When you don’t think of your wrinkles as signs of "character" any more, and you look in the mirror and you don’t like what stares back, it may be time to stop the clock. Or at least make it move more slowly.
It used to be for women of a "certain age" a facelift was the only answer. Now you no longer have to consider major surgery. In fact you can get that youthful glow back without a scalpel at all. Instead, the surgeon uses a motorized wire brush containing diamond particles, to remove the outer layer of skin.
Are you a candidate for dermabrasion?
- Have realistic expectations Dermabrasion will remove wrinkles and scars but it won’t take away every imperfection or prevent aging altogether.
- Consider your skin type Older skin heals more slowly and very dark complexions may become blotchy or permanently discolored after this type of skin refinishing treatment.
- Possible allergic reaction People who develop allergic skin rashes or fever blisters may experience a flare-up.
Preparing for surgery
Your surgeon will give you guidelines to follow before the procedure. This will probably include avoiding aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will most likely receive specific skin care instructions and if you smoke, he/she will ask you to stop. Smoking impedes blood circulation to the skin.
The surgery
This procedure usually takes place in a surgeon’s office or in an outpatient facility. You’ll probably receive a local anaesthetic which numbs the area, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You’ll feel relaxed but awake and you may experience a little discomfort.
The procedure usually takes between a few minutes and an hour and a half, depending on how much skin is involved. The surgeon basically scrapes away the outer layer of skin, revealing new smoother skin underneath.
After surgery
Your surgeon may apply an ointment or a wet waxy dressing. You’ll probably feel some tingling and burning. The doctor will most likely prescribe medication for pain, and the swelling should subside in a few days to a week. A scab or crust will form over the treated area. This will fall off as new pink skin forms. Your new skin will be swollen and sensitive for a few weeks. You can probably go back to work in about 14 days. The pinkness in your skin will take about three months to fade. In the meantime, you may be able to wear non-allergenic makeup when you go out.
Possible complications
- If you notice your skin getting worse, not better, call your doctor immediately. If your face becomes increasingly red, raised and itchy it may be a sign of excess scar tissue beginning to form. Your surgeon may inject steroid medication to soften the scar.
- You may develop tiny whiteheads after surgery. Usually they go away on their own. Once in a while, the surgeon will have to remove them.
- You may develop enlarged skin pores. They usually shrink when the swelling subsides.
- Permanent darkening of the skin due to sun exposure, occurs in some patients. Protect your skin from the sun for six to twelve months after surgery.
Now, when you look in the mirror, it will be the same old you, but with newer looking skin. Is newer necessarily better?
If you decide to go ahead with this procedure, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers an online referral service.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery
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