Dermabrasion
Surgery performed by Dr. Schenden and Dr. Elswick
Our skin can have many flaws including fine lines, wrinkles and age spots to acne scars or scars due to trauma or surgery. Dermabrasion is an aggressive skin resurfacing treatment that will remove the outer layer of skin to allow for new skin to grow back which is usually more youthful and smooth.
Our objective is using modern surgical technique to restore the youthful balance to your facial features and to give you a smooth appearance. We combine safe and effective surgical techniques, resulting in a high degree of patient satisfaction.
Dermabrasion can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift, forehead lift, eyelid surgery and laser resurfacing. A consultation can determine which procedures may be right for you.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dermabrasion is completed by our surgeons in the safety of our private operating suite.. This exfoliating technique uses a rapidly rotating diamond drum over the treatment area. We begin by analyzing the treatment area and skin texture. Our surgeons will discuss all your options and recommend the treatment that is best for your body. This treatment can be completed on several areas of the body with the face being the most popular.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR FACELIFT & NECK LIFT
The best candidate for dermabrasion is a patient with age related skin abnormalities to patients seeking scar treatment. The areas of treatment include age spots, fine wrinkles, acne scars, rhinophyma (redness or think skin on the nose), sun damage, uneven skin tone to tattoo removal. Dermabrasion can make you skin look younger and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. Ideal candidates are seeking an improvement but not perfection and have realistic expectations, and are healthy, nonsmokers, and off select medications (ask your plastic surgeon).
Certain skin conditions cannot receive this treatment such as inflammatory acne, recurrent herpes flare-ups, radiation burns or burn scars. You may also not be able to receive dermabrasion if you are on skin thinning medication. All of this should be discussed at your consultation.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
Dermabrasion procedures are very individualized. In your initial consultation, Dr. Schenden and Dr. Elswick will examine and evaluate the area of concern and discuss your goals for the surgery.
Our doctors make sure your questions are answered and your goals are understood. Patient expectations are important to discuss at the consultation. Surgical technique is individualized to each patient based on facial shape and anatomy. Be sure to mention smoking, medications, medical history and previous surgeries.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Our qualified staff will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. Detailed instructions on activity after surgery will also be discussed. Following these instructions carefully will increase the success of your surgical outcome.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least four to six weeks before the scheduled surgery. Avoid sun exposure before and after surgery as it may interfere with your incision healing.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should be monitored after surgery and may also require a short inpatient stay.
Patient preference will be incorporated into this decision. The facilities we are privileged to operate from include Columbia Surgical Center (our private surgical suite) and William Beaumont Hospital of Troy, MI where Dr. Schenden is currently Chief of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Elswick has privileges at William Beaumont Hospital Troy and Royal Oak as well as McLaren Macomb Hospital.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
General Anesthesia (complete sleep) or I.V. sedation with local anesthesia (twilight anesthesia) may be individualized based on complexity of the procedure and patient preference.
THE SURGERY
During the procedure, which will last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the area, a diamond coated wheel is used to remove the high spots and provide a smoother contour. Sometimes for further smoothing and skin tightening we will also treat the area with the Ultrapulse CO2 laser.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
You will experience an open wound with moderate draining, swelling, bruising and a burning sensation. The skin should be healed over in 4-5 days. This will be followed by changes in skin color, dryness, and sensitivity. You will be provided with ointment to help soothe the area and you should expect 5-10 days of downtime. It will be important to stay out of the sun for at least 4 weeks after surgery. You will be provided with detailed instructions for all postoperative care. The final results will take three to six months.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Most patients achieve a high satisfaction of the skin rejuvenation after surgery. Your more youthful appearance will show both physically and with added confidence. Our surgeons will often recommend skin treatments at our medical day spa after your surgery to maintain/improve your skins tone and texture.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DERMABRASION
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience complications, you should discuss them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of dermabrasion.
WHY CHOOSE REVITALIZE PLASTIC SURGERY?
Offering the very latest state-of-the-art procedures, our practice is led by first-class surgeons and a highly skilled medical team. Combining experience and skill with expertise in both the science and art of medical aesthetics, we take a holistic approach to each patient’s treatment plan, ensuring that education, safety and, of course, results, are top priority.