Frequently Asked Questions about Dermabrasion
Does dermabrasion hurt?
In my practice, I perform dermabrasion with local anesthesia and sedation, which provides total comfort throughout the procedure. In the postoperative period, my patients report minimal discomfort while silver sulfadiazine protects the treated area. When there is any burning sensation in the first few days, I can easily control it with common pain relievers.
How long does it take to heal after dermabrasion?
In my experience, epithelialization — the formation of the superficial layer of skin — occurs in five to seven days. Redness persists for a few weeks and gradually decreases. I advise my patients that the final result is visible in four to six months, when the scar reaches its full maturation.
Can I have dermabrasion in the summer?
I do not recommend it. I prefer to schedule dermabrasion in the fall or winter when sun exposure is naturally lower. Performing the procedure in the summer significantly increases the risk of spots during the recovery phase, and I consider this care essential for the best result.
Is the result of dermabrasion permanent?
Yes. In my experience of over fifteen years with this technique, I can affirm that the result is permanent. The skin that regenerates after dermabrasion does not "go back." However, I always clarify to my patients that new lesions in the area or the natural aging of the skin can, over time, create new imperfections.
How many sessions of dermabrasion are necessary?
In most cases of scar revision that I perform, a single session is sufficient. In very extensive or deep scars, I may recommend a second stage after six months to complement the result, but this is the exception, not the rule.
Why do you no longer perform dermabrasion for acne scars?
I made this decision based on my experience and the medical literature. The risk of permanent hypopigmentation — the skin becoming lighter than its natural tone — can reach twenty percent of cases when dermabrasion is applied to extensive areas. For acne scars, I now recommend alternatives that I consider safer, such as fractional CO₂ lasers and microneedling with radiofrequency, which offer comparable results with a lower risk of pigmentation.
What is the difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion?
They are completely different procedures, and I usually explain this in detail to my patients. Microdermabrasion is a superficial aesthetic treatment that only removes the stratum corneum using a jet of microcrystals or a low-speed diamond tip. Surgical dermabrasion, which I perform, uses high-speed diamond burs that reach the superficial papillary and reticular dermis — much deeper layers, where true collagen remodeling occurs. Dermabrasion requires anesthesia, a surgical environment, and specialized training.
Can dermabrasion be combined with other procedures?
Yes, and in fact, this is how I use it most. I combine dermabrasion with surgical scar revision, performing the sanding first and then the surgical correction. In my experience, this combination of techniques provides results far superior to what we could achieve with either one alone.
Who cannot have dermabrasion?
I do not recommend dermabrasion for patients who have used isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the last twelve months, who have a history of severe keloids, active skin infection, or active herpes on the face. Patients with very dark skin (Fitzpatrick types V and VI) require careful evaluation, and in these cases, I discuss alternatives that may offer improvement with a lower risk of pigment changes.
What preparation is necessary before dermabrasion?
I recommend that my patients avoid sun exposure for one to two months before the procedure and use sunscreen daily. In some cases, I prescribe depigmenting creams to even out skin tone. I also advise suspending medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories, for fifteen days before surgery.
Do you have a facial scar that bothers you?
If you have a scar on your face that affects your self-esteem, know that there are options to significantly improve it. During the consultation, I evaluate your scar, discuss treatment possibilities, and honestly explain what you can expect as a result.
Each scar is unique, and the approach needs to be personalized. Sometimes, dermabrasion is the best option. In other cases, other techniques may be more appropriate. My commitment is to always recommend the most suitable treatment for you, not the one I like to perform the most.
