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Overview
What Is Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a medical skin-resurfacing procedure that uses a rapidly rotating instrument to remove controlled outer layers of skin. As the treated area heals, the surface may look smoother and more even. A clinician may use dermabrasion to improve selected acne scars, surgical or traumatic scars, uneven texture, sun-related skin changes, fine lines, or certain skin lesions.
Who It's For
Who Is Dermabrasion For?
People may consider dermabrasion for acne scars, surgical or traumatic scars, uneven skin texture, sun-damaged skin, fine lines, or selected lesions. A consultation is needed to determine whether it is appropriate because candidacy depends on skin type, medical history, active skin conditions, previous treatments, scarring history, and the results you want. Active infection, inflammation, or some medicines may make treatment unsafe or require postponement.
Dermabrasion Compared With Microdermabrasion
| Feature | Dermabrasion | Microdermabrasion |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment depth | Resurfaces more deeply controlled layers of skin. | Gently removes mainly the outermost surface cells. |
| Typical intensity | More intensive and suited to selected scars, texture changes, and other concerns. | Milder treatment often used for a temporary smoother, brighter appearance. |
| Anesthesia or discomfort | Local anesthesia or another pain-control method may be used; discomfort is possible. | Usually causes mild discomfort and commonly needs little or no anesthesia. |
| Downtime | Usually involves wound care and a longer healing period. | Usually has little downtime, although temporary redness or sensitivity can occur. |
| Concerns addressed | May improve deeper irregularities, selected scars, fine lines, or lesions. | May help mild texture dullness, superficial unevenness, and some cosmetic skin-care goals. |
Preparation
How to Prepare for Dermabrasion
During the consultation, the clinician reviews your concerns, desired results, medical conditions, previous procedures, medicines and supplements, and any history of abnormal scarring. They also check for active infections, rashes, or other skin disease and discuss whether your skin is likely to heal safely. Follow the clinic’s instructions rather than stopping or starting any medicine on your own.
- Follow instructions about prescription medicines, blood-thinning products, and skin treatments.
- Avoid unapproved irritating products and protect the treatment area from sun exposure.
- Arrange transportation if sedation or anesthesia will be used.
- Plan time away from work, exercise, or social activities while the skin heals.
- Fill any prescribed ointment or medicine before the procedure if advised.
Before treatment
Share your complete health history
Tell the clinician about all medicines and supplements, a history of cold sores, immune problems, bleeding disorders, abnormal scars, and any active rash or infection. This information can change the timing, preparation, or suitability of treatment.
During the Procedure / What to Expect
What Happens During Dermabrasion?
For a typical session, the clinician cleanses and may mark the treatment area, then provides local anesthesia or another suitable form of pain control. A motorized instrument is moved carefully over selected skin to remove controlled layers and smooth surface irregularities. The area is then cleansed, covered with a dressing, or treated with an ointment according to the clinician’s plan.
The session length varies with the size and number of areas being treated. Dermabrasion uses mechanical resurfacing with an instrument; it is not the same as applying a chemical peeling solution.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits and Risks of Dermabrasion
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Dermabrasion may create a smoother texture, soften the appearance of some scars or fine lines, and give treated skin a more refreshed appearance. Improvement depends on the original concern and how the skin heals.
IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS
Results vary, and treatment may not completely remove a scar or correct every irregularity. Some people may need additional treatment or a different approach, and improvement is not guaranteed.
- Pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, bleeding, or oozing may occur.
- Infection, acne, or small cysts called milia can develop.
- Skin may become lighter, darker, or uneven in color.
- Healing may take longer than expected.
- Scarring or changes in skin texture are possible.
- The treated concern may persist or return.
Discuss with your clinician
Risk is not the same for everyone
Risk can vary with skin type, treatment depth, medical history, sun exposure, healing response, and clinician experience. Ask for individualized advice about expected benefits, pigment changes, scarring, infection, and other complications before choosing treatment.
Recovery
Recovery After Dermabrasion
After dermabrasion, the skin may be red, tender, swollen, sensitive, crusted, or lightly oozing. Temporary changes in skin color can also occur. Recovery varies according to the treatment depth and the size and location of the treated area, so your clinician will explain when normal activities can resume.
- Follow the prescribed dressing and cleansing instructions.
- Use prescribed ointments or medicines exactly as directed.
- Do not pick, scratch, rub, or peel the healing skin.
- Protect the treated area from sunlight and follow sun-care instructions.
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits so healing can be checked.
Before & After
Dermabrasion Before and After
Once healing is complete, some people notice smoother texture, less noticeable scars, or softer fine lines. Before-and-after photographs are most useful when the lighting, camera angle, treatment area, and healing stage are similar; early images may show treatment-related redness or swelling rather than the final appearance.
When to Call a Doctor
When to Call a Doctor After Dermabrasion
- Worsening pain, spreading redness, or increasing warmth around the treated area.
- Pus, foul-smelling drainage, or a fever.
- Bleeding that does not stop with the instructed pressure.
- Rapidly increasing swelling or severe tenderness.
- Breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.
- Skin changes or delayed healing that are not improving as expected.
Get medical advice
Do not ignore worsening symptoms
Contact the treating clinician promptly if symptoms are worsening or suggest infection, excessive bleeding, delayed healing, or another complication. Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty, severe allergic symptoms, heavy uncontrolled bleeding, or other urgent changes.
Diseases & Conditions
1 topic
Dermabrasion
Acne Scarring Treatment
