Dermabrasion
Reviews
2.4
89 Reviews
Dermabrasion
Good or Excellent Response
80%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
98%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Dermabrasion
Side Effects
High
Dermabrasion
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Read All About Dermabrasion
Compare To Other Treatments
5
7.9%
4
19.1%
3
18%
2
16.9%
1
38.2%

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February 18, 2008

Pros:

I didn't see any pros for this!

Cons:

It takes forever to heal up. Your skin is raw...I looked like I was in some sort of an accident. Expect to hide out at home for a week or two. Also, extremely expensive.

I had the dermabrassion combined with a TCA peel to try to diminish my scars. I was very red for months afterwards (which made the scars even more noticeable). Once healed, I literally saw NO improvement. To go through the recovery and have spent that amount of money for no change what so ever was disheartening. I know my plastic surgeon was reputable and higly qualified, it just didn't work for me. I would not recommend this at all!
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December 24, 2007

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Lasting redness, long healing time, expensive, looks worse now, more self-conscious now.

I have a scar on my face. I had underwent dermabrasion about six years ago, and the redness around the site healed within three months. Second time around (in March 2007), the redness stayed. I've been to several dermatologists.. now they're recommending Fraxel laser. One says it can help the redness, one says it can't. I have NO idea what to do.. and am depressed that this redness could last forever. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. This is NOT a success story.. sorry to be a downer.
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December 22, 2006

Pros:

none

Cons:

rolling acne scars looked worse after dermabrasion
difficult recovery

I would not recommend dermabrasion for moderate to severe acne scars. I had the procedure many years ago but it didn't help the appearance of my rolling scars at all. In fact, I believe it made some of them worse. The recovery is no fun--red face for a long time and having to keep the face moist for several days is difficult. Since my procedure I have learned that you must find a doctor that is very skilled in doing dermabrasions (mine had minimal experience). Many physicians won't even do them. Very difficult for the doctor to determine how "deep" to go. They often err on the cautious side and therefore, not good results. It was a waste of money for me.
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January 9, 2009

Pros:

looks good for about 3 days after surgery

Cons:

did nothing to the scars but made it worse and long lasting redness

Don't wast your money and try and get rid of the scars with dermabrasion cause from experence it will get worse. Try something else.
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August 29, 2014
Dermabrasion
This is the most effective. Only one procedure and it erased all my scars. I had it at the age of 21 and was performed by a very good surgeon---had the most perfect complexion afterwards. The only negative is the downtime--it takes a month to recover. Otherwise, you can use concealer during the stage of hypo pigmentation and it works out well. Looks like you have slightly rosy cheeks then returns back to original color after 3-4 months. Now that I'm 30, because of aging I can see the scars again but for nine years I've had very good skin. So I'm looking at having a second dermabrasion soon. I'm skeptical about these lasers because you may not have the downtime but you need more frequent treatments and you end up spending more money and require more maintenance. I also think that you need to get a very experienced facial surgeon, one who has done not only aesthetic surgery but the ones who work in hospitals for facial reconstruction. I never had a complication whatsoever. I see online some horror stories but I think it's because of the surgeon, maybe wasn't that good. One of the best decisions that I did in my life.
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khtd
March 27, 2016
Hi Dominique01, did you have the 2nd dermabrasion? How was your results? and who was the doctor? thanks
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October 9, 2008

Pros:

The pros are, I have no more freckles and no more forehead lines.

Cons:

I wasted $6000, I now have 4x the scars I started with.

I wasted $6,000. Before I had minimal scarring that I was obsessed about on the left side of my face. Now I have 4X that amt,from the bottom of my cheekbones to my jaw line, I now have saucer and lines.I researched & waited yrs. PLEASE don't do this By the way, it seems no matter how long you have been going to the doctor and no matter how reputable, you are still a number and they somehow, remember your acne scars as worse before the surgery. HA.
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December 18, 2008

Pros:

Not sure yet.

Cons:

Very painfull, itchy, and red. I was not prepared for this long recovery.

I had upper lip dermabration for wrinkles one month ago. After the procedure it looked like I ate a jelly doenut...very bloody. It took about ten days for for a scab to form and fall off. The skin is now very pink/red,swollen,itchy, and smoother at this time. I will let you know if this improves next month. I sure hope so...my daughter is getting married in March.
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April 6, 2008

Pros:

slight improvement of acne scars.

Cons:

long time to heal, hypertrophic scarring.

I just had a dermabrassion in oct 2007. I was very optimistic. The dermabrassion was done of both cheeks. Part of it healed well, but the lower part of my cheeks developed hypertrophic scars and that area still very red. I am more self consious now about the redness and hypertrophic scars than the acne scars I had before. I am one of those unlucky people that developed hypertrophic scars. I took good care of my face after the surgery. And i went to a good surgeon. I wouldn't recommend it. Its a big risk. you may end up worst. I am still hoping that the redness will go away and the hypertrophic scars will fade with steroid injections.
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October 18, 2007

Pros:

I'm still not sure.

Cons:

Lots of down time. Lots and Lots. I'm hoping that I will be happy with everything, but I'm scared now after reading all this. I went to Dr. Y too.

I'm three weeks in and I'm still red as hell. No social life, breaking out really bad, and I'm not sure what do do....need advice. I went to Dr. Y too. My derm here gave me Biafine and an antibiotic. I'm hoping I'm hoping this redness keeps on going away.
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September 5, 2007

Pros:

I only looked good until the swelling went down.

Cons:

Minimal improvement. Once the swelling went down, the scars reappeared. Long down time and after-surgery care.

Not worth it, as my improvement was so minimal there was no difference in the Before and After. My cysts aren't that deep, but apparently my skin cannot easily rebuild collagen. Big disappointment.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website