Is Dermabrasion Good For Wrinkles

Is Dermabrasion Good For Wrinkles>Acne scars, surgical scars, age spots, and wrinkles are just some of the many skin imperfections that can be improved with dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a versatile cosmetic procedure that can stand on its own or complement other treatments.

When you reach your early 30s and start worrying that you look old and wrinkly, you have officially entered adulthood. Wrinkles on the skin can be eliminated using a variety of cosmetic procedures. Dermabrasion is one such procedure. In dermabrasion, a revolving brush or wirebrush-like device is used to scrape away the outermost layer of skin surgically. Scars from various types of surgery, including burns, skin cancer removal, and even deep acne scars, can all be treated with this method.

Dermabrasion is a type of resurfacing plastic surgery. As the name implies, dermabrasion involves removing layers of skin by means of a high-speed rotating brush that contains pumice. The average cost of a dermabrasion treatment is around $1000–$5000. Read on to learn more about is dermabrasion permanent and is dermabrasion painful.

Is Dermabrasion Good For Wrinkles

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure that is used to remove acne scars and wrinkles. Doctors started using this method in the 1980s when they discovered that microdermabrasion offers the same benefits as traditional skin resurfacing techniques, but with fewer side effects.

What Are the Benefits of Microdermabrasion?

• It improves skin texture
• It is less risky than most other resurfacing procedures
• It does not involve any surgical downtime
• It is a relatively quick procedure and can be done during a lunch break

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion involves the gentle abrading of the skin surface to remove the outer surface of the skin. Using a powerful microdermabrasion machine, dermatologists and skin professionals spray tiny crystals onto the skin to loosen the dead cells on the first layer of the skin. The dead skin cells or skin debris are then vacuumed up through another chamber of the hand-held machine. As the tiny particles whisk by, they cause a very fine sanding and polishing effect. The polishing effect helps to remove the particles of dead skin which gives the skin a smoother, softer, glowing appearance.

What Are Wrinkles?

Wrinkles appear as lines, creases or folds at the surface of the skin. Wrinkles are an inevitable part of the natural aging process. As we become older our skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic; and its ability to protect itself from damage decreases.

There are two major types of wrinkles:

1. Dynamic wrinkles
2. Static wrinkles

Dynamic Wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles occur when we use our muscles to form facial expressions like smiling and frowning. For example, when we smile our eye wrinkles become prominent and when we frown the vertical lines between our eyebrows become noticeable.

Wrinkles caused by facial expressions can begin to form as early as in one’s twenties. When we are young, however, our skin tends to spring back to its original position when we have finished making the facial expression (at rest); however, as we get older the dynamic wrinkles remain on the skin to form static wrinkles.

Static Wrinkles

Static wrinkles are the wrinkles that will form even if a person has never used their facial muscles to smile or frown throughout their life. They develop as we get older because natural substances such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that provide the skin with structure and volume decrease with age. The loss of skin structure and volume means that the skin is less able to spring back to its initial position after facial expression, and as a result, static wrinkles and folds form.

What Causes Wrinkles?

Apart from facial expression and natural aging, there are some other minor contributors to skin aging:

Smoking–Researchers have found that smoke causes a marked reduction in the production of collagen. (When new collagen is not formed wrinkles are created). Skin requires the perpetual regeneration of collagen to maintain a healthy appearance.

Sunlight exposure—People whose jobs expose them to more sunlight tend to become wrinkly earlier than others. Examples include fishermen, farmers, sailors, golfers, tanning booth employees (UV exposure), and gardeners.

Genetic factors—f your parents developed wrinkles earlier than other people, your chances of also doing so are significantly higher than somebody whose parents developed wrinkles later than others.

Hair—Some hairstyles provide more shade for the face than others.

Clothes—People who tend to wear hats and long sleeves usually develop wrinkles later in life compared to other people of the same skin type

Light skin—People with light skin tend to experience a higher level of sun damage, which usually accelerates the development of wrinkles.

