NewLife Certified Philippine Plastic Surgery Center

Philippine Burn Recovery Reconstruction Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:38:19 +0000

Philippine Burn Recovery Reconstruction Procedure

What is Burn Recovery Reconstruction?

Burns are one of the most excruciating and nasty injuries that a person can receive. The scars left behind by burns are often permanent. Because of their nature, any victim would seek redemption from the pain and humiliation of carrying burn scars. What if there was a way to give their old, happier lives back? Burn Recovery Reconstruction can open that door for them.

The procedure involves three stages: recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. “Recovery” not only deals with physical trauma, but the emotional part as well. “Reconstruction” is the part where the patient’s tissues are rebuilt to restore both their form and function. “Rehabilitation” is the final step and it readies the patient to regain stability and re-enter society as a renewed person.

How is Burn Recovery Reconstruction Peformed?

Burn Recovery Reconstruction can be executed in several ways, such as incisional release and grafting, excisional release and grafting, Z-plasty, and random flaps.

Incisional/Excisional Release and Grafting

Most burn reconstructive surgeries can use incisional, excisional, or combined release to close the acquired wound with split-thickness autograft. Tension is applied on the contracture and the release performed acutely. Adjacent regions of the hypertrophic scars can be excised provided that donor sites have sufficient material to close the wound. Full-thickness skin grafts usually contract less than thin split-thickness grafts. Which to use depends on the situation. Unfortunatley, the site where full-thickness graft is derived is usually limited compared to the other kind. In patients with limited site availability, thin split-thickness grafts can be used on acellular allogenic dermis to increase achievable results.

Z-plasty

While technically simple, carefully planned and performed Z-plasties become exceptional reconstructive mechanisms.

Basic steps:

Define any line of tension that needs modification
Plan the central limb of the Z-plasty on the lines
Design the lateral lines (if possible) so that they don’t align with natural skin lines after transposition
Make the angle between the central and lateral lines of the Z-plasty to be less than 90 degrees, with lateral limbs curved and shorter than the central limb

Within these rules, an infinite variety of Z-flaps can be created by tweaking the basic concept based on blood supply of flaps and local tissue elasticity. The technique is more limited by the surgeon’s imagination than anything else.

Tissue Expanders and Flaps

Local flaps, tissue expanders, and free flaps, while very limited, play an important part in burn reconstruction. Thin random flaps can be harvested from the chest wall, but more from the groin area. Tissue expanders are helpful when applied on the head and neck, but mostly to correct burn-related alopecia. Free flaps are similar to tissue expanders and are used on difficult wounds, like those received from high-voltage injuries.

Risks of Burn Recovery Reconstruction

Every surgery, no matter how advanced, has a compromise, and it comes in form of complications. The differences in the body of each person affect the ability to heal and produce unexpected results. Common complications seen in Burn Recovery Reconstruction are excessive bleeding, infection, healing difficulties, significant bruising, and issues associated with anesthesia and the surgery itself.

Who Can be Considered for Burn Recovery Reconstruction?

Burn victims who have acquired burn scars, have realistic expectations, and know the limitations of the procedure

Facts on Burn Recovery Reconstruction

Healing can take around 2 years for patients with burns on at least 30% of their total body surface
Late application of Burn Recovery Reconstruction may lead to lesser surgeries and more successful attempts, where some injuries have most likely healed and no longer need surgical intervention
Some burn scars can’t be removed, even with Burn Recovery Reconstruction
Recovery from emotional and mental damage is the key to full burn injury restoration

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Philippine Mole Removal Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:37:53 +0000

Philippine Mole Removal Procedure

What is Mole Removal?

Moles are usually either carried from birth or developed upon aging. They are pigmented skin lesions that can emerge from any skin area — although, they commonly appear on the face, upper extremities (like the arm), and chest area. Moles can be removed using a number of clinical alternatives, including dermabrasion, laser treatment, chemical peels, and excision.

How is Mole Removal Performed?

Before the procedure begins, the mole must first be cleansed and sterilized and then subjected to an anesthetic to numb the work area. Depending on the mole’s diagnosis, several options can be used to remove it. Here are some of them:

Surgical Excision with Stitches

This technique is often used in moles that are potentially malignant. A medical blade is used to isolate it, including the surrounding skin and the underlying skin, in the shape of an oval. How large the area of skin surrounding the mole to be cut relies solely on the surgeon’s diagnosis and considerations. Afterward, stitches will be made to close the wound. If non-dissolving stitches are used, they are placed on the upper surface of the skin and will be removed at a later time. If dissolving stitches are used, they are placed along the underlying tissue and won’t require removal.

