Dermabrasion is an intensive skin-resurfacing procedure performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. It involves the controlled sanding or planing away of the outer to middle layers of skin, to remove surface (epidermal) and deeper (dermal) damage and encourage new skin growth.
It’s a surgical procedure, one that’s much more invasive than microdermabrasion and offers more significant benefits for treating scars (including acne scars), age spots, sun damage, and fine lines and wrinkles. It can spot treat small areas, like the upper lip or cheeks, or it can be performed over the entire face.
Despite this treatment’s intensity, it’s important to have realistic expectations about results. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery notes that “typically, a 50% improvement in the skin condition is considered a good result.”
Dermabrasion was a very popular treatment option, but it’s been overtaken in recent years by newer skin rejuvenation procedures such as laser resurfacing, which often comes with less downtime and carries a lower risk of complications. Lasers can also treat specific areas more precisely, and the treatments are easier to perform safely.
Dr. A. David Rahimi, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, still performs dermabrasion, especially for patients with severe acne scarring. “I combine it with fillers and subcision to improve deep atrophic and rolling scarring,” Dr. Rahimi explains. However, he does warn his patients that the recovery time takes twice as long as after a CO2 laser treatment. He also cautions that dermabrasion can permanently change skin color and texture in the treated area.
Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, also cautions that there’s a much higher rate of infection during the healing process with dermabrasion versus fractional lasers. “To treat deep lines, folds, and wrinkles, there are better procedures available—including lasers and chemical peels—with far fewer negative potential outcomes and significantly less downtime,” says Dr. Shamban.
Pros
Cons
RealSelf Tip: Dermabrasion can be used to remove tattoos, but it’s not the treatment option of choice because it often results in incomplete tattoo removal, scarring, and pigment abnormalities, according to one study. Most dermatologists recommend laser and light-based technologies for tattoo removal.
The price you pay will depend on the experience level and credentials of your provider, their location, the size of the area treated, and whether you have any complementary treatments at the same time.
The dermabrasion photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
Dermabrasion is not recommended for people with olive, brown, or very dark skin, because postoperative hyper- or hypopigmentation could make their skin color darker, lighter, or blotchy. This discoloration can be temporary or permanent.
You’re also not a good candidate for a dermabrasion facial if you have:
People who’ve recently had facial plastic surgery, such as a brow lift or facelift, may not be candidates, depending on the specific areas they want to have resurfaced. As a study on treatments that complement facelifts explains, “There is a dual insult to the facial skin when a facelift is combined with simultaneous skin resurfacing." The combination of injuring the skin's superficial and deeper layers creates "a potential for increased risk of skin necrosis.” However, "resurfacing of the skin that is not undermined during a facelift, such as the perioral [around the mouth] skin, is considered very safe.”
This outpatient procedure takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the extent of your treatment plan. Here’s what to expect:
When performed by a qualified, experienced physician (not administered by a nurse or aesthetician), a dermabrasion procedure is considered safe for people with a very light skin tone.
Safety and good aesthetic results hinge directly on the provider performing the procedure. “If too much pressure is applied, the excess force will remove too much skin—potentially, all the skin layers down to the fat—leaving a lighter area, at best, or a shiny scar, at worst,” says Dr. Shamban.
The most common risk with dermabrasion, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), is developing either hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. “Permanent darkening of the skin may occur in some patients due to sun exposure in the days or months following surgery. On the other hand, some patients find the treated skin remains a little lighter or blotchy in appearance.”
Additional complications are much the same as those associated with other kinds of surgery: scarring, bleeding, infection, and possible allergic reaction.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also warns that you could develop whiteheads or large pores, though these side effects typically disappear on their own.
You shouldn’t feel anything during the procedure thanks to the anesthesia, but recovery is known to be painful—even “excruciating,” according to Dr. Shamban.
Most doctors prescribe pain medication for at least the first few days, to help keep you comfortable. After that, most patients reduce the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Your doctor will recommend activities or medications you may need to stop or start before your dermabrasion appointment.
It's likely that you’ll need to stop:
And you may be asked to start:
You might also want to consider:
You’ll also need to arrange for someone to take you home, since your procedure will likely involve anesthesia, sedation, and/or anti-anxiety medications such as Valium or Ativan (among others).
Plan for about two weeks of downtime after dermabrasion.
During your initial recovery:
Redness or pinkness may subside after several weeks, but more typically it lingers for three months or more.
Your final results should be visible within three to six months.
RealSelf Tip: Dermabrasion results are not permanent, but they can last for years with good skin care and diligent sun protection. During the first year after your procedure, your new skin will be especially sensitive to sunlight. Be diligent about wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher—and avoid direct sun exposure altogether.
There are several key differences between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is safe for all skin tones, while its more aggressive counterpart is only considered safe for very light skin tones.
Updated October 12, 2023