Abrasive Scar Treatment: Dermabrasion And Microdermabrasion
One of the most bothersome types of scars are acne scars. They are a constant reminder of self esteem issue stemming from adolescence, and what’s worse, most of the time they can’t be hidden underneath clothing.
There are many treatment options out there like laser therapy that can help minimize the appearance of scar tissue. But, for now, we’ll just concentrate on two very specific treatments, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Both techniques are based on the same principle, but they are quite different.
Dermabrasion – A Popular Acne Scar Treatment
Dermabrasion removes the upper most layer of the skin, giving way to the appearance of healthier-looking skin underneath. It has been around since the early 1900s when rotating rasps or burrs were used to remove skin. Throughout the mid and late 1900s this mechanism was refined until it became the apparatus we know today.
The procedure itself consists in the “sanding off” of the outer layers of the skin using a rapidly spinning disk. It requires local anesthesia, leaving the person under a conscious sedation. This will depend, however, on the person and the procedure. The treatment can last a few minutes or a few hours. It can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days for your skin to heal.
During this period, a scab will form on the remaining skin tissue. This scab will fall off after about a week. The skin will look extremely red for about 3 months having undergone the procedure. So you need to take special care and protect it from UV rays and other irritating factors.
Dermabrasion is most commonly used as an acne scar removal treatment; nevertheless, it is also used to remove dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and other types of scar tissue. If you are interested in undergoing this type of procedure, consult with your doctor about possible side effects and precautions you should take.
Microdermabrasion – A Gentle Acne Scar Treatment
At no moment is microdermabrasion a substitute for dermabrasion, in fact, it is much more like a deep skin exfoliation than a dermabrasion treatment.
Microdermabrasion requires no anesthesia and can be done in a spa, salon or in a doctor’s office. In fact, you can do it yourself using a home microdermabrasion cream or a special scar treatment cream.
Although some sources suggest against using microdermabrasion as an acne treatment, there are specialists who claim it is an ideal way of getting rid of scars.
Just as with any skin treatment, you need to be patient and consistent to see long lasting results.
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