Dermabrasion
Conveniently located to serve Long Beach, Los Alamitos and the South Bay

Conveniently located to serve Long Beach, Los Alamitos and the South Bay

Dermabrasion is a skin treatment most often used on the face to smooth out fine lines/wrinkles and improve the look of scars resulting from an accident, acne, or other factors. It can also be used as an option for removing pre-cancerous growths called keratoses. We offer dermabrasion for Long Beach patients to ensure effective skin rejuvenation.

What is Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is the process of surgically scraping the facial skin to help “refinish” the top layers. This process gives the skin a smoother appearance. It can be performed on small areas of skin or on the entire face, including the nose. Dermabrasion can be used alone or in conjunction with other procedures.

Ideal Candidates for This Treatment

Men and women of all ages can benefit from dermabrasion. Important factors in evaluating candidacy are skin type, coloring, and medical history.

Typically, African American skin, Asian skin, Italian skin, and other dark complexions do not receive the best results from this option and may become permanently discolored or blotchy after dermabrasion. If certain skin conditions are present, the procedure should not be used until these are cleared up.

During your consultation, Dr. Keith Hurvitz will evaluate your skin and health history to determine if dermabrasion is the right treatment option for you. If not, he may recommend an alternative treatment better suited for you, such as a chemical peel or a laser procedure.

Your Consultation

The Treatment Process

At the start of a dermabrasion treatment session, the patient’s face is carefully cleansed. Topical or local anesthesia will be administered to ensure that the targeted regions are numbed appropriately to avoid any pain during treatment.

Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the dermabrasion handpiece is moved across the skin. This serves to remove dead and damaged skin cells. Once all the desired areas have been treated, the session is complete.

What to Expect After Dermabrasion

Directly after the procedure, your skin will be red and swollen. Eating and drinking will be difficult at first. You can expect some tingling, burning, or tenderness. Pain will be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Hurvitz. Swelling will begin to subside within a few days to a week.

A scab will form over the treated area. It will eventually fall off, exposing new pink skin underneath. The new exposed skin will be swollen, sensitive, and pink for a few weeks.

If you don’t care what you look like or who knows you had something done, you can return to work as soon you feel up to it. If you don’t want anyone to see you until you look socially acceptable, plan to take about two weeks off.

The most important part of recovery is to protect your skin from the sun until the pigment has completely returned to your skin. This could be as long as six to twelve months. Even beyond that time, you should be diligent about wearing and re-applying sunscreen whenever you are outside.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Dermabrasion is a procedure that removes the outer layers of the skin to improve its appearance. While it can be effective for treating scars, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections, there are potential side effects and risks to consider. These include:

Redness and Swelling: After the procedure, the skin may appear red and swollen, which can last for several weeks.
Scarring: Although rare, scarring can occur, particularly if the skin is not properly cared for post-procedure.
Infection: There is a risk of infection if the treated area is not kept clean.
Changes in Skin Color: Some patients may experience hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin).
Sensitivity: The skin may become more sensitive to sunlight, requiring diligent use of sunscreen and protective measures.

How Much Does Dermabrasion Cost?

If you are interested in dermabrasion, you may be wondering about the treatment’s price. Dermabrasion cost depends on the practice where you choose to have it performed and the chosen intensity of treatment.

FAQ

How long do the results of dermabrasion last?
The results of dermabrasion can be long-lasting, but they are not permanent. Factors such as aging, sun exposure, and lifestyle can affect the longevity of the results. Maintenance treatments and proper skin care can help extend the benefits.

What is the difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a more intensive procedure that removes deeper layers of skin using a rotating instrument. Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is a gentler, non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the surface layer of the skin using tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand.

Does dermabrasion hurt?
Dermabrasion can cause discomfort. Local anesthesia or sedation is usually used to minimize pain during the procedure. Post-treatment, there may be a sensation similar to a mild sunburn, but this can be managed with prescribed pain relief.

What is gynecomastia surgery and who can benefit from it?
Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure aimed at reducing excess glandular tissue or fat in the male chest, addressing enlarged breasts. It is beneficial for men who experience enlarged breasts due to hormonal imbalances, genetics, or certain medications.

What can I do to minimize scarring after dermabrasion?
To minimize scarring, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-procedure care instructions. This typically includes keeping the area clean, using prescribed ointments, avoiding sun exposure, and not picking at any scabs that form. Keeping the skin moisturized and protected can also help reduce the risk of scarring.

Set Up Your Informative Consultation

At Hurvitz Plastic Surgery, we perform a variety of aesthetic procedures like dermabrasion. To get started with dermabrasion in Long Beach, contact us today and set up your consultation.

Dermabrasion Conveniently located to serve Long Beach, Los Alamitos and the South Bay