Dermabrasion

The procedure

Dermabrasion involves using a motor-driven burr to remove superficial skin through a process that is similar to sanding. The removal of superficial skin allows healthier skin cells to surface and results in smoother texture and tighter skin.

Acne Scars

Acne scars, like wrinkles, are visible because they are lower or deeper than surrounding skin. Light casts shadows into acne scars, making them even more visible. If acne scars can be brought to the same level as surrounding skin, their visibility will diminish because shadows will be less obvious. This can be accomplished by lowering the surrounding skin through dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

Effectiveness of dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is somewhat effective in improving wrinkles and acne scars, but it is not a miracle cure. Each treatment will improve acne scarring by 20-40%. Therefore, multiple treatments may be required to achieve your desired result. Some acne scars may not be removed, even following multiple treatments.

Advantages

No skin preparation is necessary prior to dermabrasion. Dermabrasion results in moderate improvement in wrinkles and acne scars.

Disadvantages

Although dermabrasion can improve wrinkles, it is not nearly as effective as a deep chemical peel. Several dermabrasion treatments may be required. The risk of permanently pale skin is higher than it is with laser.

Cost

The cost for full face dermabrasion is $4,000. If you have acne scars and want only your cheeks treated, expect to pay about $3,000. If you want only your lips treated, expect to pay about $1,500.

What to Expect

Anesthesia: General or sedation.
Location of operation: Office or hospital.
Length of surgery: 15-60 minutes.
Length of stay: Outpatient (home same day).
Discomfort: Moderate. Anticipate 3-7 days of prescription pain medication.
Swelling: Will last for 7-14 days.
Dressings: You will be instructed to wash your face daily and reapply ointment until your skin has healed. Expect 7-10 days. After your skin heals, it will appear sunburned. It will return to its natural color in 4-6 weeks.
Presentable in public: You will be presentable with makeup in 7-10 days.
Work: You may feel capable of returning within 3 days, but your appearance will be the limiting factor.
Exercise: May be resumed within a week.
Sun protection: SPF 15 or higher for 3-6 months.
Final result: Will be seen in 4-6 weeks.

Expected duration of results

Dermabrasion can have a lasting effect on acne scars. Dynamic wrinkles, because they are caused by ongoing muscle activity, will redevelop within one to five years.

Satisfaction

Satisfaction following dermabrasion is variable depending on the severity of the problem. The deeper the wrinkles and acne scars, the less likely dermabrasion will yield a satisfactory result, and the more likely that multiple treatments will be required. Those who expect more from dermabrasion than it can deliver and those who expect that deep wrinkles or acne scars will be removed following a few treatments will be disappointed.

Concluding thoughts on Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion has been used for decades to smooth skin and reduce wrinkles and acne scars. Like most treatments for skin problems, multiple sessions of dermabrasion may be necessary to achieve your desired results. Since the advent of laser technology, many plastic surgeons have turned to lasers to achieve the same goals they once attained through dermabrasion.