Dermabrasion For Acne Scarring

Dermabrasion To Clear Acne Scarring

Dermabrasion  is a procedure which is similar in method to micro-dermabrasion, but goes several layers deeper, through the epidermis and into the dermis, using a rotating wire or steel brush.  As it is a procedure requiring pain-killing anesthesia, dermabrasion is  performed by dermatological surgeons. 

You will be left with your skin red and burnt-looking until it heals, which will take 7 - 10 for post-operative pain to ease and up to 3 weeks to heal completely.   Your derm may require you to use Retin-A and antiviral/antibiotic medication pre-operatively.

Dermabrasion is suitable for the treatment of deeper acne scars, but is increasingly being replaced by laser techniques as these become more sophisticated.
 

Post operative risks of dermabrasion:

Hyper or hypopigmentation (lightened or darkened skin), which may be permanent. This makes dermabrasion a risky procedure for people of color.
 

Permanent photosensitivity and/or loss of ability to tan.
 

Aggravation of scars.
 

Keloid scarring.

It is important to realise that dermabrasion will not treat outbreaks of acne - it is a cosmetic procedure which is designed to clear up the damage left by old scars, marks and blemishes.  You should not have dermabrasion while you have an active outbreak of acne.

Will Dermabrasion Reduce My Acne Scarring?

While the results of dermabrasion can be extremely good for some people, others will be disappointed that their scarring not improved as much as would have hoped for. Many candidates for dermabrasion also fail to realise just how invasive the procedure is and are unprepared both for the amount of post-operative pain, bruising and swelling involved in some of the more aggressive techniques.

Be aware also that facial skin cannot afford to undergo repeated treatments without sustaining some weakening.

It is important that if you are considering undergoing dermabrasion, you seek out a properly trained and experienced practitioner, and that you consult with him or her to establish just what results you can realistically expect to achieve.

Don't be afraid to do a little research before committing to anything.  Most people wouldn't dream of investing in a house or a car without having it checked out first, yet they are prepared to place their most valuable commodity, their body, in the hands of a complete stranger.

Don't allow yourself to be reassured simply by a wall full of diplomas and degrees - you have the right to ask your dermatologist and/or technician;

- How many times have you performed this procedure? Over how many years?
- How many times have you performed this procedure on patients of my skin type?
- Can I see photos?
- Is facial surgery your specialism, or just one of a number of areas you work on?
- Can I speak with some of your patients?


Also, check online to see if your practitioner has been sued before.

Cost: $1000 to $2000.

 

Useful Links

Dermabrasion Explained
User Experience of  Dermabrasion
 

Comparison of Scar Treatment Procedures

Procedure	Mild Scars	Severe Scars	Side Effect Free	Affordability
Superficial Peel
Mid-Deep Peel
Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion
Dermaplaning
Ablative Lasers
Non-ablative Lasers
Punch Techniques
Augmentation
Topical Creams

See Also:

Chemical Skin Peels
Acne Scar Creams
Microdermabrasion
Dermaplaning
Laser Surgery
Punch Techniques
Augmentation