Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure that treats sun damage and scars. Dermabrasion is an effective treatment for acne scars and rivals lasers for improvement of wrinkle lines around the mouth, cheeks, and forehead. It 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. Patients typically heal from a dermabrasion procedure within one week and are able to disguise the residual redness with makeup. When dermabrasion is used to remove pre-cancerous sun damage it can provide protection against new skin cancers for many years.

Combining Resurfacing Procedures

One resurfacing procedure is not always 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 on the cheeks but 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 a chemical peel for the rest of the face. When Dr. Coleman performs dermabrasion for acne scars he often uses lasers for tightening the tissue 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.

Why choose us for resurfacing?

Dr. Coleman is known for his teachings 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 and he is listed for his work on skin resurfacing in every edition of Best Doctors in America.