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Is hypopigmentation inevitable with spot dermabrasion?

IceAgeNov 11, 2013
I have a mildly atrophic scar on my cheek (from a skin lesion removal by curettage). It really bothers me and I am considering a spot dermabrasion. To give you a sense of the depth of the scar, I'm told it is too shallow for fillers. I am between type I and III on the Fitzpatrick scale. My PS has indicated that he won't have to go too deep but I am still worried about hypopigmentation. Is hypopigmentation inevitable with dermabrasion? If not, can anyone quantify the risk (i.e. 10% of cases, etc)?

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Dr. William J. Hedden, MD
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Answered on Nov 28, 2013
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Dr. Stephen Weber MD, FACS
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Answered on Nov 14, 2013
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Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

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...

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Nelson Lee Novick, MD

Scars, or excess fibrous tissue, can result from trauma, persistent deep-seated inflammation (as can occur with acne cysts), or surgery, including dermabrasion. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are scars that project above the skin surface. (Atrophic scars are depressed below the skin surface)...

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Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD

Thank you for your question. Dermabrasion exfoliates dead skin cells, so laser treatment can penetrate the skin better. It is very I hope this helps.

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Nelson Lee Novick, MD

Spot dermabrasion of nasal scars using sterilized sandpaper is certainly an option, especially for shallower scars and is a safe procedure with a proven track record over many decades. However, I am skeptical about the extent of improvement in deeper scars, as seems to be the case here. I have...

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Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS

Complications from dermabrasion are not typical but do occur. Hypogpigmentation, hyperpigmentation, scarring, "waxy" skin texture, although not common, can happen.  Fortunately, what you are describing may be helped.  I suggest you try a nonablative laser tratement...

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Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

I use a combination of pulsed dye laser and fractional co2 to restore burn scars and retexture skin. 

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