Skin smoothing surgery

Description:
The procedures is done while the patient is sleeping (sedated) and pain-free (local anesthesia). A surgical instrument is used to gently and carefully "sand" the scar tissue off down to normal, healthy skin. The healing tissue is treated with ointments (such as petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointments) to reduce scab formation (crusting) and therefore reduce scar formation.

Dermabrasion is helpful in smoothing skin surfaces and reducing scars and fine skin creases ( wrinkles ).

Indications:
Dermabrasion may be offered to patients with:
  • facial scars from
    • acne
    • accidents
    • previous surgery

  • fine facial wrinkles , such as around the mouth
  • precancerous growths (keratoses)



What to Expect After:
The skin may be treated with ointment, a wet or waxy dressing, dry treatment, or some combination of these. The skin will be quite red and swollen, and eating and talking may be difficult. There may be some aching, tingling , or burning for a while after surgery. Pain can be controlled with medications. The swelling will subside within two to three weeks. A crust will form over the treated area as it begins to heal, and will fall off presenting a new layer of tight, pink skin underneath. If ointment is applied immediately after surgery, little or no crust will form. The skin will itch as new skin starts to grow. The freckles sometimes disappear in the treated area, but may return.

The dermabraded skin may develop whiteheads (milia) after dermabrasion which usually disappear. Enlarged skin pores may also develop but usually shrink to normal size once the swelling has subsided.

If the treated skin remains red, elevated, and itches after healing has started, this may be a sign that abnormal scars are beginning to form. The surgeon will provide treatment which can be started early.

Convalescence:
For men, shaving will be delayed, then an electric razor is used at first.

For several weeks, the new skin layer will be a bit swollen, sensitive, and bright pink. Normal activities may be resumed and the patient can be back at work in about two weeks. Avoid any activity that could cause a bump to the treated area for at least 2 weeks; ball sports are to be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. Stick to indoor pools to avoid sun and wind, and keep the face out of chlorinated water for at least 4 weeks. For 3 to 4 weeks the patient will experience a red flush with alcohol consumption .

It is important to protect the skin from the sun for 6 to 12 months until the pigment has completely returned. The skin pinkness will take about 3 months to fade. Hypo-allergenic make-up may be worn to conceal the scar. When full repigmentation occurs, the color should closely match the surrounding skin, making the procedure virtually undetectable.

Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Additional risks include:

  • permanent skin discoloration for those with dark complexions
  • enlarged scars ( Keloids or hypertrophic scarring)



Cost:
The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.

Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.

1. Surgeon's fee: variable
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or X-ray exams), medical supplies, or equipment use.

Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.