Dermabrasion After-Care

After dermabrasion, your skin will feel as though it has been heavily sun burned for a few days. Your skin will be red and swollen, and eating and talking may be difficult at first. Some tingling, burning, and aching may also occur. This can be controlled by medication. Majority of patients do not experience severe pain but you should ask your doctor to prescribe or recommend medications to help reduce any discomfort you are feeling. The doctor will probably prescribe an over-the-counter pain medication.

The healing after dermabrasion usually occurs within 7 to 10 days. Your newly formed skin will be pink in colour at first but it will soon develop a normal color. Most of the time the pinkness will fade by six to eight weeks. You can use makeup as soon as your skin is healed.

In most cases patients are able to resume their normal activities in 7 to 14 days after dermabrasion is performed. You will be instructed to avoid unnecessary direct and indirect sunlight for three to six months after and to use sunscreen on a regular basis when outdoors.

You will also be told to not drink alcohol for 48 hours after the surgery. Also you should not take aspirin or any products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for one week after the surgery. If you smoke you will be told to avoid smoking as well. Also you will have a mandatory appointment the day after your surgery, and your doctor should may give you further instructions.

Because the treated skin will be red, swollen and tender there are a number of things you can do in order to relieve your discomfort. A compress or special dressing can be applied to reduce any tingling, burning or stinging sensation. The compress should also speed up the healing process. Sometimes your face may itch as the new skin grows and may be slightly swollen, sensitive, and bright pink for several weeks after dermabrasion - your doctor can prescribe a cream for it, if he finds it necessary.

Here are some tips on how to make your recovery quick and how to prevent any complications:

• If any yellow crusting or scabs occurs you must contact your doctor as soon as possible. Such symptoms may be the start of an infection.
• If there's any persistent redness of an area this could be the sign of a scar forming so make sure to contact your doctor immediately.
• You will be given medication to prevent infection so continue taking antiviral medication for several days beyond the new skin forming.
• You have to avoid the sun for at least 3 months after dermabrasion - make sure you use really good sunscreen outside, as well.
• Make sure to avoid any activity that might cause a bump on the face for at least two weeks after dermabrasion.
• You have to avoid chlorinated swimming pools for at least four weeks.