Can all acne scars be reversed with dermabrasion?
Unfortunately no. Dermabrasion does not work in all individuals with acne scars nor does it remove all scars. Deep acne scars usually require much more aggressive treatments, like laser or surgery. Overall, less than 10%-20% of individuals have a satisfactory result. Even though dermabrasion is hyped up as a great treatment, most individuals are disappointed with the results. The choice is ugly looking acne scars, or skin that has been grinded down by the cosmetic physician. Dermabrasion often works best for small acne scars that are fresh and not to deep
Who performs the actual procedure?
You can rest assured that if you are not Ms M Obama or Madonna, a technician is going to perform the procedure. The doctor only does this procedure for VIPs- most times they are too busy running 10 other clinics trying to make more money.
What are alternative treatments for acne scars?
When dermabrasion fails, other options include use of dermal fillers like collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat. These procedures can improve depressed scars and also be combined with dermabrasion. Today, laser is being hyped up as a treatment for acne scars (See next report)
What is cost of dermabrasion for acne scars?
The average cost for dermabrasion is anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 and there are no refunds if the treatment does not work.
Does it always work?
Unfortunately, even in the best of hands only 10%-20% of individuals have a decent result. The rest have a poor or a worse result.
Final point
There is no perfect method to treat acne scars. Dermabrasion is just one another treatment for acne scars. Do not believe for a second that any doctor can easily cure acne scars. In some cases, dermabrasion does help fade acne scars and the treatments are expensive. So before you jump in a queue- ask questions, get referrals, many health care professionals who treat acne scars are hopeless/clueless, other make false promises and only want your money. Read about what is involved, the costs, refunds, guarantee and get everything in writing. Ask the physician if he or she is board certified and check credentials.
Always get a second opinion. Times are tough and the last thing you want to do is spend your money on a worthless therapy and end up with a skin that is worse looking than what you started out with-good luck
Showing posts with label keloids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keloids. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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)
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)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Dermabrasion & Acne scars- Part 2
How many sessions are required?
Almost everyone requires 4-6 sessions depending on type of acne scar, skin, and response.
How is dermabrasion performed?
The procedure involves use of a device that rotates (just like a sand paper device). The device rotates fast and removes top layer of skin. The treatment does hurt or sting and thus, the physician will apply a cold ice pack or a topical local anesthetic on skin 20 minutes before the procedure. Once your face is clean and dry, the high-speed rotating device is held close to the skin. The spinning action removes all uneven skin imperfections and irregularities. After dermabrasion is completed, a topical antibiotic is applied and the area is covered with a moist dressing.
What happens after the procedure?
Immediately after Dermabrasion, the skin appears as if you have had moderate or intense sunburn. The skin may look raw, blistered, swollen, bruised, and very red. There definitely is pain after the procedure that may vary from mild to moderate. However, pain is easily controlled with over the counter pain medications. For the next few days, one may need to change the dressings once or twice a day. Daily application of an antibiotic ointment is also recommended
When does one see results after dermabrasion?
The results are never immediate. In most individuals, the early results are seen after 10-18 days. During the first few days after the procedure, skin will appear raw and pink. The pink skin is then slowly replaced by fresh new skin over the next 6-12 weeks. The pink or red skin can be hidden with use of camouflage or make-up creams.
It is vital that one avoid sun exposure after dermabrasion. If one goes out, a sunscreen is a must. Exposure to sun can cause intense darkening of skin, that can be irreversible
Almost everyone requires 4-6 sessions depending on type of acne scar, skin, and response.
How is dermabrasion performed?
The procedure involves use of a device that rotates (just like a sand paper device). The device rotates fast and removes top layer of skin. The treatment does hurt or sting and thus, the physician will apply a cold ice pack or a topical local anesthetic on skin 20 minutes before the procedure. Once your face is clean and dry, the high-speed rotating device is held close to the skin. The spinning action removes all uneven skin imperfections and irregularities. After dermabrasion is completed, a topical antibiotic is applied and the area is covered with a moist dressing.
