Is Dermabrasion Effective for Deep Acne Scars?

If your acne scars are truly that superficial, then dermabrasion may prove beneificial in achieving an overall improvement in the appearance. However, I have also found fat grafting to be beneficial if combined with dermabrasion. 

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dermabrasion for superficial acne scarring can be a very effective method if they are truly surface scars.  Other ways to improve acne scarring are by using the Fraxel laser or by excising the scar.  The Fraxel laser  rejuvenates the skin by stimulating your body's own collagen forming process.  Excising the scar is the other option.  The scar is excised and sutures are placed to remove the hole in the skin and replace it with a flat line.  Then, dermabrasion can smooth out the line.  Consult your plastic surgeon to see which method would be appropriate for your needs. 

Dermabrasion is quite effective for acne scarring, especially for the relatively shallow scars you describe. However, if you have an Asian skin type, special care must be taken to avoid sun exposure before, and after the procedure because of the risk of postoperative hyperpigmentation. I would also recommend use of topical 4% hydroquinone to minimize the risk of postoperative hyperpigmentation

You'll see a lot of variation with answers to questions like this. Most people will either not recommend dermabrasion or add an additional type of treatment to the dermabrasion. 

This is largely in part to the fact that dermabrasion is no longer a regular part of training for many specialties, including dermatology, facial plastic surgery, and plastic surgery; having been replaced by chemical peels and laser resurfacing. 

The reason for this is that dermabrasion is difficult to do correctly, either staying too superficial and not getting the result you want, or going too deep and making the scar worse. 

Personally, I believe dermabrasion remains an excellent option for focal acne scarring. 

Ask your physician about their background with dermabrasion and comfort level with it. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing remain excellent options for fine lines and wrinkles, but are not as effective for focal scarring compared to dermabrasion.