DERMABRASION

Face > Facial Resurfacing

» Overview	» The Day of Surgery
» The Consultation	» After Surgery
» Preparing For Surgery	» Your Results
» The Procedure	» The Cost

Overview

Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing technique used to smooth out imperfections in the skin. It is commonly performed to lessen the appearance of scaring from acne, accidents, or previous surgeries as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines, especially those around the mouth. If you desire to lessen the appearance of scarring or fine lines, dermabrasion may be a good choice for you.

Dermabrasion involves the use of a surgical instrument to selectively remove the top layers of skin that are affected by surface imperfections. The surgeon uses a burr containing diamond particles attached to a motorized handle which scraps the skins surface until the safest level has been reached that will lessen the look of the scar or wrinkle. The procedure may be performed on a small area or the entire face. Dermabrasion is usually performed under local anesthesia. However, in more severe cases you and your surgeon may elect for general anesthesia.

The Consultation

Your consultation with the doctor is complimentary and there will never be any charges for office visits. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to give information about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal supplements, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. You also need to let the doctor know if you use any tobacco products, alcohol, steroids, or street drugs, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Nguyen will discuss your desired results, your concerns, and your priorities. He will then explain the options that are available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of those options. In the end, he will present a surgical plan to help you achieve the appearance you desire.

After your consultation with the doctor, your patient coordinator will provide you with a written quotation for the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. We understand how important this decision is to you and you will not be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.




Preparing For Surgery

On the day of your consultation, you will receive instructions on how to optimize your health before surgery. This will include what medications to stop and what testing will be required before surgery. If you will be undergoing general anesthesia and are 45 years of age or older –or- have any health problems, you will need to see your primary care physician to have bloodwork, an EKG, and obtain surgical clearance stating that there are no counterindications for you having surgery. You should not take aspirin containing products or smoke for two weeks before surgery. If you have health problems or a history of health problems, you may require additional testing or clearance.

For full details on our pre-operative requirements, Click Here To Download
“Optimizing Your Health Before Your Cosmetic Surgery.”

If you do not have a primary care physician, we recommend Dr. Chi Phan, located at 4050 Barranca Pkwy Suite 210; Irvine, Ca 92604 Phone: 949-654-7833. Dr. Phan accepts most insurance. For those who do not have insurance, Dr. Phan charges approximately $120 for surgical clearance, including EKG & bloodwork.



The Procedure

The procedure is normally performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia and takes approximately 20-45 minutes. After the procedure, you will recover in the recovery area for a short time. After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment will be placed on the skin to keep it moist and help reduce your discomfort.

The Day of Surgery

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and be with you overnight. Your surgery will be performed in our outpatient surgery center at 11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400; Fountain Valley, CA. If done alone, under local anesthesia, you may eat and drink as normal. If you are having the procedure under general anesthesia, you may not have solid foods after 9pm or water after midnight, the night before surgery. You should have clean, dry hair. Wear no makeup or moisturizers on your face. You should not bring jewelry, contact lenses, or valuables on the day of surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a shirt that buttons or zips in the front (we don’t want to put anything on over your head when you get out of surgery). You will need someone to bring you and take you home on the day of your procedure. If you are having local anesthesia, arrive one hour prior to surgery. If you are having general anesthesia, arrive two hours prior to surgery.




After Surgery

Immediately, your face will be red and swollen and you will likely experience some tingling, burning, or aching sensations. You will be given pain medication to help control the amount of discomfort you feel. You may use ice packs wrapped in a clean cloth to soothe your skin.

You will keep a layer of ointment on your skin for two weeks, until it is healed. You should rinse your face with tepid water two times per day and reapply the ointment. Some people may develop irritation from the antibiotic ointment. If you develop severe itching or a rash, discontinue the antibiotic ointment and use pure petroleum jelly instead.

The swelling will begin to lessen in a few days to a week. You will likely be able to return to work in approximately two weeks. Your skin will continue to be slightly swollen and pink for several weeks as you begin to resume your normal activities. Strenuous activities should be avoided for six weeks. It is especially important to avoid the sun during the healing process while normal pigmentation returns, as long as six to twelve months. Several months following the procedure, your normal pigmentation will return and your skin will be much smoother than before.

Your Results

You can expect to enjoy a fresher, smoother appearance. Fine lines around the mouth can be minimized, acne scarring on the cheeks and forehead will be lessened. Although your skin will continue the normal aging process, you will do so beginning with your new fresh appearance. The results are long-lasting and you will enjoy your new refreshed look for years to come. The procedure may be repeated after 6 months if desired.




The Cost

These fees are approximate and are only to give you an idea of what you can expect. Fees may change without notice. An official binding quote (valid for 30 days) will be given on the day of your consultation. These fees include Surgeon’s Fee, OR Fee, Anesthesia Fee, Surgical Garment (if required), and Follow-Up Visits.

Full Face Dermabrasion $1,500
Dermabrasion around the Mouth Only $800
Dermabrasion of the Cheeks Only $1,000