Reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin

At Revitalize Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, we offer dermabrasion as a safe and effective treatment to dramatically improve the appearance of skin affected by acne scars, fine wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture. This procedure uses a specialized instrument to gently remove the outer layers of skin, encouraging cell regeneration and leaving behind a refreshed, smoother surface.

Dermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation technique performed by a physician that uses a high-speed rotating burr to precisely sand away the top layer of skin.   Most treatments take 30–60 minutes, depending on the areas treated.  As the skin heals, new layers form that are typically smoother, firmer, and more even in tone and texture.

Unlike microdermabrasion, which offers light exfoliation and is performed by aestheticians in our medical spa, dermabrasion penetrates more deeply, making it ideal for more significant skin concerns such as:

• Acne scars and other facial scarring
• Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the mouth
• Uneven pigmentation and rough skin texture
• Sun-damaged skin

Am I a good candidate for dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is best suited for individuals with lighter skin tones and skin concerns that do not respond well to more superficial treatments. Patients who are concerned about the appearance of skin due to acne scars, fine wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture are good candidates for dermabrasion.

Patients should be relatively healthy, and any medical problems should be optimally treated prior to proceeding with surgery.  Patients need to avoid all nicotine products for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.

Our staff will review these criteria with you prior to scheduling an appointment to make sure that you are a good fit for surgery.

The Consultation Process

When you make an appointment with our office, we well send you a welcome email for one of our medical record systems, TouchMD (for directions on how to access this, view this page).  When you come into the office to discuss a potential procedure, you will be greeted by our office staff.  We ask that you complete all your paperwork prior to your appointment (forms can be found here).  A medical assistant will review your medical history.  the doctor will then personally meet with you to discuss your concerns and goals, perform a physical exam, make recommendations on what procedures you would be a good candidate for, and then review the recovery process and potential complications.  We will usually show you before and after photos of patients with similar body types and results that could be expected when possible.  Sometimes we are even able to show you a simulation of what you could expect for your post-operative result.  We routinely document progress with photos, which we take in a sensitive fashion.  These photos are part of your confidential medical record and allow you to track your progress if desired.

Preparing for your Procedure

Any medical conditions should be optimized prior to proceeding with your procedure.  If required, you should obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician in a timely fashion (at least one month prior to your procedure).  This allows time for additional testing to be performed if required.

• Medical clearance is generally required for all patients over 50 years old and/or those with certain medical problems (such as a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of heart problems, history of stroke, and patients on blood thinners).
• Stop certain medications and supplements (a list can be found here). Most supplements need to be stopped two weeks prior to surgery.  Some supplements have side effects (such as increased risk of bleeding).  Common medications that need to be stopped prior to surgery include but are not limited to blood thinners, some diabetes medications, some weight loss drugs, and some blood pressure medications.  The decision to stop medications depends on the recommendations from your prescribing physician, PCP, and/or surgeon.

You should avoid ALL nicotine products for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.  If you experience any complications, you need to ensure that those complications have resolved prior to resuming any nicotine use and/or exposure.  We do perform nicotine testing to ensure adherence with our policies.

If desired, you can take the natural supplement, Arnica, to help limit bruising and swelling after your procedure.  We offer this product in our office.

Lastly, in the days leading up to your procedure, ensure you at a well-balanced diet, stay adequately hydrated, and avoid any strenuous exercise.

Where will my surgery be performed?

For cosmetic procedures, your surgery is typically performed at Columbia Surgery Center, our private outpatient surgical suite adjacent to our office.  If you have certain medical issues (for example, a history of heart problems, stroke, or diabetes requiring insulin) or you have a personal preference, you can have surgery the hospital.  Dr. Elswick typically operates at William Beaumont Hospital in Troy, but also has privileges at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and McLaren Macomb Hospital.

What type of anesthesia will I have for my surgery?

Dermabrasion is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be completely asleep for your surgery.  Local anesthetic (numbing medication) is also used during your surgery which will limit the amount of anesthetic medication that is needed during your surgery and will help limit your pain when you wake up from surgery.

Recovery

Time

Recovery is typically 1-4 weeks.  You can expect the treated area to be red/pink and have peeling and scabbing, especially in the first week.  You will treat these areas with topical moisturizers until the area begins to return to normal.  Swelling, bruising, and pain are expected but controlled with medications.  You should sleep with your head elevated for a week to minimize these things.  Temporary altered sensation of the skin is expected but generally returns to normal in a few weeks or months.  Sun protection is essential to protect the new skin and prevent pigmentation changes.

While you should get back to normal fairly quickly, it takes at least 6 months to see the final results of your procedure.

Work

Most patients will take time off work.  The amount of time required depends on your recovery, your preferences, and what you do for work.  Patients who work from home or do a desk job may be able to resume work within a few days if not undergoing any other procedures.  Those who have a physical job may need to take 1-2 weeks off work.

Activity Restrictions

You will have activity restrictions in place during the recovery period.  These entail no strenuous exercise (generally keeping your heart rate less than 100 beats per minute), no heavy lifting (more than 10 pounds),  and no activities where your head is below your heart (like yoga and Pilates) for the first 1-2 weeks after your procedure.   Generally you can walk as much as you want after surgery (at a leisurely pace).  Sometimes a recumbent, stationary bike is also ok.

Driving

You may drive when ALL the following conditions are met:

1. You are 48 hours out from general anesthesia or IV sedation.
2. You have not taken any narcotics (such as oxycodone or Tramadol/Ultram) or benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Xanax) for 24 hours.
3. Your pain is well enough controlled that you can safely drive a car (i.e. you can turn the steering wheel and push the gas/brake pedal without a delayed reaction secondary to pain).

Follow up Appointments

We believe in providing exemplary care so we will see you regularly while you are recovering to guide you in this process and monitor for any complications.   You will see the physician regularly in conjunction with our Advanced Practice Providers (Nurse Pracitioners and Physician Assistants) and team of medical assistants.  We are always available after hours if needed for emergencies by calling our office at (248)524-0620.

Risks of the Procedure

All procedures come with some degree of risk and complications.  However, most patients experience no or minimal complications.  We believe in transparency and properly informing patients of things that could go wrong.  Your decision to proceed with the procedure assumes that the potential benefits outweigh these risks and hence you are accepting of these possible risks.  It is extremely important that your physician discusses these risks with you so you can make an informed decision to undergo this procedure.

For any procedure there is a risk of bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, unfavorable scarring, changes in sensation, need for additional surgery, and the risks associated with anesthesia.  There is also the potential for changes in the results of your surgery with weight gain or loss, aging, and hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, breast feeding, and menopause).  Moreover, people who have poor skin quality (secondary to weight loss or gain, stretch marks, aging, and/or sun damage) will not have as good of a result as those patients without these factors.

For dermabrasion, unique complications include over or under correction of the areas of concern, pigmentation changes

To decrease your risk of complications, you need to ensure that you are doing your part to create optimal healing conditions.  Some of the things that a patient can do to minimize risk are:

• Following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions
• Adhering to the guidelines listed in “Preparing for your Surgery” above

Why Choose Revitalize Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa?

At Revitalize Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, we blend advanced medical expertise with personalized care to help you look and feel your best.  Whether you’re seeking a subtle enhancement or a transformative procedure, our team is committed to natural-looking results, safety, and patient-centered care.

Ready to Transform Your Skin?

Schedule a consultation today to learn how dermabrasion at Revitalize Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa can help you achieve smoother, more radiant skin.