Dermabrasion Thousand Oaks

Dermabrasion involves the treatment of wrinkles and blemishes of the skin using a hand-held tool with a burr that carefully removes the outer layers of the skin. The remaining deeper skin layers regenerate new healthy skin that is less wrinkled, smoother and more uniform.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Who is a good candidate?

The ideal candidates are women and men with fair complexions seeking improvement in wrinkles, sun blotches, and other minor skin irregularities around the mouth and chin. Especially good candidates are women with vertical wrinkles above the upper lip (termed smoker’s lines). Although the results can be superior to those of other facial resurfacing techniques, patients must understand that the recovery from dermabrasion takes longer than a chemical peel or laser treatment.

Who is not a good candidate?

People with very dark or black skin are not good candidates due to a high risk of permanent pigment abnormalities. Anyone who has taken isotretinoin (Accutane¨) must wait a minimum of 12 months before undergoing dermabrasion due to the severe risk of scarring. Patients who have a history of cold sores (oral herpes simplex infection) must take prophylactic anti-herpes medication (such as acyclovir) before undergoing dermabrasion.

Is the procedure performed in the office?

Dermabrasion can be performed in the clinic or in the operating room if you are undergoing another procedure. Some procedures, however, cannot be performed at the same time as dermabrasion. During your office consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you the best place to perform your procedure.

How painful is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion requires that the area to be treated is anesthetized with local anesthesia. Once this is done, there should be no pain. The numbing injections sting temporarily (similar to the injections at the dentist).

Will I look like a different person?

Absolutely not. The idea is to make you look younger with healthier more youthful skin, and not to make you look like a different person.

How long does it take to work and how long does it last?

Dermabrasion begins to work immediately. It takes about 2-4 weeks, however, for the outer layers of skin to completely “peel” off and for the redness to go away. As long as you stay out of the sun and wear lots of sunscreen, use a good skin moisturizer, and avoid smoking, the results of the procedure can last for many years.

What do I have to do after the dermabrasion procedure?

You should keep your face as clean as possible by washing it gently with soap and water. Harsh scrubbing is not advisable. Afterwards, you should apply a moisturizing ointment to the face such as Vitamin A & D ointment. Your surgeon will tell you when to begin this routine, and which soap and moisturizer to use. Also, you should avoid direct sun exposure to the face for several weeks following the peel.

What if I have a problem? When should I call the office?

The Kryger Institute welcomes calls from patients. If you have any concerns at any time, please feel free to call our office. If it is an emergency, the answering service is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. There is always a plastic surgeon on call. Your surgeon will discuss all the risks and potential complications with you before surgery. You will receive detailed instructions about situations that warrant a call to the office.

Schedule a Consultation