Introduction
Dermabrasion is a resurfacing procedure that improves the appearance and texture of the skin. The procedure involves removing the top layer of skin, resulting in skin that regenerates with a healthier appearance. Dr. Bustillo uses this procedure to treat upper lip wrinkles and certain scars.
Is the Dermabrasion Procedure for you?
The ideal candidate for upper lip dermabrasion is a person who has upper lip wrinkles and has light colored skin. These patients will obtain a great improvement without changes in skin color. Patients with darker skin are not candidates for upper lip dermabrasion, as the procedure may result in hypopigmentation, or a lightening of the skin color in the area treated. Patients with darker skin types and upper lip wrinkles are ideal candidates for the medical roll CIT. This is another procedure for upper lip wrinkles that Dr. Bustillo prefers for patients with darker skin types.
The ideal candidate for scar dermabrasion is a person who has a raised and/or uneven scar. Occasionally, Dr. Bustillo will surgically revise the scar and use dermabrasion six weeks later to improve the scar.
Understanding the Procedure
Dr. Bustillo performs the dermabrasion procedure under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
The treatment starts two weeks before the actual date of the procedure. At this time, the patient will start to apply a topical cream daily on the area to be dermabraded. This helps to prepare the skin for the dermabrasion. The procedure takes about fifteen minutes to complete. Dr. Bustillo occasionally performs the upper lip dermabrasion as part of a facial rejuvenation surgery, such as a facelift.
Like every surgical procedure, there are some possible complications that can follow the dermabrasion procedure. Bleeding after the procedure is rare, but if it occurs, it can be controlled with light pressure. There is also the risk of infection, which extremely rare, and occurs less than 1% of the time. Scarring and pigment changes are also potential complications.
What to expect after the Procedure
The night of the procedure should be spent relaxed. Activity should be kept to a minimum. The head should be kept elevated using two pillows to help reduce swelling. Dr. Bustillo recommends placing small zip lock bags with frozen peas on the area 10 minutes, for every hour spent awake for the first 48 hours. This is done to help reduce swelling.
The post-operative period after the dermabrasion is not painful. Tylenol is usually enough to control any minor discomfort. Dr. Bustillo will provide you with additional pain medication, in the event that you need it. An antibiotic cream should be applied twice a day to keep the area moist.
The dermabraded area will gradually turn from red to pink in five days. There on after, the pink will gradually return to normal skin color. The smooth skin will be evident in seven to ten days after the procedure.
Patients that undergo dermabrasion are, by enlarge, extremely happy.
F.A.Q
What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure used to improve the skin quality and texture. It works by removing the top layer of the skin, allowing the new skin to grow and replace the previous skin. Dr. Bustillo uses dermabrasion to treat acne scarring, scars, and upper lip wrinkles, also known as “smoker’s lines.”
Are there any limitations to what dermabrasion can achieve?
Dermabrasion will improve the appearance of the skin. However, if it is being used to treat acne scarring, it will not completely remove all of the scaring. Patients that have dermabrasion done for acne scarring report a sixty to seventy percent improvement.
Who is the best candidate dermabrasion?
Healthy men and women who have acne scaring, scars, or upper lip wrinkles are good candidates for dermabrasion. The patient must have light skin, as people with darker skin are not candidates for dermabrasion. Darker skinned people may have problems with skin discoloration (hypopigmentation) if they undergo a skin resurfacing procedure.
What happens during a consultation for dermabrasion?
Dr. Bustillo will personally meet with you during the consultation. He will examine and evaluate you. He will then show you before and after pictures and then explain the surgical procedure from beginning to end. This explanation will include what surgical technique he will use, where the surgery will be performed, what type of anesthesia, and a step-by-step explanation of what the recovery will be like. You will then meet with the patient care coordinator, who will explain the scheduling details and the cost.
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