History of dermabrasion

Scar revision

Most surgical patients end up with a scar and most of these would want at least some improvement in the appearance of the scar. Using sound techniques for wound closure surgeons can, to a certain extent, prevent suboptimal scars. This article reviews the principles of prevention and treatment of suboptimal scars. Surgical techniques of scar revision, i.e., Z plasty, W plasty, and geometrical broken line closure are described. Post-operative care and other adjuvant therapies of scars are described. A short description of dermabrasion and lasers for management of scars is given. It is hoped that this review helps the surgeon to formulate a comprehensive plan for management of scars of these patients.

Periorbital Ablative and Nonablative Resurfacing

Ablative resurfacing using laser systems for facial rejuvenation, especially in the periorbital areas, has effectively replaced chemical peels. Refined methods yield outstanding efficacy with significantly fewer side effects as compared with the prototypical lasers of decades past. Despite these technologic refinements, the trend toward minimally invasive rejuvenation techniques has placed a substantial emphasis on the many nonablative modalities available to the practitioner. Although the clinical efficacy to date has been less with the nonablative devices, the lack of substantial morbidity has made the devices marketable to a large population of patients despite their modest results at best and highly unpredictable results at worst. Numerous options, ablative and nonablative, are now available for the patient desiring improvement in periorbital rhytids.

Topical protease therapy as a novel method of epidermal ablation: preliminary report

BACKGROUND

For more than 50 years, proteolytic enzymes have been extensively used in laboratory settings for the purposes of in vitro epidermal separation and keratinocyte isolation. However, the topical, in vivo pharmacologic properties of these enzymes are virtually unknown. Previous therapeutic applications for topically applied proteases have been limited to wound debridement.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the clinical and histologic effects of topically applied proteases as a method of therapeutic epidermal ablation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SKH-1 hairless mouse and human skin samples were exposed both in vitro and in vivo to varying concentrations of the proteases subtilisin, trypsin, and dispase for different exposure durations. The effects of protease exposure were then assessed by both clinical and histologic examination.

RESULTS

Exposure of both human and mouse skin samples to topical protease solutions resulted in reproducible, differential patterns of epidermal ablation: subcorneal, intraepidermal, and subepidermal. In a limited study, topical application of trypsin solution resulted in the scar-free ablation of lesions of seborrheic keratosis located on the lower extremity.

CONCLUSION

Topically applied proteases represent an alternative method of epidermal ablation with several potential advantages over existing techniques. Further studies are needed to delineate ideal enzyme formulations, vehicles, and applications.

Dermabrasion in dermatology

Dermabrasion has been used for a number of years to treat a variety of dermatologic conditions, including facial skin resurfacing and scar revision. The popularity of this procedure has diminished with the advent of newer procedures including chemical exfoliation, laser resurfacing, non-ablative laser resurfacing, and microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion found its niche in treating acne and traumatic facial scars, and in cosmetic facial resurfacing. Small, portable hand-held dermabraders are the most popular units available today and are able to generate rotation speeds of 18,000-35,000 revolutions per minute. End pieces, including wire brushes, diamond fraises and serrated wheels, attach to the end of the dermabrader to allow precise resurfacing and treatment. As with all cosmetic surgical procedures, appropriate patient selection and room preparation (with appropriate lighting and monitoring equipment) are essential to assure optimal outcomes with the dermabrasion procedure. Patients must understand all of the potential risks, benefits and limitations associated with the procedure. Patients must also be aware of alternative therapies that are available. Dermabrasion is technique-dependent and the surgeon should be well versed on the technique prior to performing this therapy. Gentian violet solution is used to delineate the areas to be treated. Refrigerant topical anesthesia is used to freeze the skin prior to the procedure. Holding the skin taut, the dermabrasion procedure occurs in a routine manner, treating one anatomic unit at a time. Postoperatively, patients may have an open or closed dressing system. Postoperative medical treatment is also recommended, including the use of antiviral agents, antibacterials and corticosteroids. The re-epithelialization process is usually complete in 5-7 days and residual erythema is common for up to 4 weeks. Adequate sun protection is essential following dermabrasion. Dermabrasion has also been used in combination with other dermatologic procedures, including chemical exfoliation, soft tissue augmentation and laser procedures, to enhance the results of dermabrasion. Dermabrasion remains a useful facial skin resurfacing and scar revision technique, particularly when performed by a trained and skilled surgeon. Most dermatologic surgeons argue that pure dermabrasion is a useful modality in skilled surgical hands and should be considered when appropriate.

Successful treatment of a hypochromic scar with manual dermabrasion: case report

BACKGROUND

Manual dermabrasion is a simple and safe cosmetic procedure that is used to improve unsightly cutaneous disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To describe an 11-year-old white female patient who was successfully treated with manual dermabrasion for a hypochromic scar on the left forearm.

RESULTS

The hypochromic wound healed without scar and with good cosmetic appearance.

CONCLUSION

Although similar to conventional dermabrasion in terms of cosmetic results, manual dermabrasion presents a less expensive and safe alternative.