Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a time proven procedure for improving sun damage and scars. Dermabrasion is the most effective approach for acne scars and rivals lasers for improvement of wrinkle lines around the mouth, cheeks, and forehead.

Dermabrasion can also be used to improve scars resulting from accidents or surgery. Dermabrasion involves sanding the skin, with a special surgical instrument, to a depth required to eliminate the scar or wrinkle. This procedure is performed using mild sedation and local anesthesia. Most patients are quite comfortable during the dermabrasion procedure itself. After dermabrasion there is mild discomfort for the first day or so and pain medications may be needed. The skin appears like a brush burn and is cared for with special ointments and frequent washing with soap and water. Normally patients heal from dermabrasion within one week and are able to disguise the residual redness with makeup. When dermabrasion is used to remove pre-cancerous skin damage it can provide protection against new skin cancers for many years.

Combining Resurfacing Procedures

For many individuals one resurfacing procedure is not perfect for all areas of the face. Some patients can benefit from laser resurfacing of the eyelids, but do not need this deep treatment over the rest of the face. Others can benefit from dermabrasion of acne scars of the cheeks but do not need a lighter treatment for the forehead or eyelids. In these cases, Dr. Coleman prefers to combine resurfacing procedures. This involves using each resurfacing approach for its best effect. A common combination includes laser resurfacing of the lower eyelids and chemical peeling of the rest of the face. When Dr. Coleman performs dermabrasion for acne scars, he often uses lasers for tightening the tissues of the lower eyelids and chemical peeling for irregular pigmentation of the forehead and neck. This custom approach to facial resurfacing is important because it allows each procedure to be used where it is needed most. Also it spares patients the longer recovery associated with deeper procedures in areas of the face where this is not required. Finally it reduces the expense of facial resurfacing.

Why choose us for resurfacing?

Dr. Coleman is known widely for his teaching on skin resurfacing. He has lectured on this subject as an invited guest professor in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
He is the lead author of a popular textbook on Skin Resurfacing and has written numerous chapters in other medical textbooks on this subject. Dr. Coleman served as the director of the full day course on skin resurfacing at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology for several years. He is listed for his work on skin resurfacing in every edition of Best Doctors in America.