Is Dermabrasion Permanent

Keep in mind that dermabrasion results might not be permanent. As you age, you’ll continue to get lines from squinting and smiling. New sun damage also can reverse the results of dermabrasion.

Dermabrasion is a skin-resurfacing procedure that uses a rapidly rotating device to remove the outer layer of skin. The skin that grows back is usually smoother.

Dermabrasion can decrease the appearance of fine facial lines and improve the look of many skin flaws, including acne scars, scars from surgery, age spots and wrinkles. Dermabrasion can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures.

During dermabrasion, your doctor numbs your skin with anesthetics. You might also have the option of taking a sedative or receiving general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your treatment.

Skin treated with dermabrasion will be sensitive and blotchy for several weeks. It might take about three months for your skin tone to return to normal.

Why it’s done

Dermabrasion can be used to treat or remove:

• Scars caused by acne, surgery or injuries
• Fine wrinkles, especially those around the mouth
• Sun-damaged skin, including age spots
• Tattoos
• Swelling and redness of the nose (rhinophyma)
• Potentially precancerous skin patches

Risks

Dermabrasion can cause side effects, including:

• Redness and swelling. After dermabrasion, treated skin will be red and swollen. Swelling will begin to decrease within a few days to one week, but might last for weeks or even months.Your new skin will be sensitive and blotchy for several weeks. It might take about three months for your skin tone to return to normal.
• Acne. You might notice tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin. These bumps usually disappear on their own or with the use of soap or an abrasive pad.
• Enlarged pores. Dermabrasion might cause your pores to grow larger.
• Changes in skin color. Dermabrasion often causes treated skin to temporarily become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation), lighter than normal (hypopigmentation) or blotchy. These problems are more common in people with brown or black skin and can sometimes be permanent.
• Infection. Rarely, dermabrasion can lead to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, such as a flare-up of the herpes virus, the virus that causes cold sores.
• Scarring. Dermabrasion that’s done too deeply can cause scarring. Steroid medications can be used to soften the appearance of these scars.
• Other skin reactions. If you often develop allergic skin rashes or other skin reactions, dermabrasion might cause these reactions to flare up.

Dermabrasion isn’t for everyone. Your doctor might caution against dermabrasion if you:

• Have taken the oral acne medication isotretinoin (Myorisan, Claravis, others) during the past year
• Have a personal or family history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids)
• Have acne or another pus-filled skin condition
• Have frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores
• Have burn scars or skin that’s been damaged by radiation treatments

How you prepare

Before you have dermabrasion, your doctor will likely:

• Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions and any medications you’re taking or have taken recently, as well as any cosmetic procedures you’ve had.
• Do a physical exam. Your doctor will inspect your skin and the area to be treated to determine what changes can be made and how your physical features — for example, the tone and thickness of your skin — might affect your results.
• Discuss your expectations. Talk with your doctor about your motivations, expectations and potential risks. Make sure you understand how long your skin will take to heal and what your results might be.

Before dermabrasion, you might also need to:

• Stop using certain medications. Before having dermabrasion, your doctor might recommend not taking aspirin, blood thinners and certain other medications.
• Stop smoking. If you smoke, your doctor might ask you to stop smoking for a week or two before and after dermabrasion. Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process.
• Take an antiviral medication. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antiviral medication before and after treatment to help prevent a viral infection.
• Take an oral antibiotic. If you have acne, your doctor might recommend taking an oral antibiotic around the time of the procedure to help prevent a bacterial infection.
• Have onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections. These are usually given at least three days before the procedure and help most people achieve better results.
• Use a retinoid cream. Your doctor might recommend using a retinoid cream such as tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A, others) for a few weeks before treatment to help with healing.
• Avoid unprotected sun exposure. Too much sun exposure before the procedure can cause permanent irregular pigmentation in treated areas. Discuss sun protection and acceptable sun exposure with your doctor.
• Arrange for a ride home. If you’ll be sedated or receive a general anesthetic during the procedure, arrange for a ride home.

