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Find a Scar
Removal Specialist
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Patient Education
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 | | The Patient’s Guide is the most respected online publication providing information about scar removal. Our mission is to provide you, our reader, with unbiased, scientifically accurate information about scars, as well as potential treatments. | | >>More About the Patient's Guide | |
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Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a procedure that scrapes away the top layers of skin with an electrically operated device, usually a specially designed wire brush or a diamond-coated stainless steel “wheel.” It can be very effective in removing minor hypertrophic, or raised, scars and certain kinds of acne scars.
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Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Don’t confuse dermabrasion with microdermabrasion, which is a much, much milder procedure. Microdermabrasion essentially “sandblasts” the skin, usually with aluminum oxide crystals. This removes the top layer of dead cells on the skin, but doesn’t go much deeper. Microdermabrasion rejuvenates the skin—and can even remove very superficial scars and other imperfections—but it can’t get at any serious scarring. In fact, microdermabrasion treatments are so mild, they require no recovery time, which is why they are sometimes called “a lunchtime peel.”
What the Dermabrasion Treatment Involves
The dermabrasion procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes to perform, depending on the size of the skin area being treated. It’s an outpatient treatment, which means you’ll return home the same day.
Dermabrasion is usually done under local anesthesia, and you may also be given an oral sedative to reduce your anxiety. Your physician may pass over your skin several times with the dermabrasion device or make a single, deeper pass. After the procedure, your skin will be covered with an antibiotic cream and a dressing of some kind. The treated area will look quite red and swollen, and you’ll feel some tingling and burning. These side effects tend to take several days to a week to subside. (Men must forgo shaving for a few days.) You’ll be given medications to manage any pain.
Over the next few weeks, a crusty scab will form over the treated area. When it falls off, a new, pink layer of skin will be revealed. This new skin may itch for a while; your physician will give you medication to control any discomfort. Most people feel comfortable returning to work and their regular social activities within two to three weeks. Strenuous physical activities must be avoided for an additional few weeks, however.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dermabrasion?
The best candidates for dermabrasion tend to be younger people and those with lighter-hued skin. Older people’s skin heals more slowly, and skin with darker tones carries a greater risk of becoming discolored after the procedure.
Dermabrasion can also cause people who are prone to skin allergies or cold sores to experience a flare-up of their condition. Nor should the procedure be done on people who are experiencing active acne flare-ups, as doing so increases the risk of a post-procedure infection.
What Are the Risks?
Dermabrasion is safe if performed by an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Still, unwanted side effects can happen. They include the formation of a keloid, abnormal pigmentation, persistent redness, and telangiectasia (red spots on the skin caused by small dilated blood vessels). To ensure the very best results, select your doctor carefully—and follow his or her instructions about caring for your skin after the treatment.
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Ask The Doctor
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