What happens after the procedure?
Immediately after Dermabrasion, the skin appears as if you have had moderate or intense sunburn. The skin may look raw, blistered, swollen, bruised, and very red. There definitely is pain after the procedure that may vary from mild to moderate. However, pain is easily controlled with over the counter pain medications. For the next few days, one may need to change the dressings once or twice a day. Daily application of an antibiotic ointment is also recommended
When does one see results after dermabrasion?
The results are never immediate. In most individuals, the early results are seen after 10-18 days. During the first few days after the procedure, skin will appear raw and pink. The pink skin is then slowly replaced by fresh new skin over the next 6-12 weeks. The pink or red skin can be hidden with use of camouflage or make-up creams.
It is vital that one avoid sun exposure after dermabrasion. If one goes out, a sunscreen is a must. Exposure to sun can cause intense darkening of skin, that can be irreversible
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Lasers and acne scars part 2
Can fractionated lasers be used to treat acne scars?
Yes, there are several fractionated lasers that are used to treat acne scars. Fractionated is another big word meant to impress consumers. Fractionated and non ablative is the same thing. These lasers are generally less intense and do not harm normal skin. Both Fraxel and Affirm are fractionated lasers. These two lasers are non-ablative and can erase or minimize your acne scars. They do not work in everyone with an acne scar, nor do they erase all acne scars. The only advantage of these lasers is that they do not cause damage to normal skin- this results in less side effects and rapid recovery (you also pay a lot more for these lasers)
Where is laser treatment for acne scars done?
Almost all cosmetic procedures are done as outpatients. Acne scar treatment with lasers is an outpatient procedure done at a spa or a clinic. The average time for each session is anywhere from 45-60 minutes. There are no extensive preparations required prior to the procedure.
Who cannot not undergo laser treatment?
Anyone with acute acne, a serious skin infection, those taking blood-thinning medications, those with an outbreak of herpes or individuals with lupus, should avoid laser. Individuals who do take blood-thinning medications should first discuss with their physician if they can safely stop the drug prior to undergoing laser therapy. And do not forget, if you ain't got money, laser is not an option for you. There are no charitable docs when it comes to cosmetics- money is the name of the game.
Can an individual with a suntan undergo laser?
No, after a suntan one must wait 4-6 weeks before undergoing laser. If laser is done on skin which is tanned, severe, darkening of skin can occur- this darkening can be permanent.
Is laser painful?
To get the facts right- laser hurts like hell. Laser is a beam of intense light that generates heat. It is like being burnt with a lighted cigarette. If you have never had the experience – trust me it is painful. The only consolation is that pain lasts a few seconds but is repeated many times over. To ease pain, the physician will numb the skin with a topical anesthetic or a cold ice pack. Some of the latest lasers come with a cooling tip that minimize the pain- but rest assured, you are not going to come out of that office feeling great. To minimize pain, some physicians recommend that patients take a couple of Tylenol, Motrin or Advil- most of these pills do diddlysquat.
Yes, there are several fractionated lasers that are used to treat acne scars. Fractionated is another big word meant to impress consumers. Fractionated and non ablative is the same thing. These lasers are generally less intense and do not harm normal skin. Both Fraxel and Affirm are fractionated lasers. These two lasers are non-ablative and can erase or minimize your acne scars. They do not work in everyone with an acne scar, nor do they erase all acne scars. The only advantage of these lasers is that they do not cause damage to normal skin- this results in less side effects and rapid recovery (you also pay a lot more for these lasers)
Where is laser treatment for acne scars done?
Almost all cosmetic procedures are done as outpatients. Acne scar treatment with lasers is an outpatient procedure done at a spa or a clinic. The average time for each session is anywhere from 45-60 minutes. There are no extensive preparations required prior to the procedure.
Who cannot not undergo laser treatment?
