Non-surgical

Dermabrasion

This procedure is helpful in the treatment of localized fine or deep wrinkles, typically around the mouth or between the eyebrows, and is a good choice for non-smoking patients in good general health who wish to improve the appearance of localized areas of facial skin.

In this procedure, a mechanical burr is used to carefully remove the outer layers of skin. Care is taken to remove just the right depth of skin and to feather the treatments peripherally, in order to minimize apparent demarcation of color between treated and untreated areas.

Over about one week after surgery, epithelial cells sprout from their remaining nests at the base of adnexal tissues, such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. At that time, the skin becomes resurfaced, although it will remain pink for some time thereafter.

The best candidates for this procedure are fair or moderately fair complected, and non-smokers.

Pigmentary changes occur after dermabrasion; they are most pronounced in patients with olive colored or darker skin.

Fair skinned patients may develop hypopigmentation, or pale coloration at the site of laser resurfacing. For this reason, care is taken to feather the periphery of treated areas to avoid visible regions of demarcation of pigmentation.

Often, antiviral medications such as Valtrex are prescribed before surgery to reduce the likelihood of development of fever blisters after this procedure.

This procedure is performed by Dr. Casso under general anesthesia at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. While this procedure is sometimes performed under local anesthesia in outpatient facilities and doctors’ offices, Dr. Casso recommends general anesthesia at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, which provides the patient with a comfortable surgical experience, and close, expert nursing attention, treatment of postoperative nausea, if present, and immediate medical attention in the event of any unforeseen emergency. The option for surgery in a full-service, state-of-the-art facility such as Houston Methodist St. John provides patients with a measure of safety and security which is unmatched.

Dr. Casso often performs perioral (around the mouth) dermabrasion in conjunction with facelift surgery. Additionally, deep vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows may be treated.

The treated areas are coated liberally with a bland lubricating ointment such as Aquaphor following the procedure.

Patients go home in the afternoon on the day of surgery, unless additional surgery was performed. Pain is moderate, and controlled with oral pain medication.

Post-operative treatment, including cleansing, maintenance of lubrication, and sun avoidance, facilitates healing, which occurs in seven to 10 days. Redness will last from one to six months, and hypoallergenic makeup can be worn when healing is complete in about seven to 10 days.

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