Cauterization

With a cautery device, the mole is burned away. Stitches are not needed since it would be burn-sutured.

Shaving Method

This method is a common solution against protruding moles. It isn’t favorable against atypical moles for it may leave mole cells underneath the skin, which can make the it grow back. The mole is lifted and removed using a scalpel, as the area is left flush with the surrounding skin. An electrical device is used later to cauterize or burn the area to make the bleeding stop. A topical antibiotic is then used on the wound to minimize the risk of infection. A bandage is placed atop the wound to end the procedure.

Risks of Mole Removal

Since moles are typically small, the risks are consequently minor. The likeliest complication is infection. In addition, the complications that occur will depend on the Mole Removal method used. Scarring is also a recurring issue, but a very minor cosmetic one at that.

Who Can be Considered for Mole Removal?

Individuals with moles they want removed (especially those with large ones that may be cancerous), who have realistic expectations, and are aware of the limitations of the procedure

Facts on Mole Removal

Moles are examined prior to surgery — whether they’re benign or malignant, which determines which Mole Removal method is best suited
Surgical excision is often used on malignant moles
The cost of Mole Removal depends on the mole size, mole type, method used, and surgeon’s experience

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Philippine Earlobe Repair Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:37:30 +0000

Philippine Earlobe Repair Procedure

What is Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe Repair attempts to recover the ear’s original form. Frequently, piercing an earlobe increases the chances of any stretching or tearing. Earring size and shape are contributors that exert pressure on the soft, fatty tissue earlobes have and possibly rip them out. Tearing that comes from a fine piercing hole can be repaired at once, but if the tearing is made by a slow widening of the ear hole over time, repairs must be performed after wound healing finishes. The procedure uses flaps that are redistributed and reformed to sculpt a normal-looking ear and return it to its former glory.

How is Earlobe Repair Performed?

The majority of torn earlobes are effectively and safely corrected with delicate surgical repair methods. The procedure is routinely performed under local anesthesia, plus an optional sedative upon the patient’s request.

When planning and marking is finished, a tiny amount of lidocaine numbing solution is applied. The procedure is usually conducted without leaving any discomforting sensation to the patient. The earlobe is subject to removal of healed and scarred artifacts of the tear so that the earlobe can be correctly rebuilt. The ear then is stitched in a straight or zigzagged manner, although the most fitting technique will be discussed with the patient and hinge on the exact location of the injury, as well as the physical makeup of the earlobe. Very fine suture threads are used, which will support repair and keep scarring to a minimum.

During homecare, a modest amount of antibiotic ointment is applied for a few days to keep the wound clean. Once the earlobe heals, it leaves a highly inconspicuous scar line that can easily be hidden under a mask of makeup.

Risks of Earlobe Repair

Complications are minor in this procedure, but when it happens, it’s usually infection. Some low-level discomfort may be felt after surgery, but no medicine apart from the prescribed antibiotic would be needed.

Who Can be Considered for Earlobe Repair?

Individuals who have torn earlobes, are capable of having realistic expectations, and are aware of the limitations of plastic surgery.

Facts on Earlobe Repair

Patients who use transparent tape to temporarily patch the torn earlobe often end up getting a skin reaction, abandoning the idea in the process
Depending on the size of the tear, some clip-on varieties of earrings can be used to provide cover
Keloid scarring (benign growth) is a complication of ear piercing
Piercing the ears within six months after Earlobe Repair may cause rupturing to recur; wearing pendulous and heavy earrings would further increase chances of rupture

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Philippine Ear Reconstruction Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:37:03 +0000

Philippine Ear Reconstruction Procedure

What is Ear Reconstruction?

Ear Reconstruction addresses ear deformities that come from birth defects (microtia) or have lost normality from trauma, a disease, or previous surgery. The external ear apparatus undergoes improper development (including the ear lobule, auricle helix, tragus, and choncal depression) resulting in severe deformation. Ear Reconstruction procedure is conducted in a series of operations that span from four to six months.

In the first step, the surgery would need the fabrication of the cartilage framework with an inset in a subcutaneous pocket behind the underdeveloped ear. A lobule-flap rotation or cartilage framework elevation comes next. Lastly, the doctor performs a choncal deepening or tragal reconstruction that gives the ear a natural look.