Anyone with acute acne, a serious skin infection, those taking blood-thinning medications, those with an outbreak of herpes or individuals with lupus, should avoid laser. Individuals who do take blood-thinning medications should first discuss with their physician if they can safely stop the drug prior to undergoing laser therapy. And do not forget, if you ain't got money, laser is not an option for you. There are no charitable docs when it comes to cosmetics- money is the name of the game.
Can an individual with a suntan undergo laser?
No, after a suntan one must wait 4-6 weeks before undergoing laser. If laser is done on skin which is tanned, severe, darkening of skin can occur- this darkening can be permanent.
Is laser painful?
To get the facts right- laser hurts like hell. Laser is a beam of intense light that generates heat. It is like being burnt with a lighted cigarette. If you have never had the experience – trust me it is painful. The only consolation is that pain lasts a few seconds but is repeated many times over. To ease pain, the physician will numb the skin with a topical anesthetic or a cold ice pack. Some of the latest lasers come with a cooling tip that minimize the pain- but rest assured, you are not going to come out of that office feeling great. To minimize pain, some physicians recommend that patients take a couple of Tylenol, Motrin or Advil- most of these pills do diddlysquat.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Acne Scarring 101 part 2
Acne scars do not only occur on face but also on neck, upper arms, shoulders, and chest. It is difficult to know who will develop acne scars. In many cases, acne scars develop and generally resolve spontaneously.
There is one observation about acne scars, - individuals who develop the inflammatory type acne, those who muck around with mechanical devices to squeeze the pimples or those use harsh chemicals are prone to scars.
The only good things about acne scars is that unlike the past, we do know more about it today and there arse also some good treatments.. Fact one- there is no ideal treatment for acne and fact 2, no presently available treatment works in everyone. All the available treatments work to some degree but you will never get your beautiful, smooth, soft skin back. There are a lot of physicians and health care workers who hype up lasers and dermal fillers as great treatment for acne. Sure, these treatments work but only in some individuals and not everyone gets the desired result. Some cosmetic physicians do have a tendency to exaggerate things (some call it lying), just like car mechanics.
For all individuals with acne scars, there are some decent treatments available that can help improve aesthetics of your face, the most difficult part is finding a physician who excels at these treatments. Treatment of acne scars requires an excellent physician who knows what is going on and is truly interested in helping your skin then filling his/her pockets with your heard earned money.
So before you go rushing for the latest laser treatment, talk to people, get referrals, read about the disorder, ask questions and above all choose your provider well. Acne treatment is not a cheap undertaking. The amount of money you will pay for acne scar treatments is just about the same as putting a down payment on a decent car/house. Times are tough today- be wise and go slow. If ever in doubt, get a second opinion.
There is one observation about acne scars, - individuals who develop the inflammatory type acne, those who muck around with mechanical devices to squeeze the pimples or those use harsh chemicals are prone to scars.
The only good things about acne scars is that unlike the past, we do know more about it today and there arse also some good treatments.. Fact one- there is no ideal treatment for acne and fact 2, no presently available treatment works in everyone. All the available treatments work to some degree but you will never get your beautiful, smooth, soft skin back. There are a lot of physicians and health care workers who hype up lasers and dermal fillers as great treatment for acne. Sure, these treatments work but only in some individuals and not everyone gets the desired result. Some cosmetic physicians do have a tendency to exaggerate things (some call it lying), just like car mechanics.
For all individuals with acne scars, there are some decent treatments available that can help improve aesthetics of your face, the most difficult part is finding a physician who excels at these treatments. Treatment of acne scars requires an excellent physician who knows what is going on and is truly interested in helping your skin then filling his/her pockets with your heard earned money.
So before you go rushing for the latest laser treatment, talk to people, get referrals, read about the disorder, ask questions and above all choose your provider well. Acne treatment is not a cheap undertaking. The amount of money you will pay for acne scar treatments is just about the same as putting a down payment on a decent car/house. Times are tough today- be wise and go slow. If ever in doubt, get a second opinion.
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