Year after year, researchers investigate possible ingredients for skin creams that will help in the treatment and prevention of wrinkles. Although many ingredients are marketed as having great anti-aging properties, there are just a handful of ingredients that actually have the potential to decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Antioxidants like vitamin C, Vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid and carotenoids help to combat aging that has been caused by environmental damage.

Apart from over-the-counter treatment options for wrinkles, some people opt for skin resurfacing methods like chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and Botox injections.

The rest of this article will deal specifically with the method of microdermabrasion and its effects on wrinkled skin.

Keep in Mind

You can perform microdermabrasion on yourself as long as you use a special home care kit. Professional microdermabrasion treatment can only be performed by trained professionals since microdermabrasion can cause damage to the skin if not performed properly.

When Will Results Appear After Treatment?

The results of the first microdermabrasion treatment are usually not very noticeable; and dermatologists usually recommend a series of treatments- usually six to ten sessions for satisfactory results. These sessions are usually spread out over a period of two weeks.

After the first few treatments, the skin looks healthier and softer. After a series of treatments, the changes become more drastic and the fine lines and wrinkles become less defined. The skin also becomes thinner and smoother, and pores are no longer noticeably dilated.

Microdermabrasion improves the appearance of shallow wrinkles and fine lines but is not an effective technique for removing deep wrinkles and scars.

Microdermabrasion should not be confused with the more aggressive procedure called dermabrasion. Dermabrasion removes the outermost layer of skin and is usually used to treat acne scarring and deep wrinkles. Dermabrasion entails a significant recovery time and most patients need some mild anesthesia when undergoing this procedure.

Is Dermabrasion Painful

Your skin will be numbed using local anesthesia or a freezing spray during the procedure so that you won’t feel any pain. After the procedure, you may feel like you had a bad sunburn. If there is a severe stinging sensation, your healthcare provider may prescribe pain medications.

Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure where a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a specialized instrument to “sand” the skin. This abrasive or planing action improves skin contour as it scrapes away top layers of skin to unveil smooth new skin.

Dermabrasion is an option if you want smoother skin. Many people who suffer from skin irregularities such as fine lines from sun damage, wrinkles, melasma, acne scars (and more) see great improvement. But, it’s important to understand the risks as well as the rewards before you decide if dermabrasion is right for you.

Dermabrasion offers good results if you have fair skin. Darker skin tones are more prone to scarring or discoloration. If your skin is darker, you may achieve better results with alternative skin resurfacing procedures.

The word “dermabrasion” is straightforward. “Derm” means “skin” and “abrasion” means “the process of scraping or wearing something away.” The word itself means “scraping of the skin.”

When is dermabrasion used? What kinds of conditions get treated with dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion was first developed to lessen acne scars and pox marks. Today, it’s also used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, remove tattoos and reverse sun damage. Not every skin condition can benefit from dermabrasion, but many can.

Dermabrasion can improve:

• Age (liver) spots.
• Crow’s feet and fine lines.
• Melasma and other patches of dark skin.
• Pox marks and tattoos.
• Red, thick skin on the nose (rhinophyma).
• Scars from acne, accidents, or surgery.
• Skin growths that are benign (noncancerous).
• Precancerous skin patches.
• Sun damage and wrinkles.
• Stretch marks.

Dermabrasion can’t improve:

• Birthmarks.
• Burns.
• Moles.

Who is dermabrasion right for?

People of all ages, including children, can get dermabrasion. However, if you’re on the older side, keep in mind that you might heal slower than expected.

Two factors may keep you from eligibility: skin type and medical history. If you are Asian, Black, or have a dark complexion in general, this treatment could permanently discolor your skin. You might not want to risk dermabrasion.

If you have medical conditions like allergic rashes, skin reactions, fever blisters or cold sores, you could risk a flare-up. Also, if your acne is ongoing, dermabrasion isn’t an option because there’s a risk of infection. Infection is also a risk if you’ve had a bad burn, chemical peel, or if you’ve had radiation treatments.

