Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion Virginia

Dermabrasion is a procedure that helps counteract the effects of aging by removing the top layers of the skin of the face, thereby eliminating wrinkles, blemishes, and large facial pores. As we age, wrinkles occur in the corners of the eyes (laugh lines), the lip, or forehead. Such fine lines cannot be removed by classic facelift techniques or other methods of skin tightening. Resurfacing procedures, such as dermabrasion, chemical peel, and laser resurfacing, are methods that specifically address such problems. Each technique uses a different method of creating a superficial burn in the face. When the new skin is formed, it will be tighter and have fewer wrinkles. The purpose of dermabrasion is to remove the signs of aging in the face by removing the top layers of the skin. The deeper layers of the skin then create new skin, which has fewer wrinkles, pores, and blemishes. The beneficial effects of dermabrasion can vary, depending on the patient's anatomy and lifestyle. In addition, the depth of the wrinkles, pores, and color differences in the skin will be important in the result achieved.

We usually perform dermabrasion in an outpatient surgical facility in Virginia with the patient under general anesthesia. The skin of the face is treated with the dermabrasion machine, which mechanically removes the top layers of the skin. The skin cells that are in the lower layers of the skin will then regenerate a new skin layer, which has fewer wrinkles, pores, and pigmented spots. You can think of it as using high-tech sandpaper to peel off the dead superficial layers of skin, revealing fresh new skin when the area has healed. The skin of the face will be tighter, giving the effect of a facelift without the scars.  

There will be a moderate amount of swelling with dermabrasion in Virginia. You cannot do this procedure and plan to go back to work the following week. Most patients elect to take 2 weeks off from work. This would give them adequate time to recover sufficiently from treatment and to be seen without drawing attention. Although most evidence of the procedure will have disappeared by the end of the 3rd week, the ultimate result of dermabrasion Virginia will not be evident until at least 5 or 6 months have passed. You should expect a moderate degree of redness in the skin of the face during this period that will slowly resolve. This is because dermabrasion creates new vessel growth in the skin, giving a blush to the face. As this blush subsides, you will have a lighter color in the area that was treated compared to your natural skin color. This depigmentation results from all resurfacing procedures to one extent or another. The risk of depigmentation is greater with increasing depth of dermabrasion Virginia. You will also remain very sensitive to sunlight and, therefore, we recommend using sun block to protect the skin from direct sunlight.

What is Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a procedure that helps counteract the effects of aging by removing the top layers of the skin of the face, thereby eliminating wrinkles, blemishes, and large facial pores. As we age, wrinkles occur in the corners of the eyes (laugh lines), the lip, or forehead. Such fine lines cannot be removed by classic facelift techniques or other methods of skin tightening. Resurfacing procedures, such as dermabrasion Virginia, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing, are methods that specifically address such problems. Each technique uses a different method of creating a superficial burn in the face. When the new skin is formed, it will be tighter and have fewer wrinkles.

What does Dermabrasion accomplish?

The purpose of dermabrasion is to remove the signs of aging in the face by removing the top layers of the skin. The lower layers of the skin then create new skin, which has fewer wrinkles, pores, and blemishes. The beneficial effects of dermabrasion  can vary, depending on the patient's anatomy and lifestyle. In addition, the depth of the wrinkles, pores, and color differences in the skin will be important in the result achieved.

What happens during the first consultation for Dermabrasion in Virginia?

In the first consultation, you will have a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr. Marefat. We will explain what you need to know about dermabrasion Virginia and help to determine what is best for you. You will receive information booklets, review before and after photographs, and receive pricing on the procedure.

How is a Dermabrasion performed?

We usually perform dermabrasion Virginia in an outpatient surgical facility using general anesthesia. The skin of the face is treated with the dermabrasion machine, which mechanically removes the top layers of the skin. The skin cells that are in the lower layers of the skin will then regenerate a new skin layer that has fewer wrinkles, pores, and pigmented spots. You can think of it as using high- tech sandpaper, which peels off the dead superficial layers of skin and reveals fresh new skin when the area has healed. The skin of the face will be tighter, giving the effect of a facelift without the scars.

What can I expect after Dermabrasion?

