Typical Timing/Age

50-75 years old

Problem

Deep wrinkles (rhytids)

Procedure

Dermabrasion essentially “sands down” the skin like sandpaper to a rough piece of wood. This creates a partial thickness injury to the dermis such that it should heal without visible scarring and be smoother after the healing process is complete.

Goal

To smooth out wrinkles.

Facility

Office/Clinic

Positioning

No pressure or movement over the treated area while it heals.

Assistance

You will be able to walk around, feed and bathe yourself. Depending on your pain medication requirements, you may not be able to drive or care for others.

Walking

You are encouraged to walk around as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.

Showering

You may shower immediately following surgery.

Exercise

1 week for light exercise. 2 weeks for regular exercise. It is very important to keep the treated area out of the sun while it is healing. After it is healed, it is important that it be protected from sunlight to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the treated area.

Sex

Wait 1 week because you don’t want to increase your blood pressure during the early healing period.

Work

The treated area will look like a road rash and will be tender and oozing for around 1 week. If you have a desk job you can return to work as soon as you are comfortable doing so. Most people take 1-2 weeks off of work.

Swelling

Usually greatest around 3 days after surgery from which time it starts to subside. Depending on the area treated, redness (erythema) may persist for months after the procedure./span>