Dermabrasion works in a similar way to chemical peels and resurfacing skin lasers in removing the outer layer of the skin. There is a technique known as ‘microdermabrasion’ used in high street clinics that can improve the complexion of the skin by a sandblasting effect but usually this is temporary.

This should not be confused with medical or manual dermabrasion, sometimes referred to as dermasanding which needs an Anaesthetic, usually a local Anaesthetic. You can use special equipment in theatre, but in fact I learned my version of this technique from one of the top cosmetic surgeons in Paris. I used special sterilised silicon carbide paper and use this to sand down the skin; as I am doing this by hand I have good control over how much I do and how far I can safely go to achieve the best outcome. It is particularly good for wrinkles around the mouth and for some scars.