What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion helps to “refinish” the skin’s top layers through a method of controlled surgical scraping. The treatments soften the sharp edges of surface irregularities, giving the skin a smoother appearance.
Dermabrasion is most often used to improve the look of facial skin left scarred by accidents or previous surgery, or to smooth out fine facial wrinkles. It’s also sometimes used to remove the pre-cancerous growths called keratoses. Dermabrasion is usually done while you are awake. The health care provider will apply a numbing medicine (local anesthesia) to the area of skin that will be worked on.
Dermabrasion can be performed on small areas of skin or on the entire face. They can be used alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift, scar removal or revision, or chemical peel.
Why the Procedure is Performed
Dermabrasion may be helpful if you have:
- Age-related skin growths (seborrheic keratoses)
- Fine lines and wrinkles, such as around the mouth
- Precancerous growths (keratoses)
- Scars on the face due to acne, accidents, or previous surgery
There are other treatments such as laser or chemical peels exist for many of these conditions. Talk to your health care provider about treatment options for your skin problem.
