What is Dermabrasion? Purpose, Procedure & Results

Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure that removes the outermost layers of your skin using a specialized rotating instrument. Think of it as a controlled way to sand away damaged skin cells, much like refinishing a piece of furniture to reveal the smoother surface underneath.

This cosmetic treatment helps improve the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections by encouraging your body to grow fresh, new skin. While it sounds intensive, dermabrasion is a well-established procedure that dermatologists and plastic surgeons have been performing safely for decades.

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a medical procedure that mechanically removes the top layers of your skin to reveal newer, healthier skin beneath. Your doctor uses a high-speed rotating brush or diamond-tipped instrument to carefully abrade the skin's surface.

The procedure works by creating a controlled injury to your skin, which triggers your body's natural healing response. As your skin heals over the following weeks, it produces new collagen and skin cells, resulting in a smoother, more even appearance.

This treatment is different from microdermabrasion, which is much gentler and only removes the very surface layer of dead skin cells. Dermabrasion penetrates deeper into the skin layers, making it more effective for significant skin concerns but requiring more recovery time.

Why is dermabrasion done?

Dermabrasion is primarily performed to improve the appearance of various skin conditions and imperfections. Your doctor might recommend this procedure if you have concerns that affect your confidence or quality of life.

The most common reasons people choose dermabrasion include treating acne scars, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving sun-damaged skin. It's particularly effective for depressed or pitted scars that don't respond well to other treatments.

Here are the main conditions dermabrasion can help address:

• Acne scars, especially rolling or boxcar scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes
• Sun damage and age spots
• Surgical scars or injury scars
• Tattoo removal (though laser removal is more common now)
• Precancerous skin growths called actinic keratoses
• Rhinophyma (enlarged nose from rosacea)

Your dermatologist will evaluate your specific skin concerns and medical history to determine if dermabrasion is the right choice for you. Sometimes, other treatments like chemical peels or laser resurfacing might be more appropriate.

What is the procedure for dermabrasion?

The dermabrasion procedure typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the area being treated. Your doctor will perform this treatment in their office or an outpatient surgical center.

Before the procedure begins, your doctor will thoroughly clean the treatment area and may mark the zones to be treated. The actual abrading process requires precision and skill to achieve the best results while minimizing risks.

Here's what happens during the procedure:

1. Your doctor applies local anesthesia to numb the treatment area completely
2. For larger areas, you might receive sedation to help you relax
3. The skin is stretched taut to create an even surface
4. A high-speed rotating instrument removes layers of skin in controlled passes
5. Your doctor continuously monitors the depth to avoid going too deep
6. The treated area is covered with a protective dressing or ointment

The abrading instrument makes a loud buzzing sound, but you shouldn't feel pain due to the anesthesia. You might feel pressure or vibration during the treatment, which is completely normal.

After the procedure, your skin will appear red and swollen, similar to a severe sunburn. Your doctor will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and minimize complications.

How to prepare for your dermabrasion?

Proper preparation is crucial for achieving the best results and minimizing potential complications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions tailored to your skin type and medical history.

The preparation process typically begins several weeks before your procedure. This gives your skin time to adjust and ensures you're in the best possible condition for treatment.

Here are the key preparation steps you'll need to follow:

• Stop using retinoids, glycolic acid, or other exfoliating products 1-2 weeks before treatment
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks prior
• Quit smoking if you smoke, as it impairs healing
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
• Take prescribed antiviral medication if you have a history of cold sores
• Discontinue blood-thinning medications as directed by your doctor
• Use sunscreen religiously in the weeks leading up to treatment

Your doctor might also prescribe special skincare products to use before the procedure. These help prepare your skin and can improve your final results.

Make sure to discuss all medications, supplements, and medical conditions with your doctor during your consultation. This information helps them plan the safest and most effective treatment for you.

How to read your dermabrasion results?

Understanding what to expect after dermabrasion helps you track your healing progress and know when to contact your doctor. The results develop gradually over several months as your skin heals and regenerates.

Immediately after treatment, your skin will look quite red and swollen, which is completely normal. This initial appearance can be alarming, but it's part of the expected healing process.

