Beauty is power, and everyone in the world loves being and feeling beautiful. However, there exist certain conditions that try to make us feel less beautiful, and feed on our insecurities. Wrinkles, acne, scars, and aging faces are some of the perceived threats. While growing old has its advantages, no one likes the idea of looking old, which adds to their insecurities. If you have these insecurities, well, you need not feel insecure anymore since Avané clinic, Nairobi has a solution for you. Avané clinic brings skin rejuvenation near you through our dermabrasion services.
Dermabrasion is a surface-resurfacing procedure that exfoliates the outer, damaged skin layer by use of a rotating device, and allows the appearance of younger, smoother, and healthier skin. The procedure is popularly used on the face and is common among people who would want to improve their skin appearance. Dermabrasion is effective and safe for use, though people are cautioned to have it done under the care of well-trained dermatologists or plastic surgeons. The procedure has undergone necessary clinical tests and is FDA-approved for the treatment of fine lines, acne, all forms of scars, age spots, pox spots, wrinkles, sunburns, rhinophyma (swelling and redness on the nose), uneven skin tone, pre-cancerous skin patches, and tattoos.
The process begins with the client seeing our doctors for consultation. This is an important step since it is here where the dermatologists advise the clients on the procedure, including the requirements, criteria for qualification, and the risk factors involved. The medics then get the patients’ medical history, with regards to their medical conditions and the medication they have been using as well as any cosmetic and surgical procedures they have had in the past. Details on any supplements and drugs such as tobacco or alcohol are also important. They also discuss the patients’ expectations and their motivations. In addition to this, the medics do a physical examination on the area to be treated, to ascertain their physical features such as their skin tone. The clients then have to give their consent for the operation to be conducted. There are however some precautions that the client is needed to observe before and after the procedure is performed These include:
- Not taking certain medications, such as aspirin and blood thinners.
- Not smoking for about 2-4 weeks before and after the procedure since tobacco causes premature skin aging and decreases blood flow in the skin which slows healing.
- Use prescribed antiviral medication before and after the procedure to prevent viral infections.
- Use of oral antibiotics for people with acne to prevent infections.
- Use of retinoid creams as prescribed by the doctor to help boost the healing process.
- Avoid unprotected and excessive exposure to sunlight since this may cause irregular pigmentation on the skin.
- Arranging a way to travel back home after the procedure since we don’t recommend driving after the procedure is done.
Dermabrasion is a majorly outpatient procedure, which is done at the dermatologist’s office, unless in instances of extensive procedures where one is admitted. On the due day, one is advised to wash the skin normally and not to apply makeup or cosmetic creams. At the clinic, the patient is given anesthesia depending on the extent of the treatment. Local anesthesia is used in most cases, while in some, sedation is required and in others, general anesthesia is used. The area is cleaned and the doctor moves a dermabrader, which is a small handheld device with a rough diamond-shaped tip and a rough surface, across the skin. The dermabrader exfoliates the skin on the areas it passes through. The procedure lasts for about 30-90 minutes. After the procedure, the skin may swell and may appear reddish. Afterward, the treated skin is covered with a moist, non-stick dressing. The patient is then given instructions on self-care routines while at home and the doctor prescribes some medication, including pain medications. One is requested to schedule subsequent check-ups for the doctors to examine healing and the dressing is changed, at recommended intervals.
Observance of the instructions on the self-care routines such as avoiding the sun and drugs, taking the medication, proper cleaning and dressing of the treated area and applying protective creams, avoiding active sporting activities, not exposing the skin to chlorinated water, and not scrubbing the treated skin area comes in handy in ensuring a safe recovery. The recovery period however varies from one patient to another, and it may take 2 weeks for one to heal but the results will be visible in about 3 months. One may however have to take a leave for at least 2 weeks for the healing process.
As effective as the procedure is, it involves several risk factors such as the possibility of being infected with rosacea or herpes simplex. One may also get burn scars and blood or skin disorders. The skin may be sensitive to cold and may have discoloration. One may also get keloid, a condition that causes scarring. The side effects of dermabrasion are rashes, redness, swelling, possible infection, scarring, enlarged pores, darkened skin, uneven skin color, and the break-up of acnes.
It however has its benefits, such as productive treatment of acne, wrinkles, stretch marks, uneven skin tones, melasma, and irregular pigmentation. It helps eradicate signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps in the eradication of scars and the shrinking of enlarged pores.
Dermabrasion is open to all people of all ages, although healing is slower for elderly people. It is however not recommended for people with dark skin tones as it may cause irregular pigmentation, and for people with allergic rashes, cold sores or blisters, and acne patients. People with bad burns or those who might have undergone chemical peels are at a higher risk of getting infections after dermabrasion.
At Avané clinic we ensure that we give you the best treatment and the best possible way for your skin-related problem. In addition to this, we also walk with you all the way through your healing process and are always available whenever you need us. Our team of specialists is well trained and highly experienced, and you can trust us to handle your medical and aesthetical needs. Visit us today at the Yaya center in Nairobi, consult with our specialist, and watch us change your life.
