The idea of ​​scraping the skin to improve appearance is not new. Dermabrasion, a skin smoothing surgical technique that uses a high-speed rotating abrasive instrument, has been popular for more than fifty years. More recently, however, manual dermasanding or gentle “buffing” of the skin, with or without the addition of a mild chemical peeling agent, has in many cases replaced the earlier rotary abrasive method of treating a wide variety of scars, wrinkles and complexion and pigmentation. problems. The sanding action improves contour irregularities as a new layer of skin replaces the worn skin. The result is a smoother, fresher and brighter appearance.

Manual buffing has proven especially useful for treating the delicate skin around the eyes, nose and lips, areas that are much more difficult to treat with conventional high-speed rotary dermabrasion. There is also no blood spatter, which is typical of the latter procedure, significantly reducing concerns about the possible spread of HIV and hepatitis infections. Buf peels should not be confused with microdermabrasion, which is a much more superficial form of skin sanding. Although much less expensive than laser resurfacing and generally with a shorter recovery time, buff-peels can offer a reasonable alternative and often yield results that can be just as rewarding.

Uses of Buf-Peels

When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used effectively to improve acne scars, pockmarks, and scars resulting from accidents or illness. Today, skin sanding methods are routinely used to treat tattoos, age (liver) spots, wrinkles, “frown” and “worry” lines, as well as other types of skin lesions.

As with other rejuvenation techniques, conditions for which dermasanding would not be effective include the presence of congenital skin defects, certain types of moles or pigmented birthmarks, and burn scars.

what is involved

Polishing is an office based procedure. Medications may be given to relax the patient prior to surgery and supplemented by the use of topical or local anesthesia to numb treatment sites. A sterile abrasive material is then used to gently buff or abrade the top layers of skin to improve surface irregularities. In “polished peeling”, the polishing is preceded or followed by the application of a chemical exfoliating agent, usually a low concentration of trichloroacetic acid, to further enhance skin smoothing.

what to expect next

For a few days, the skin feels as if it has been badly sunburned, and medication may be prescribed for discomfort, such as Lida Mantle Cream or Lida Mantle HC Cream. Healing generally occurs within seven days for buffed skin and seven to ten days for peeled areas.

The newly formed skin, which is pink and slightly swollen at first, gradually develops a normal appearance. In most cases, the pink color fades within six to eight weeks. Regular makeup can be used as a cover-up as soon as the scabs are removed. Most people can resume their normal work or social routines in seven to fourteen days. People are instructed to avoid unnecessary direct and indirect sunlight for three to six months after the procedure and to use sunscreen regularly when outdoors.

Possible complications

In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent discoloration of the skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy, or a family history of brown discoloration on the face can increase the chance of developing abnormal pigmentation.

Although low, there is a risk of scarring in certain areas of the face and people in particular may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.

Limitations of Polishing and Polishing-Peeling

Buffing and exfoliation cannot significantly tighten loose or sagging skin and are not intended to replace face, brow, or eye lift procedures.

Buffing will not remove certain deep scars. Punch grafting, punch lifting, scar excision, dermaspacing, or soft tissue fillers may be much more effective, either alone or in combination with polishing peeling.

Finally, buffing and exfoliation may not necessarily change pore size in all cases, nor can they predictably remove broken blood vessels on the face. However, they can improve the appearance of these conditions.