Dermabrasion

What it is: Not to be confused with microdermabrasion, or "power peel", "Parisian peel", or "lunchtime peel" which will do little for acne scarring and are primarily for fine lines and complexion rejuvenation.

Dermabrasion has been around for many decades. Initially, sandpaper was used to remove damaged skin and allow new skin to grow in its place, but now machines with quickly rotating diamond edged wheels are normally used. Depending on how coarse the wheel is, your doctor will achieve a less or more substantial effect. The procedure usually takes about a half an hour to an hour, and the skin is either frozen or numbed first.

Dermabrasion is best for light skinned or very dark patients, and not as good for those in between.

Laser resurfacing is challenging Dermabrasion for supremacy in the "resurfacing" field. Enough studies comparing the two are not yet available, so it is unclear which is better.

Recovery: For a few days following the procedure, your skin will look scraped, and then a scab will form. Swelling occurs usually as well.

After the scabbing has fallen off, your skin will be reddish for several weeks. Most people can return to work after two weeks or so.

Return to Acne Scar Treatments

References

Bettoli, Vincenzo, Alison M. Layton, and Diane Thiboutot. Fast Facts-Acne. Oxford, UK: HealthPress Limited, 2004.

Gold, M.H. "Dermabrasion in Dermatology." American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 4.7(2003): 467-71. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2005 link.