How is Ear Reconstruction Performed?

Ear Reconstruction is done under general anesthesia and lasts about 7 hours if it involves both ears.

First, an incision is made on the chest to take a piece of cartilage from the ribcage. A local pain injection is used on the rib wound to aid in alleviating some of the pain after the operation and the anesthetic subsides. Another tiny piece of cartilage will be saved for later use, which will be tucked under the skin on the chest beside the incision.

The surgeon then carves the removed piece of cartilage with a stencil drawing of an ear to create a framework for the new ear. A pocket of skin is made on the side of the head afterwards, where the framework slips in and closed with stitches. The stitches that are typically used here are the dissolvable kind, so no removal would be needed. When a pocket is impossible to form, the surgeon would alternatively create a flap from the scalp instead. A dressing is placed following the operation along with drains.

When at least six months after the first operation goes by, the patient needs to pay another visit to get the newly-formed ear lifted away from the side of the head.

The second trip also puts the patient under general anesthesia, but the session is shorter than the first — lasting around two hours.

Lifting of the ear away from the head ensues. After releasing the ear, a small incision will be made on the chest to free the saved piece of cartilage saved in the first surgery. The saved piece is used as a wedge to push the ear into the proper position and is then covered in a skin graft. The graft is secured behind the ear using dissolavle stitches and supported by a special dressing. The surgery site will again be covered in dressing with drains included.

Risks of Ear Reconstruction

Ear Reconstruction‘s complications are minor to average, which include swelling, scarring, bruising, infection, and bleeding. Rarely, there may be numbness (which can be permanent in severe cases) and hematoma.

Who Can be Considered for Ear Reconstruction?

Individuals who have deformed ears acquired from a birth defect, congenital disease, trauma, or surgery. They should also be capable of drawing realistic expectations from the procedure and aware of the limitations of plastic surgery.

Facts on Ear Reconstruction

Ear Reconstruction is performed under local or general anesthesia with intravenous medications
Materials for the new ear can be harvested from the ribs and make use of skin grafts coming from the scalp, thigh, or groin
Patients should at least be nine years old before they can qualify for Ear Reconstruction procedure

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Philippine Chin Surgery Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:35:58 +0000

Philippine Chin Surgery Procedure

What is Chin Surgery?

The human chin has been known to imbue might and beauty, which makes anyone with the perfect profile lucky. As it turns out, facial proportion can be attained after all, thanks to Chin Surgery. This procedure can reform the chin via implants (if the chin is somewhat small) and bone reduction (if the chin is bigger than it should be). Genioplasty is the technical term for chin augmentation, which involves enlargement; Mentoplasty is the technical term for chin reduction.

How is Chin Surgery Performed?

Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation is conducted with the patient under local or general anesthesia, which is decided by the surgeon after screening.

Chin augmentation can be executed in two ways: through the mouth (along the lower lip) or beneath the chin. After incisions are made, the surgeon creates a pocket over the front of the jawbone. An implant, carefully selected to give the best achievable result, is inserted in that pocket. When surgery is over, the chin is surgically taped to facilitate support and reduce discomfort and swelling. If the implant was inserted through the mouth, dissolvable stitches will be used. If it’s through the chin, regular stitches will be used and removed during the follow-up visit (around a week after the surgery).

This type of surgery is an outpatient procedure and often lasts under an hour.

Chin Reduction

Chin reduction is usually carried out with the patient under general anesthesia, but sometimes local anesthesia plus a sedative is enough.

In this procedure, the surgeon would also make incisions in the mouth or under the chin, where either a wedge of the bone is removed using a drilling device (like a burr) or a part of the bone is slid to reposition and reshape the chin point(s). Incisions will be stitched using either the dissolvable kind or regular kind, depending on where the incision was made, and surgically taped.

Chin augmentation may take anywere from one to four hours, dependending on the complexity of the procedure.

Risks of Chin Surgery

Chin Surgery is subject to complications, like other surgeries, but in the hands of a very experienced specialist, there is nothing to worry about. Complications of this procedure are often minor and rare to occur. Examples include bruising, swelling, bleeding, scarring, infection, numbness, and permanent full loss of sensation in the surgery site. Another complication is the dislocation of the implants, which can be fixed with a revision.

Who Can be Considered for Chin Surgery?