There will be a moderate amount of swelling with dermabrasion. You cannot do this procedure and plan to go back to work the following week. Most patients elect to take 2 weeks off from work. This would give them adequate time to recover sufficiently from treatment and to be seen without drawing attention. Although most evidence of the procedure will have disappeared by the end of the 3rd week, the ultimate result of dermabrasion will not be evident until at least 5 or 6 months have passed. You should expect a moderate degree of redness in the skin of the face during this period that will slowly resolve. This is because dermabrasion creates new vessel growth in the skin, giving a blush to the face. As this blush subsides, you will have a lighter color in the area that was treated, as compared to your natural skin color. This depigmentation results from all resurfacing procedures to one extent or another. The risk of depigmentation is greater with increasing depth of dermabrasion. You will also remain very sensitive to sunlight and, therefore, we recommend using sun block to protect the skin from direct sunlight.

When are the Dermabrasion sutures removed?

There are no sutures with this procedure.

How many visits do I have after Dermabrasion treatment in Virginia?

We like to see our patients frequently after dermabrasion treatment in Virginia. You are seen by the doctor or nurse within 2-3 days of the procedure. Then the normal routine is 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. Of course, if there is a need, you are seen as many times as necessary. We encourage our patients to come in for routine follow-up visits every 3-5 years.

When can I cover my Dermabrasion bruises with make-up?

You should be able to put make-up on your bruises after two weeks.

Am I a good candidate for Dermabrasion?

The ideal candidate for dermabrasion in Virginia is a person with good facial structure but loose and wrinkled skin. Acne pock marks are also a good indication for this procedure. There is no definite age category when the treatment should be done. In general, the ideal candidate for plastic surgery is a self-motivated patient who has realistic expectations about the results. Generally, the younger you are the better a candidate you are. A person’s physiological age is more important than his or her chronological age. That is to say, you may be 60 years old, but your skin and general health may be better than that of most 50 year olds.

How do I pay for my Dermabrasion in Virginia?

You can pay for your dermabrasion treatment by certified check, credit card, or cash. Payment for cosmetic surgery is expected prior to any procedure. If you are scheduled for a procedure several weeks in advance, you may pay by personal check.

Are there Dermabrasion scars?

No. Dermabrasion is scar less. However if you have very deep acne pox marks that are being removed the risk for getting scars as a result of deep layer dermabrasion increased. The main thing you need to know about dermabrasion is that the area that is abraded can have a lighter color than your normal skin after 9-12 months. This is because dermabrasion like other resurfacing procedures removes some of the pigment producing cells in the skin. As a result when your new skin is formed it will be a shade lighter than the normal non-abraded skin. The extent of depigmentation is directly related to the depth of resurfacing.

Does Dermabrasion hurt?

Yes. However, the pain involved in dermabrasion procedures is very tolerable. We have heard our patients describe it as “discomfort” or “soreness.” Many patients do not finish the pain medications prescribed to them for pain relief. Having said that, remember that pain is very subjective, and it is not easy to predict what degree of pain you will have.

Will I be awake during my Dermabrasion treatment?

If you are having a regular dermabrasion operation, you will be asleep. It is to your advantage to be comfortable and have an anesthesiologist monitor your heart and lungs. This would also help the surgeon concentrate on his work and accomplish what he wishes to do with expediency.

Where will the Dermabrasion be performed in Virginia?

Dermabrasion is performed in an outpatient surgical facility in Virginia with the patient under general anesthesia. Only in rare situations, in which the patient may have medical risk factors, does Dr. Marefat suggest performing the procedure in a hospital environment.

Are medical photographs taken of Dermabrasion?

Yes. In all cosmetic and reconstructive cases medical photos are taken. Photographs are mandatory. This is the only way for us to compare your status before the procedure to your results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve much the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.

How do I get started with Dermabrasion in Virginia?

Dr. Marefat and the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you set up a private consultation to discuss dermabrasion in Virginia. Schedule an appointment online or call one of our locations, our Arlington, Virginia office at 703-516-7600 or our Woodbridge, Virginia office at 703-560-9583.

Are there financing options for Dermabrasion in Virginia?

Dr. Marefat offers a number of financial assistance programs and payment programs to cover the cost of dermabrasion in Virginia. Please visit the Patient Financing section of our website for more details or ask the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery about these options so you can get started with dermabrasion in Virginia today.