What It Is
Surgical dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a specialized high-speed rotating device with an abrasive surface to remove the outer layers of damaged skin. It is performed to improve the appearance of scars, fine wrinkles, uneven texture, sun damage, and certain skin lesions.
In Korea, dermabrasion is performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons using precision-controlled techniques and advanced devices to ensure smoother skin, minimal downtime, and safe results.
Why It’s Done
Patients undergo surgical dermabrasion because:
- They want to improve acne scars, trauma scars, or surgical scars.
- They want to reduce fine wrinkles and uneven pigmentation.
- They wish to smooth rough or thickened skin.
- They want to achieve fresher, more youthful-looking skin.
Good candidates include:
- Men and women with superficial to moderate skin irregularities.
- Patients with good overall health and realistic expectations.
- Individuals not prone to abnormal scarring (like keloids).
Alternatives
- Laser resurfacing (CO₂ or Er:YAG lasers): Offers similar benefits with shorter recovery in some cases.
- Chemical peels: Improve superficial skin damage but less effective for deeper scars.
- Microneedling or RF microneedling: Non-surgical alternatives for collagen stimulation.
- Topical treatments: Helpful for mild pigmentation but limited for deeper issues.
Preparation
Before surgical dermabrasion in Korea, patients will:
- Undergo a skin evaluation and medical consultation.
- Stop smoking and alcohol 2–4 weeks prior to the procedure.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning.
- Stop certain medications (blood thinners, retinoids, acne medications like isotretinoin).
- Prepare for downtime, as recovery may take several weeks.
How It’s Done
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the area treated.
- Skin preparation: The treatment area is cleaned and marked.
- Dermabrasion: A motorized instrument with a diamond wheel or wire brush abrades the outer skin layers.
- Depth control: The surgeon carefully controls how deep the abrasion goes to avoid complications.
- Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on area size.
Recovery
- First week: Redness, swelling, and scabbing are common; antibiotic ointments and dressings are applied.
- Return to activities: Light activities in 1–2 weeks; full healing may take 4–8 weeks.
- Final results: Skin appears smoother, clearer, and rejuvenated after complete healing, with improvements continuing for several months.
Possible Complications
- Prolonged redness or sensitivity.
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
- Infection or delayed healing.
- Scarring if abrasion is too deep.
- Reactivation of herpes simplex (cold sores) in prone individuals.
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
Korean specialists use skin analysis, digital photography, and consultation to determine the severity of skin damage and suitability for dermabrasion.
Medical Treatments
- Topical creams and medications for mild scarring or pigmentation.
- Non-surgical treatments like chemical peels or microneedling for less invasive results.
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Full dermabrasion for deep scars or wrinkles.
- Partial dermabrasion for small, localized scars.
- Combination treatments with laser resurfacing, fillers, or fat grafting for enhanced results.
Rehabilitation and Support
- Sun protection and use of medical-grade sunscreen to prevent pigmentation.
- Scar management and skin hydration during healing.
- Follow-up visits to monitor recovery and pigmentation changes.
- International patients benefit from Korea’s expert dermatologic care, cutting-edge devices, and comprehensive post-procedure support.