One last risk is that your freckles might go away when your skin gets scraped.

Is dermabrasion an outpatient or inpatient procedure?

Dermabrasion is an outpatient procedure. That means that you’ll be in the office, surgery center or hospital for the procedure, but that you won’t stay overnight. In rare cases, if there is extensive work that needs monitored, you may be admitted into the hospital.

Can I do dermabrasion on myself at home?

Only a trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon should perform a dermabrasion. Make sure you find a qualified professional.

What’s the difference between dermabrasion and other skin resurfacing options like microdermabrasion?

Depending upon your skin type, condition and goals, you may want to consider other skin resurfacing options. Work with your dermatologist to figure out which option will work best for you.

Consider the following skin resurfacing alternatives:

• Chemical peels use chemicals to dissolve top layers of skin of all skin types.
• Laser skin resurfacing utilizes a laser to reduce wrinkles or scars on fair skin types only.
• Microneedling uses a physical device to reduce wrinkles or scars on all skin types.
• Microdermabrasion uses a spray of tiny abrasive crystals to soften all skin types. It’s a lighter procedure than dermabrasion and won’t work for deep skin issues, such as stretch marks, scars or wrinkles. It doesn’t require anesthesia and your skin recovers in 24 hours.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

What happens before the dermabrasion procedure?

You’ll meet with your dermatologic or plastic surgeon before the procedure to discuss your goals and expectations. During the consultation, your plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon will describe the type of anesthesia, the procedure and what realistic results you can expect. A 50% improvement in your skin’s condition is considered a good result.

To be considered a good candidate for dermabrasion, you need to prepare yourself for how you’ll look while your skin is healing. Your skin will be very pink and raw; without proper post-procedural care, a scab-like crust will form, potentially delaying healing and worsening the outcome. Your skin may ooze and it will have a moist dressing on it for the day immediately following surgery, prior to starting wound care at home. It’s critical to stay out of the sun during the healing period so that the new skin heals evenly and doesn’t become discolored. You may want to take at least two weeks off from work for your skin to heal properly. It may take several months for the full results to emerge.

Dermabrasion is typically an outpatient procedure performed in your healthcare provider’s office where your skin is numbed with a local anesthetic. But, if you’re having other cosmetic procedures at the same time (such as a facelift), you may have your procedure done at an inpatient surgery center and receive general anesthesia. Your healthcare provider will also explain the risks and complications that may occur and will take photographs before and after the procedure to evaluate your results.

Be prepared at the consultation to discuss the following with your healthcare provider:

• Your medical conditions.
• Drug allergies.
• Past medical treatments, including surgeries.
• Current medications.
• Current vitamins and other supplements.
• Tobacco, drug and alcohol use.

What will my dermabrasion pre-procedure self-care routine look like?

Once you’ve scheduled your dermabrasion procedure, your healthcare provider will give you preoperative instructions. To prepare for your procedure, your healthcare provider may instruct you to:

• Stay out of the sun. Your healthcare provider will likely speak to you about how recent sun exposure before your procedure can cause your skin to permanently discolor after dermabrasion.
• Stop certain drugs you take. Ask your healthcare provider how long you should stop blood thinners or other medications you take that have skin discoloration side effects (hyperpigmentation).
• Don’t smoke. Stop for at least two weeks leading up to your procedure because it decreases blood flow and slows the healing process.

What happens during the procedure?

Your skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic and your healthcare provider will give you any or a combination of the following to make you comfortable during the dermabrasion procedure:

• Numbing spray.
• Topical anesthetic gel.
• Local anesthetic injection.

Once the numbing medication has taken effect, your healthcare provider will use a high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive diamond wheel or wire brush to scrape away the outer layers of skin and reveal the fresh layers underneath. Once the procedure is complete, your healthcare provider will apply a moist dressing to your skin to keep it protected while it heals.

