Dermabrasion by Wire Brush

Abstract

While many physicians choose the fraise for all dermabrasive surgery, others prefer the faster abrasiveness and reduced friction of the brush for deep full-faced abrasions, removal of tattoos, and revision of scars. In addition to preoperative preparation and postoperative care of the patient, the author's technique for full-face abrasion with the power-driven rotary brush is described.

Test Spots in Dermabrasion and Chemical Peeling

“…Dermabrasion involves precise manual dexterity and the ability to distinguish variations in depth of several thousandths of an inch. Chemical peeling involves patience, preparation, and skill in patient selection 1 . However, once the brush or cotton swab has left the skin, the events that transpire postoperatively greatly depend on the patient's unique healing characteristics, even with the excellent postoperative dressings now available 2 .…”

Revision of Full‐Thickness Skin Grafts Using the Carbon Dioxide Laser

“…In spite of the fact that dermabrasions may be extremely effective in the revision of certain types of facial scars, 4, 5 as well as the removal of many benign tumors, this technique is associated with some limitations. One example is in the treatment of small lesions, where the physician may be impeded somewhat with conventional dermabrasion due to the relatively large size of the fraise 5 or wire brush 4 . A second difficulty may result from space limitations due to the anatomic location.…”

Treatment of Perioral Rhytides

“…If used improperly, the spray can produce hypothermic injury, resulting in hypertrophic scarring. 20,21 Other risks associated with dermabrasion can occur with any resurfacing method, including the carbon dioxide laser. These risks include postoperative infections, scarring, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, milia formation, and acne flares.…”

“…Disadvantages include the technical difficulty of the procedure and potential exposure to aerosolized blood-borne pathogens. [20][21][22] When dermabrasion is performed with a wire brush or fraise, injury can result from spinning equipment catching on loose skin or gauze. 20 Gouging is more likely on surfaces with acute curvatures.…”