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Cosmetic Procedures: Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure in which the skin is frozen and then a specialized instrument is used to "sand" the skin. This abrasive or planing action improves skin contour as a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance. The procedure is performed by a dermatologic or plastic surgeon.
Microdermabrasion (also known as "power peel") is more like softened sandblasting. It involves tiny crystals that are sprayed on the skin - and works best on superficial skin problems like fine lines, dull skin, brown spots, mild acne scars, and age spots.
When Is Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion Used?
When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used predominantly to improve acne scars, pox marks and scars resulting from accidents or disease. Today, it is used to treat other skin conditions, such as tattoo scars, wrinkles, age (liver) spots, and other skin lesions. Dermabrasion is not effective in treating congenital skin defects, most moles or pigmented birthmarks, or scars due to burns.
Microdermabrasion can improve or eliminate superficial skin problems. It works on all skin types and colors -- producing subtle changes, causing no skin color change or scarring. However, it is not effective for deeper problems like scars, stretch marks, keloids, or deep acne scars.
With microdermabrasion, there is less down time than with dermabrasion; skin fully recovers within 24 hours. Another benefit: Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical procedure. Therefore, there are none of the risks associated with even minor surgery like dermabrasion, where anesthetics are used and skin bleeds. It's ideal for people who cannot afford to take time off from work or social activities for healing.
What Happens Prior To the Procedure?
During the dermabrasion consultation, the surgeon describes the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure and what results might realistically be expected. The doctor also explains the possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are taken before and after surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement. Preoperative and postoperative instructions are given to the patient at this time.
With microdermabrasion, the same evaluation is done -- but with less talk about anesthetics, risks, etc., since there are none.
How Does Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Work?
Dermabrasion can be performed in the surgeon's office or in an outpatient surgical facility. Medication to relax the patient may be given prior to surgery. The affected area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent and then your doctor will apply a special spray that freezes the skin.
A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush is used to remove the outer layers of the skin and improve any irregularities in the skin surface.
In microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin in a gentle abrasion technique that removes the dead outer layer of skin. It is basically an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure. Age spots and fine lines can be erased, creating softer, smoother skin that has a younger feel to the touch.
WebMD Medical Reference
Skin & Beauty Guide
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INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.
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