ABOUT DERMABRASION
Dermabrasion is a skin treatment which uses friction to remove the upper layers of skin. Once the top layers of the skin are removed, it stimulates the growth of new skin to replace the damaged skin once the wound heals, which is smoother skin.
Dermabrasion is a procedure sought after by patients who wish to decrease the appearance of acne scars, fine wrinkles, age spots, tattoos, scars, or uneven skin tone.
An abrasion tool is used to remove the top lasers of the skin, commonly with a spinning brush or a diamond wheel. The patient is usually administered with a local anesthetic and some patients may also receive sedation to make them more comfortable during the procedure.
Recommended for
- Acne scar
- Fine lines
- Skin imperfections
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Average length of stay abroad: 1 – 2 days.
- Number of trips abroad needed: 1.
COMPARE DERMABRASION PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ireland | 850€ |
| Thailand | 653€ |
| Brazil | 484€ |
| Mexico | 449€ |
| India | 449€ |
| Poland | 293€ |
| Costa Rica | 179€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE DERMABRASION ABROAD
Before beginning the treatment, the doctor will usually numb the facial skin with a local anesthetic and apply ice packs for up to 30 minutes. Sometimes a freezing spray is used to help harden the skin. Sedation may also be given to the patient, in order to make them more comfortable.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
The abrasion device is applied to the skin and the outer layer of skin is removed carefully, area by area. Once the skin has been treated, a gauze is applied to help stop any bleeding and a dressing may be applied.
Anesthesia
Usually local anesthetic, but for patients needing extensive work, general anesthetic may be appropriate.
Procedure duration
The Dermabrasion takes 1 to 2 hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER DERMABRASION
Post procedure care
It is important to keep the skin clean to avoid infection, and to remove the crusting that sometimes occurs. A dressing may be worn for several days, and this should be changed regularly. It is important to avoid skin exposure as the skin will be very sensitive, and once the new skin has formed patients should wear a good sunscreen to protect the new skin.
Possible discomfort
Swelling and redness. New skin will form between 7 and 10 days after the procedure and will be pinker than the rest of the skin, normal skin tone returns between 6 and 12 week later.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DERMABRASION
Not recommended for
- Patients that have recently had a facelift or brow lift
- History of abnormal scarring
- Active herpes (cold sore) infection
- Skin infection
- Immune disorder that could make healing more difficult
Potential risks
- Scarring
- Redness
- Swelling
- Acne flare-ups
- Hyperpigmentation
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Tissue damage
- Infection
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The majority of patients are satisfied with the results of dermabrasion when it is performed by a reputable, experienced clinician.
Dermabrasion is usually performed under local anesthesia, therefore the affected areas will be numb during the procedure. You may also receive some pain medication for the first few days of the healing process.
Dermabrasion is considered a very safe procedure, with minimal risk of complications. The most common side-effects are redness and swelling that goes down in about a week. Other side-effects include acne, enlarged pores, changes in skin color, infection, scarring, or other skin reactions.
Dermabrasion can be an effective treatment for certain types of scars on certain skin types. Ask your dermatologist if they think it would be an effective treatment for your unique case.
Dermabrasion is an invasive treatment and should be performed as a one-off treatment. Patients looking for less invasive treatments, should explore microdermabrasion as an alternative treatment.
