Dermabrasion: Medical Skin Resurfacing Procedure Explained

Dermabrasion is the medical term for a controlled surgical scraping (abrasion) of the upper layers of skin using a rapidly rotating abrasive instrument (wire brush, diamond fraise, or sandpaper).

Purpose

It is a cosmetic and reconstructive procedure used to improve the appearance of:

• Acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars
• Fine wrinkles (especially perioral)
• Sun damage (actinic keratoses, pigmentation)
• Tattoo removal (historically)
• Rhinophyma (nasal skin thickening from rosacea)

Procedure Overview

• Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
• Depth controlled to reach the dermis, stimulating collagen remodeling.
• Healing takes 1–2 weeks for re-epithelialization; erythema may persist for months.
• Requires strict sun protection and postoperative wound care.

Risks

Include infection, scarring, pigment changes (hyper/hypopigmentation), and milia. Not suitable for all skin types (higher risk in darker Fitzpatrick types).

Consult a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine if dermabrasion is appropriate for your skin concerns.