Abstract
Background
Dermabrasion is an accepted method for improving the appearance of facial scars. It allows the epidermis to regenerate as a smooth surface after the defective dermis and epidermis have been removed. Several methods and instruments are currently being employed for dermabrasion. This study is an update on a forgotten or abandoned technique. We extended the patient range and saw that this technique was one procedure used before laser systems became available. It is still effective and the cheapest procedure for treatment of these patients. Dermasanding is effective not only for burn scars but also for depressed, acne, hypertrophic, and trap-door scars, cellulite, and tattoos.
Methods
The authors performed this technique on 38 patients with different diagnoses.
Results
Each patient was reviewed separately. The obtained result in each patient was reviewed with regard to patient satisfaction. In no patient was the result worse compared to the original scar, burn, or injury. Mild wound infections were seen in only four cases but they were not severe. They were controlled with systemic antibiotic therapy.
Conclusion
Dermasanding with sandpaper is effective not only for burn scars, but also for other types of scars (acne, depressed, trap-door, hypertrophic), tattoos, cellulite, and antiaging.
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Presented as an oral presentation at the PSEF/Fresh Start Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults and Children Symposium in Tucson, Arizona, 20–22 February 2007, and at the 18th EURAPS Meeting, Ghent, Belgium, 24–26 May 2007.
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266_2008_9175_MOESM1_ESM.dat
Video 1 shows a burn patient undergoing dermasanding with sandpaper which is wrapped around rolls of sterile gauzes (DAT 46610 kb)
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Emsen, I.M. An Update on Sandpaper in Dermabrasion with a Different and Extended Patient Series. Aesth Plast Surg (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-008-9175-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-008-9175-1