Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Department of Plastic Surgery
(909) 558-4176
Procedure: Mechanical scraping of the top layers of skin using a high-speed rotary wheel. Softens sharp edges of surface irregularities, including acne and other scars and fine wrinkles, especially around the mouth.
Length: A few minutes to one hour. May require more than one session..
Anesthesia: Local, numbing spray, or general.
In/outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Side effects: Temporary tingling, burning, itching, swelling, redness; lightening of treated skin; acute sensitivity to sun; loss of ability to make pigment (tan).
Risks: Abnormal color changes (permanent). Tiny whiteheads (temporary); infection; scarring; flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters, cold sores.
Recovery: Back to work: two weeks. More strenuous activities: four to six weeks. Fading of redness: about three months. Return of pigmentation/sun exposure: 6 to 12 months.
Duration of results: Permanent, although new wrinkles may form as skin ages.
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| Preoperative appearance | Intraoperative | Close up view of dermabrasion |
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| Intraoperative dermabrasion | Postoperative appearance |
Actual patient photographs available at time of consult.
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