How long does the procedure last?

The length of the procedure depends on how much of the skin will go through dermabrasion. It may take a few minutes, or it may take more than 90 minutes.

Will I be asleep during the procedure?

You will be awake during the procedure but the area will be numbed. Sometimes general anesthesia is necessary.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You won’t be able to operate a vehicle.

Before you leave the healthcare provider’s office, you’ll receive instructions about when to return for a follow-up visit and how to change the dressing. Your healthcare provider will prescribe an antiviral and an antibiotic to help you avoid infections. They also may suggest you use a retinoid ointment (Retin-A®). This vitamin A treatment can boost skin rejuvenation.

After dermabrasion you’ll have to do the following to avoid any problems:

• Cleanse your skin several times a day. This will remove the crusting caused by the normal healing process, and help avoid infection.
• Keep the area moist and help the healing process by changing the ointment or dressing regularly.
• Avoid sun exposure. (And use sunscreen every day after you heal.)

You’ll attend one or more follow-up visits so that your healthcare provider can monitor your condition. They will want to double-check that you’re healing that there are no signs of infection.

Wrinkles are an unavoidable consequence of the aging process. Our skin gradually begins to lose elasticity and firmness in our 20s and accelerates as we hit our 30s and beyond. Some people are more genetically predisposed to facial wrinkles than others. Years of stress, poor sleep, medications, dryness, smoking, and sun exposure, however, will eventually take their toll on your facial skin.

If you’re a celebrity or the beneficiary of a large trust fund, you might spend thousands on the latest cosmetic procedures to reduce the signs of aging. The rest of us must rely on a multitude of serums, lotions, and creams that claim to turn back the hands of time—for a price.

If you have looked around the cosmetic department at your local discounter or upscale department store, you can understand how facial wrinkle treatments are a multimillion-dollar a year business. It’s no wonder, given how much anti-aging products cost!

Luckily, there is a cost-effective and healthy alternative. Women are turning to natural ways to treat facial wrinkles. You can find some of the ingredients are right in your kitchen pantry. Try these simple homemade treatments and keep your wrinkles at bay!

Egg White Mask

This is a treatment my mother and grandmother used years ago. I remember watching them apply it to their faces. As it dried, I would make them laugh and watch the cracks appear!

Egg whites work to temporarily tighten facial and neck skin. Use this as a quick fix before a night on the town. The albumen (protein and water) forms an ultra-thin film over the skin, becoming taut as it dries.

How to Make an Egg White Mask

1. Separate two eggs and gently stir the whites (save the yolks and use them later).
2. Apply the egg whites to your face with a brush or your fingers.
3. Let the mask dry for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
5. Dry your face and apply your regular moisturizer and makeup.

Your wrinkles won’t disappear, but you may notice a slight, temporary “lift.” In addition, you’ll love how amazingly smooth your skin feels!

Cucumber Facial Treatment

Cucumbers are relatively inexpensive and can lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles. They provide moisture and leave your skin feeling cool and firm. Cucumber is a common ingredient in many exclusive skin care lines.

How to Make a Nighttime Cucumber Facial Mask

1. Peel and cube a cucumber.
2. Place the pieces in a blender or food processor. Set on puree and pulse until the cucumbers resemble a paste.
3. Apply to your face and leave on for at least 15 minutes.
4. Rinse by splashing your face with cold water and pat dry.

Simple Honey Moisturizer

Honey is a natural humectant that can be found in OTC facial moisturizers. Humectants are very important to facial skin and offer a variety of benefits: they attract and increase moisture content, they improve the skin’s elasticity, and they prevent overdrying.

How to Make a Honey Moisturizer

1. Warm a small amount of organic honey, either by submerging a glass in hot water or by heating it on low in the microwave for several seconds.
2. Smooth the honey over your face and neck.
3. Leave on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water and finish by gently rubbing your face with an ice cube to tighten pores.