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Results
By Mayo Clinic staff
After dermabrasion, your new skin will be sensitive and bright pink. Swelling will begin to decrease within a few days to a week, but can last for weeks or even months. The pinkness of your skin will likely take about three months to fade.
Once the treated area begins to heal, you'll notice that your skin looks smoother. Protect your skin from the sun to prevent permanent changes in skin color.
If dark skin coloring is a concern after healing is complete, your doctor might prescribe hydroquinone — a bleaching agent — to help even out your skin tone.
Keep in mind that dermabrasion results might not be permanent. As you age you'll continue to acquire lines by squinting and smiling. New sun damage can also reverse your results.
- Kim EK, et al. Dermabrasion. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2011;38:391.
- Friedman S, et al. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser therapy. 2009;55:223.
- Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3007358. Accessed March 27, 2012.
- Dermabrasion. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Cosmetic-Procedures/Dermabrasion.html. Accessed March 27, 2012.
- Dermabrasion information. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/_ConsumerPage.aspx?id=536&terms=dermabrasion. Accessed March 27, 2012.
- Facial peels and laser surgery. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/resurfacing.html. Accessed March 27, 2012.
- Roenigk RK, et al. Roenigk's Dermatologic Surgery: Current Techniques in Procedural Dermatology. New York, N.Y.: Informa Healthcare; 2007:751.
- Brewer JD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 4, 2012.
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