Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is surgical scraping performed with a high-speed motorized handpiece (e.g., Aesculap) that delivers speeds of 15,000 to 25,000 rpm or higher. A large carborundum or diamond abrasive wheel is used.

Indications:

Dermabrasion is done to remove scars above skin level ( Fig. 17.1a, b ) that are due to burns or trauma, to lessen the visibility of traumatic tattooing, and to treat acne scars.

Procedure:

Local anesthesia is the rule, but general anesthesia may be used when large areas are abraded. While the skin is held tense and irrigated with clear, cool saline solution, the skin is uniformly abraded to a level no deeper than the boundary of the epidermis and dermis (Petres and Rompel 1996).

Complications:

Persistent erythema, hyperpigmentation, or hypertrophic scarring.

Postoperative care:

Cold compresses are used on the first postoperative day. Postoperative care also includes emollient skin ointments and protection from sun exposure.