication is that the
treatment fails to heal acne scar or makes
it worse (this is a fact which no doctors mention)