Individuals who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their chin and/or the effect it gives their face. They should also be capable of drawing realistic expectations from the procedure and aware of the limitations of plastic surgery.

Facts on Chin Surgery

If chin implants aren’t enough, fat may be added to improve definition of the chin’s profile
Other facial surgeries may be combined with Chin Surgery, but some may need to be revised (if prior enhancements were present) in order for all the features to work together effectively
The results of Chin Surgery are permanent

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Philippine Wire Scalpel Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:35:25 +0000

Philippine Wire Scalpel Procedure

What is Wire Scalpel?

Wire Scalpel is a minimally-invasive treatment technique that greatly reduces the deep smile lines that form outside the bounds of the mouth and permanent frown lines at the base of the nose. It can remove wrinkles located on the forehead, nose, neck, face, and also correct the contour imperfections and deformities of soft tissue and skin. Wire Scalpel is a quick solution to soften the nasolabial folds using a fine saw-toothed wire inserted under the skin without the need for large skin incisions.

How is Wire Scalpel Performed?

A marking pen is used to mark areas that will be treated. These parts are breached with local anesthetic. The Wire Scalpel is then fed through the subcutaneous tissue close to the marked areas, following undermining using a forward-and-backward motion before the wire is removed. Finally, lipoinjection is carried out with a blunt cannula inserted under the undermined lines.

Wire Scalpel lasts for around an hour and is an outpatient procedure.

Risks of Wire Scalpel

Wire Scalpel rarely involves notable risks and complications due to its minimally-invasive nature. The most usual ones are minimal swelling and bruising, which subside in a couple of days.

Facts on Wire Scalpel

Wire Scalpel technique works best when paired with fillers
This procedure can assist other traditional cosmetic surgeries by detaching lesion bases from their connection to deeper skin layers

Philippine Sclerotherapy Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:34:58 +0000

Philippine Sclerotherapy Procedure

What is Sclerotherapy?

Spider veins and varicose veins aren’t exactly eye-catching in the positive sense, and that’s what Sclerotherapy is for. Spider veins are red to bluish deformities that bulge under the skin, usually settling at the lower extremities — like the knee, leg, and ankle regions. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that works by injecting a sclerosant or sclerosing solution to the veins, which will make them break down and gradually disappear from eyesight.

History

Sclerotherapy has been around and used for over a century and a half, with first attempts dating back as far as 1682 when D Zollikofer of Switzerland injected an acid into a vein to induce thrombus formation. Debout and Cassaignaic had success treating varicose veins with perchlorate of iron in 1853. Desgranges was able to cure 16 cases of varicose veins using an injection of iodine and tannin in 1854, which was about 12 years following Madelung’s introduction to huge varicose vein stripping. Because of frequencies of side-effects with the drugs used at the time, Sclerotherapy was abandoned by 1894.

Research went on to find alternative sclerosants in the early 20th century. Carbolic acid and perchlorate of mercury were tested, but despite positive results, side-effects also caused them to be scrapped. Quinine was also attempted with some success in the early 20th century, and it was regarded by Coppleson’s book in 1929 as the best among of sclerosant options.

Sclerosant development continued through the 1940s and 1950s, highlighting the emergence of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) — a product still extensively used to this day. The next notable advancement in Sclerotherapy was the arrival of duplex ultrasonography in the 1980s and its involvement into the treatment later in the decade. Cabrera and Monfreaux’s foam Sclerotherapy further pushed Sclerotherapy‘s potential in eliminating large varicose veins.

How is Sclerotherapy Performed?

Generally, the sclerosing solution is injected with a very fine needle straight to the vein. During this time, patients may experience cramping and mild discomfort for a minute or two, especially if the veins are large.

The amount of veins injected in a single session depends on the size and location of the veins, and also the patient’s medical condition. Sclerotherapy is conducted in a doctor’s office by a dermatologist or vascular medicine specialist. Aerobic activities should be avoided for two days following Sclerotherapy. Patients need at least two Sclerotherapy sessions, separated by several weeks, to observe pleasing results.

The procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.

Risks of Sclerotherapy

Typical complications are minor, which can be any or more than one of the following: bruising, swelling, and formation of clots in the deep veins.

Who Can be Considered for Sclerotherapy?

Individuals who have varicose vein or spider vein problems, are capable of drawing realistic expectations from the procedure, and are aware of the limitations of plastic surgery. If there is a history of allergies, they should be mentioned to the doctor.