Here's what you can expect during the healing timeline:

• Days 1-3: Skin appears very red and swollen, similar to a severe sunburn
• Days 4-7: Swelling begins to subside, and new skin starts forming
• Weeks 2-4: Pink, new skin becomes visible as scabs naturally fall off
• Months 2-3: Skin color gradually returns to normal
• Months 3-6: Final results become apparent as collagen remodeling continues

Good results typically show smoother skin texture, reduced appearance of scars, and more even skin tone. The improvement in acne scars is usually most noticeable, with many people seeing 50-80% improvement.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of infection, excessive pain, or healing that seems significantly slower than expected. These could indicate complications that need prompt attention.

How to care for your skin after dermabrasion?

Proper aftercare is essential for achieving optimal results and preventing complications. Your skin will be very sensitive and vulnerable during the healing process, requiring gentle but consistent care.

The first few weeks after dermabrasion are the most critical for healing. During this time, your skin is essentially rebuilding itself, and how you care for it directly impacts your final results.

Here are the essential aftercare steps you'll need to follow:

• Keep the treated area moist with prescribed ointments or gentle moisturizers
• Avoid picking at scabs or peeling skin, as this can cause scarring
• Stay out of direct sunlight and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
• Avoid strenuous exercise for the first week
• Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers when washing your face
• Take prescribed pain medication as directed

Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. Don't hesitate to contact them if you have concerns or questions during your recovery.

Complete healing typically takes 2-4 months, but you should see significant improvement in your skin's appearance within the first few weeks. Patience during this healing period is key to achieving the best possible results.

What are the risk factors for dermabrasion complications?

While dermabrasion is generally safe when performed by experienced professionals, certain factors can increase your risk of complications. Understanding these risk factors helps you and your doctor determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.

Some people are naturally at higher risk for complications due to their skin type, medical history, or lifestyle factors. Your doctor will carefully evaluate these factors during your consultation.

Common risk factors that may increase complications include:

• Darker skin tones (higher risk of permanent pigmentation changes)
• History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
• Active skin infections or cold sores
• Recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6-12 months
• Autoimmune conditions that affect healing
• Smoking or poor circulation
• Unrealistic expectations about results

Less common but more serious risk factors include bleeding disorders, heart conditions, and certain medications that affect healing. Your doctor will review your complete medical history to identify any potential concerns.

If you have multiple risk factors, your doctor might recommend alternative treatments like chemical peels or laser resurfacing instead. The goal is always to choose the safest and most effective option for your specific situation.

What are the possible complications of dermabrasion?

Like any medical procedure, dermabrasion carries potential risks and complications. While serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by experienced professionals, it's important to understand what could happen.

Most complications are minor and resolve with proper treatment, but some can be more serious and potentially permanent. Knowing about these possibilities helps you make an informed decision about whether dermabrasion is right for you.

Common complications that can occur include:

• Infection at the treatment site
• Scarring or changes in skin texture
• Permanent changes in skin color (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation)
• Prolonged redness that lasts months
• Enlarged pores in the treated area
• Allergic reactions to medications or dressings

Rare but serious complications can include severe scarring, permanent skin color changes, and prolonged healing that takes many months. These complications are more likely if you have certain risk factors or don't follow aftercare instructions properly.

The risk of complications increases significantly if you choose an inexperienced practitioner or fail to follow post-treatment care instructions. This is why it's crucial to choose a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for your procedure.

When should I see a doctor for dermabrasion concerns?

Knowing when to contact your doctor during the healing process can help prevent minor issues from becoming serious complications. While some discomfort and dramatic appearance changes are normal, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention.

During the first few weeks after dermabrasion, you should stay in close contact with your doctor's office. They expect to hear from patients during this time and would rather address concerns early than deal with complications later.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Signs of infection like increased pain, warmth, or pus
• Fever or chills
• Excessive bleeding that doesn't stop with gentle pressure
• Severe pain that doesn't improve with prescribed medication
• Areas that aren't healing after 2-3 weeks
• Unusual skin reactions or allergic symptoms

You should also reach out if you notice healing that seems significantly different from what your doctor described, or if you develop new symptoms that concern you.

For routine follow-up, schedule your next appointment if you haven't heard from your doctor's office within a week of your procedure. Regular monitoring during the healing process is an important part of achieving good results.