Skin smoothing surgery

Alternative names:

dermabrasion

Definition:

Surgical removal of the top layers of severely scarred skin.

Description:

The procedures is done while the patient is sleeping (sedated) and pain-free (local anesthesia). A surgical instrument is used to gently and carefully "sand" the scar tissue off down to normal, healthy skin. The healing tissue is treated with ointments (such as petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointments) to reduce scab formation (crusting) and therefore reduce scar formation.

Dermabrasion is helpful in smoothing skin surfaces and reducing scars and fine skin creases (wrinkles).

Indications:

Dermabrasion may be offered to patients with:

• facial scars from
  • acne
  • accidents
  • previous surgery

• fine facial wrinkles, such as around the mouth
• precancerous growths (keratoses)