Facts on Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is preferred over laser treatment against spider veins and smaller varicose veins because it also closes the “feeder veins” that cause spider vein formation, making reducing any chance of recurrence
Foam Sclerotherapy recommended for long and large varicose veins since it doesn’t mix with the blood in the vessels — displacing it even, in fact — which avoids the drug to be diluted and perform at maximum

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Philippine Scar Revision Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:34:34 +0000

Philippine Scar Revision Procedure

What is Scar Revision?

Scars are the aftermath of injuries and they come after an injury has repaired itself. Causes of scars may be from trauma, surgery, or illness. Scar sizes vary depending on the size of the wound, factoring in its severity as well. Common examples of wound sources are abrasions, cuts, and even burns. Some scars can be keloid or hypertrophic, where healing would depend on the person and the nature of the scar.

Scars can’t be completely removed with any procedure, however, Scar Revision can minimize their appearance so that it becomes less noticeable to other people.

How is Scar Revision Performed?

Depending on the scar type and severity, a number of countermeasures can be picked to make results as satisfying as possible.

Z-plasty

The old scar is removed then new incisions are made on the resulting sides, which create small triangular flaps. The flaps are repositioned to conceal the wound at a new angle that gives the scar a “Z” shape. Finally, the wound is sealed with fine stitches that will need to be removed later on.

W-plasty

A zigzag pattern of triangular flaps is created and are removed on both sides of the scar. The triangle flaps that are left behind are interlocked with each other and sutured together. W-plasty is used to relax tension along the length of a straight scar.

M-plasty

Conventional techniques that are used to close surgical wounds may give birth to “dog ear” protrusions. M-plasty creates two separate 30-degree angles instead of one to decrease the loss of surrounding healthy tissue by almost half, thereby eliminating these formations.

Geometric Broken Line Closure (GBLC)

Geometric Broken Line Closure makes use of W-plasty principles, but also includes the addition of newer shapes besides triangular flaps that W-plasty is known for. It may utilize M shapes or any other as long as they’re placed between W shapes. The end result is a very irregular closure, which can provide maximal scar camouflage. For difficult scar locations, GBLC with dermabrasion would yield the best outcome.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is often used on lighter scars. Sandpaper or a mechanical abrader can be either tools used for the procedure. The skin that comes out of this is red and raw-looking, which takes weeks to months to completely heal.

Laser Resurfacing

In preparation, the patient’s skin is cleansed and applied with antibiotics, then two types of lasers may be used: ablative or non-ablative. Ablative lasers give similar effects as dermabrasion, where the laser is moved along the scar. Ablative lasers can vaporize a layer of skin and expose the deeper, more healthy layer. Non-ablative lasers stimulate new collagen to grow and correct scars from the inside going out.

Intralesional Steroids

Intralesional Steroids are an injectable to treat abnormal skin (mostly keloids) and require no preparation. Depending on the size of the treatment site, multiple injections may be required. A small dressing may be placed after, which can be removed in a few hours. Multiple treatment sessions may be needed, separated by a couple of weeks, depending on the condition being addressed.

Most Scar Revision methods are performed under local anesthesia, as an outpatient procedure, lasting more or less an hour.

Risks of Scar Revision

All modes of correction against scars are generally safe, but when complications arise they can induce swelling, pain, bleeding, and redness; atrophy, telangiectasia, pigmentation changes, and allergic reactions with some.

Who Can be Considered for Scar Revision Treatment?

Individuals with abnormal scars who know the limits of the procedure, have realistic expectations, and without traumatically thickened or discolored skin

Facts on Scar Revision

Scarred areas must be given a minimum of one year to heal before a patient considers Scar Revision
Some scars may return no matter what due to an individual’s genetic predisposition

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Philippine Dermal Fillers Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:34:05 +0000

Philippine Dermal Fillers Procedure

What are Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers can use natural or synthetic substances and are seeped into the deep layer of the skin via an injection, filling wrinkles, crevices, and scars. They can be used against folds and wrinkles, bringing a youthful effect to the skin. Fillers are injected into the lines and defects to plump them out. The substance settles in the skin where it fuses with water to create a lift and tightness to the treated regions.

The skin consists of the epidermis and the dermis. Between them, a jelly-like substance can be found called hyaluronic acid. Young people have abundant hyaluronic acid, which diminishes upon aging. The hyaluronic acid causes the skin to lose its natural volume and fullness when it decreases, producing fold and wrinkles in the process. Fillers serve as a substitute for hyaluronic acid and it can restore the skin’s richness back to its full glory.

