What to Expect After Dermabrasion

Seeing larger pores, deeper wrinkles, and benign blemishes on your skin is dissatisfying. Though textured skin and discoloration are to be expected with age, there are plenty of cosmetic procedures to restore a brighter and more youthful complexion. 

Dermabrasion is one of those treatments. Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon John P. Freeman, MD, DDS, FACS, offers dermabrasion, among other aesthetic procedures at his self-named private practice in Katy, Texas, where you can compare restorative skin procedures and select one that aligns with your goals. 

Dermabrasion resurfaces your skin by removing the surface layers of older cells to reveal new cells beneath. Dr. Freeman uses IV sedation to help you relax before using a device with a rough surface to expose the healthier tissue. 

While dermabrasion is highly effective at minimizing an array of age-related skin irregularities, your skin needs to heal before you can fully appreciate the results. Dr. Freeman informs you about the healing process ahead of your procedure so you know what to expect and how to prepare. 

What happens to your skin after dermabrasion

After dermabrasion removes the old and damaged surface skin cells, your skin is raw and requires aftercare. Dr. Freeman applies a soothing ointment to alleviate the initial discomfort, but you can expect some swelling to persist for several days to a week. It feels similar to having a sunburn. 

Eventually, as the healing process continues, your skin forms some scabs. Resist the urge to pick them because it can cause scarring or complications that prolong healing. Soon, the scabs fall off to reveal a tight pink layer of fresh and glowing skin. 

Building a post-procedure routine

Post-procedure instructions after dermabrasion are a bit more detailed than aftercare for comparable treatments, like dermaplaning or microdermabrasion. However, the results are more pronounced and often longer-lasting. 

Following dermabrasion, Dr. Freeman advises you to:

• Cleanse your skin several times a day
• Apply a gentle moisturizer daily
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid certain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen
• Take antiviral or antibiotic medications if prescribed
• Take roughly two weeks off work
• Avoid swimming, especially in chlorinated water
• Attend scheduled follow-up visits

Most importantly, be extra protective of your skin from the sun for 6-12 months. Apply and reapply sunscreen daily and minimize your time in direct sunlight. Additionally, avoid UV tanning beds. 

Following Dr. Freeman’s instructions allow your skin to heal. 

The final reveal

It can take up to three months to see the final result of dermabrasion. Once your skin has healed, you enjoy:

• More radiant skin
• Smoother texture
• Smaller pores 
• Fewer blackheads
• Less hyperpigmentation
• Smoother skin
• Fewer scars and stretch marks

Achieve these results with just one dermabrasion procedure plus several weeks of caring for your skin. To learn more about dermabrasion and the healing process, call John P. Freeman, MD, DDS, FACS, or book online today.