Surgical Dermabrasion
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Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure primarily used for smoothing away surface irregularities produced by acne scars, as well as to smooth out the deep lines of an aging face. For our patients from Champaign, Decatur, and Peoria, dermabrasion is most often combined with CO2 traditional laser resurfacing at the highest level for the treatment of rough texture, deep wrinkles, lines and acne scars.
To learn more about renewing your skin, request a consultationrequest a consultation with Champaign-area skin rejuvenation specialist Dr. Castillo or call our office nearest you. We look forward to helping you enhance your look through skilled cosmetic procedures.
About the Procedure
Not to be confused with microdermabrasion, which is a gentler form of exfoliation, dermabrasion is a technique in which the skin is mechanically abraded with a special surgical instrument. The procedure is done in our operating suite on an outpatient basis, often in combination with Level III CO2 laser resurfacing.
Once dermabrasion is completed, the areas are cleansed and a dressing is applied. The dressing will be removed 24 hours later at our facility. For approximately 4 to 7 days, the treated area must be continuously covered with a special cream provided by our office, which prevents dryness and promotes healing. Following surgery, you can expect to be swollen for 48 hours or more. It is helpful to sleep with your head elevated. Facial swelling diminishes rapidly after the fourth day, and the skin can generally be covered with cosmetics in 7 days.
It is important that the patient avoid sun exposure completely for the first 6 weeks following the procedure and continues to be careful about sun exposure for the first 6 months. A physical, broad-spectrum sunscreen must be used for the first 6 months.
Patients who have had repeated cold sores (herpes I infection) of the lips and face could develop cold sores after surgical dermabrasion. Please be sure to let us know if you have a history of this condition. All of our patients are placed on anti-viral medications. This is particularly true in patients who have had cold sores in the past.
