Dermabrasion
Read All About Dermabrasion
Compare To Other Treatments
5
8.7%
4
18.8%
3
14.5%
2
17.4%
1
40.6%

Used Dermabrasion? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
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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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 29, 2007

Pros:

Skin felt good after 2-3 days.

Cons:

Damanged my skin severely and cause very bad aacne.

I went to work out post acne scars..instead it casued me to have severe cystic acne. Caused a lot of depression.
September 19, 2007

Pros:

Dermabrasion process removed a mole and sun spots / lightened scars on nose from dog bite.

Cons:

Healing has been humiliating, slow and mentally draining !!!

I'm 9 weeks post-op Dermabrasion and feel like I've been through hell. Most peoples healing seems to take about 2 weeks, maybe 3 weeks but I've been told I'm a slow healer. I believe and trust in my doctor but have had serious issues with the healing process. I have dealt with prolonged redness and severe acne all over face and neck. It's been quite embarassing! Today I was told I could start wearing make-up again so for a single girl who had this procedure because she was not confident in scars/sun spots, it has been so very difficult walking around red-faced with acne and no make-up to cover it up for the last 9 weeks. It's not really something you can explain to the general public because the redness IS NOT like a little sunburn (as so many people tried to tell me to make me feel better). I hope for better results in the future weeks but this has been tough. I am now also starting a bleaching cream to be used at night to hopefully take away the redness completely!
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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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August 25, 2007

Cons:

I have wasted money again, No improvements what so ever, not even on the light scars.

If you have deep acne scars do not waste your time or money.. I regret my decision
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July 17, 2007

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Made my scars look more deeper and embeded in my skin. Dermabrassion type was sand paper and rotating wheel. Before and after software was way off.

This doctor makes you fell worse about yourself - not better
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April 29, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

clearly visible demarcation line. Persistent redness. Skin tone is totally destroyed.

My skin is type IV. I had dermabrasion 2.5 years ago. Demarcation line is still visible currently from far away. Redness persists all the time. It's the worst decision I have took in my life. Having scars on my face is hard to deal me, but, having dermabrasion almost makes me kill myself (seriously). I have passed the extremely difficult time and on the way of recover (mostly psychologically). By the way, I went for so called most experienced doctor (Dr. Y.). One more victim like me is too much.
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April 16, 2007

Pros:

?

Cons:

expensive.

I think it made my scar's stand out more. i'm thinking of doing a co2.
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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.

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.