Dermabrasion - 3 month (almost) update
Randy Clark
About 3 months ago (less a week) I had dermabrasion performed on my
cheek and temple areas for acne scarring. After surgery and recovery,
I posted messages about my results. Since my skin was SUPPOSED to be
recovered in 3 months, I figure this is a good time to post a
follow-up. So here's some points (opinions) to bring you up to date:
- As I said in my original postings, dermabrasion is one of numerous
options available for scar treatment. Others include laser (only CO2
is suitable for moderate to serious scars IMHO), collagen, punch
grafting procedures, artecoll, subscision, chemical peel, perhaps many
microdermabrasions, etc.. Dermabrasion is one of the harshest and
most difficult to perform, but many surgeons still feel it is the best
type for the resurfacing for some scars. For moderate to serious
scarring, a combination of treatments is usually necessary to get real
improvement.
- Anyway, I had posted that my scars were dramatically improved after
treatment. Unfortunately, during the weeks after the scabs fell off,
the scars started showing through again. I can only explain this as
caused by the decrease in swelling and lessening of the deep red
colour which made the scars visible again. The transition from
elation to disappointment was very difficult emotionally.
- When the scars were no longer getting worse (or more noticeable) I
would say I had about 65% improvement on the better side and 35%
improvement on the worse side. Not great improvement, but reasonable.
Dermabrasion works very well on shallow scars, but inconsistently for
deeper scars.
- I recently had an artecoll injection (0.5cc about 1 week ago) to
fill in primarily the deeper scars that were still noticable. There
is definitely some improvement, but this time I'll wait a few months
before commenting on results. Considering artecoll is likely
permanent and requires little recovery time, it may be great for those
who an afford numerous injections ($$$) and have access to it.
- Although I'm now satisfied with my scar condition (not "fixed" but
better) I have a potentially serious problem that I was hoping someone
could help me with. I am an East Indian with light brown skin. I
experienced absolutely no hyperpigmentation after surgery. However,
after 3 months, my dermabraded areas are still much lighter (and
pinker) than my normal skin. Now my doctor is telling me that it may
take up to 6 months for my pigment to return fully. I'm not extremely
worried right now as my patches seem to be getting darker, but it's
taking an awfully long time. Does anyone know if this is normal or if
there is anthing I could do to speed up the process? I have to wear
make-up to blend in the skin, but being a guy, I only wear minimal
foundation over the patches and decent blending is impossible. It is
frustrating and embarassing to have to do this every day.
Oh well..all comments or info or questions are welcomed. For those
out there with acne scars, don't give up. Improvement is possible.
Based on my experience, significant improvement is also possible but
would require numerous treatments, lots of time and thousands of
dollars. Good luck.
JP30
and self tanner on the areas of your face that are lighter. Maybe
putting it all over your face and then a few hours later apply more to
the lighter area. I don't know if it will work but you might try it. I
like the spray (oil free) kind from Ban de Solea (sp?). Good luck and
keep us updated.
JP
Parrsica
lighter.>>
The problem with self tanner is that it comes off when you shave.
jodie...@gmail.com
Please log onto www.bonanzameditour.com for further details.