Dermabrasion is becoming more and more popular in the United States. We are also more and more tempted by this medical act, able to give us back the babyskin of our dreams.
Good news: techniques have evolved a lot in recent years and are now able to solve many of our skin problems.
What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion involves removing the superficial layer of the face, the epidermis, with a rotating brush or with specific lasers, and in some cases it can go just below, up to the superficial dermis. The practitioner will go more or less deeply according to the defects to be eliminated and the place to be treated.
Once this layer of skin is destroyed, a new skin will be reconstructed thanks to the natural phenomena of scarring.
Different techniques of dermabrasion
Several techniques are possible depending on the condition of our skin and the expected results.
- Micro mechanical dermabrasion: fast and without disabling suites
For who ? For our hollow scars, such as those of acne, and certain signs of aging: stains, loss of tone (elastosis solar) superficial wrinkles, ("bar code" above the upper lip), shallow.
How does it happen ? At the specialist's office. An anesthetic cream is spread 1 hour and then half an hour before the procedure. In the case where it is necessary to go deeper one can complement with a local anesthesia by injection. The practitioner passes on the face a rotating brush equipped with a tiny glass paper or sends under pressure micro crystal particles. The dead skin cells are simultaneously aspirated by the machine. The session lasted about three quarters of an hour.
The sequelae: no pain, just a slight edema and redness for 24 or 48 hours. A cicatrizing and calming cream is optionally applied. No sun during the following week, and of course no scrub at home!
The results: a luminous and homogeneous complexion, narrow pores, faded spots and smoothed lines.
Number of sessions: one, but can be done twice a year, to boost cell renewal, keep a tonic skin and improve its radiance.
The price: 250 €
- Non-ablative laser: shine and mini lift
For who ? To erase fatigue, gray complexion, blend the stains and benefit from an instant tensing effect. You can treat the face, the neck, the décolleté, the hands.
How does it happen ? An anesthetic cream is applied 1 hour and then half an hour before the act. The practitioner sweeps the face with an Erbium laser associated with radio frequency. Double benefit: micro dermabrasion by laser, and a tensor effect thanks to radiofrequency, these electromagnetic waves that produce heat in the subcutaneous tissues and boost the production of elastic fibers. The session lasted about three quarters of an hour.
The sequel: no pain. Sometimes redness and a slight swelling of the face passengers. Apply a moisturizing and soothing cream the following days.
The results: an undeniable good-looking effect: luminous and homogeneous complexion, oval firmness, more tonic skin, smoothed wrinkles.
Number of sessions: only one, but can be repeated two to three times a year, and before each "big event".
The price: 250 €.
- The ablative laser: a heavy but radical treatment
For who ? For deep scars, wrinkles installed, indelible spots, skin wilt of the face, neck, due to photo aging, wrinkled eyelids ....
How does it happen ? It is a real operation. The practitioner performs local anesthesia by injection into the trunkular blocks of the face (as in the dentist) and then uses a C02 Erbium laser. It makes small points of burns that destroy the epidermis and the superficial dermis. The epidermis and the dermis desquament causing a neo collagenase, revealing a new skin, smooth, without scars, homogeneous. The session lasted from half an hour to three quarters of an hour.
The sequences: they are heavier, the dermis is exposed, there are crusts, swelling, oozing, redness. A social eviction of a week is inevitable. The skin is protected under a dressing for four days, then a moisturizing and healing cream is applied for 8 days. No sun for 6 weeks, then one protects his skin with an SPF50 for three months minimum.
The results: they are impressive as soon as the skin has regained a normal appearance. No more scars or deep wrinkles. The tonicity of the skin is remarkable. It is smooth, the complexion is homogeneous.
Number of sessions: only one that can be repeated every three / four years.
The price: 400 € to 700 € depending on the condition of the skin and areas to be treated.
Thanks to Dr. François Niforos, plastic surgeon.