How are Dermal Fillers Performed?

If collagen-based fillers are being considered, the patient must go through a skin test first. Approximately 3% of patients are allergic to these types of fillers that’s why testing is necessary. Hyaluronic-acid-based fillers aren’t known to give allergic reactions, so a skin test isn’t needed if they are being considered.

A numbing agent is usually provided, like anesthetic injections and topical anesthetic creams, before the procedure begins. The procedure entails that Dermal Fillers are injected under the skin in tiny amounts using a very fine needle. Most treatments take as long as 10 minutes to complete, but some can stretch up to an hour.

If the fillers were applied only to a small area, patients can immediately get back to their regular daily activities without problems. If a bigger area was covered, a few days of rest may be required. Filler gels lift and iron out wrinkled skin, while they add volume and shape when used on the lips.

Generally, Dermal Fillers aren’t painful. However, some may experience discomfort due to varying levels of sensitivity of people. Pain is also dependent on the area being treated. The nose and lips areas are known for producing the greatest discomfort with this treatment.

Risks of Dermal Fillers

Side-effects of Dermal Fillers include bruising, mild swelling/redness, itching, discoloration, and tenderness. On rare occasions, granulomas may form in skin treatments.

Who Can be Considered for Dermal Fillers?

Individuals who don’t have severe allergies — particularly those who have allergies with bacterial proteins — or a history of anaphylaxis. They should also be capable of drawing realistic expectations from the procedure and aware of the limitations of plastic surgery.

Facts on Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers are slowly broken down and absorbed by the body, so any problem that the treatment addressed will return if no follow-up treatments were planned
Results may last 6 to 9 months for most people, while some may carry the fruits of the treatment for up to a year
The fillers used in the treatment are either cow or human collagen, synthetic hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid (from fruit acids; inspires the body to produce its own collagen), or calcium hydroxylapatite (one of the bone’s substances)

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Philippine Dermabrasion Procedure

Dr. James Joaquino — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:33:42 +0000

Philippine Dermabrasion Procedure

What is Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a procedure that rubs away the upper layers of the skin through controlled surgical scraping techniques. The treatment is designed to soften sharp protrusions created by the skin’s uneven surface, causing a smoother appearance. Dermabrasion can be used to remove small scars (like those coming from acne), moles, tattoos, or fine wrinkles.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is similar to Dermabrasion, only it uses non-invasive exfoliation to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells of the epidermis. While it’s usually performed in an office setting, it’s simple enough to do at home with a range of products specializing in skin exfoliation. If Dermabrasion side effects can take from weeks to months before they wear out, Microdermabrasion may take as short as a couple of days.

Microdermabrasion decreases the presence of superficial hyperpigmentation, photo-damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and shallow acne scars. In addition, it can help increase effects of skin products by up to 50% and makeup use will be more pleasant.

How is Dermabrasion Performed?

Dermabrasion usually requires the use of light sedation or, sometimes, local anesthesia before it’s carried out. Then with sandpaper or a mechanical device, the surgeon will carefully abrade the patient’s skin to a certain depth that was agreed upon during consultation.

The surgeon covers the face with a thin film of antibiotic ointment or a burn cream after the procedure. Some may blanket a fine layer of synthetic, breathable skin to protect the fresh tissue surface while it heals.

If there is severe acne scarring, Dermabrasion can be combined with other procedures, such as using injectable fillers. This would have to be arranged in advance first.

Depending on the coverage of the procedure, Dermabrasion can take between 15 minutes and two hours to complete.

Risks of Dermabrasion

Complications and/or side-effects that may come with Dermabrasion include: scarring, redness, swelling, acne flare-ups/tiny cysts, pigmentation changes, sensitivity to sunlight, infection, and allergic reactions.

Who Can be Considered for Dermabrasion?

Individuals without undiagnosed skin lesions, warts, active acne (especially when Accutane is used to treat acne), active rosacea, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases (like lupus), or pigmentation disorders. They should also be capable of drawing realistic expectations from the procedure, as well as aware of the limitations of plastic surgery.

Facts on Dermabrasion

The mechanical method of Dermabrasion remains popular because of its cheap cost and it exhibits the same effects as laser treatment
This procedure can only exfoliate 15 to 25 micrometers deep in the skin, which makes it useless against deep wrinkles