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Dermabrasion is most often used to improve fine facial wrinkles, such as those around the mouth, and to treat deep acne scars. Dermabrasion can be performed on small areas of skin or on the entire face. It can be used alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift, scar removal or revision, or chemical peel. It is a technique that uses a diamond wheel with rough edges to remove the upper layers of the skin.
In dermaplaning, the use of a hand-held instrument called a dermatome is involved. Resembling an electric razor, the dermatome has an oscillating blade that moves back and forth to evenly "skim" off the surface layers of skin that surround the craters or other facial defects. This skimming continues until the lowest point of the acne scar becomes more even with the surrounding skin.
The surgeon may then treat the skin in a number of ways, including ointment, a wet or waxy dressing, dry treatment, or some combination of these.
Recovery
Right after the procedure, your skin will be quite red and swollen, and eating and talking may be difficult. You'll probably feel some tingling, burning, or aching; any pain you feel can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. The swelling will begin to subside in a few days to a week.
If you notice the treated area beginning to get worse instead of better, for example, if it becomes increasingly red, raised, and itchy after it has started to heal, it may be a sign that abnormal scars are beginning to form. Call your surgeon as soon as possible, so that treatment can begin early.
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