What to Know Before Getting Dermabrasion

Looking to smooth acne scars, sun damage, or fine lines? Dermabrasion might be on your radar. This skin-resurfacing procedure removes the outer layers of skin using a motorized device, encouraging new, smoother skin to grow in its place. While it's often done for cosmetic reasons, dermabrasion is still a surgical procedure and it comes with risks, recovery time, and a few important caveats.

Here’s everything you need to know before scheduling a dermabrasion appointment.

What Is Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a medical-grade exfoliation procedure typically performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. It involves using a high-speed rotary instrument equipped with a wire brush or diamond wheel to "sand" the skin’s surface. As the top layers are removed, the skin responds by healing and regenerating, often with a smoother texture and more even tone.

It's most commonly used to reduce:

• Acne scars

• Surgical or injury-related scars

• Fine wrinkles

• Precancerous skin patches (keratoses)

• Certain pigmentation irregularities

This is different from microdermabrasion, a gentler, non-invasive cosmetic treatment that only targets the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum). Dermabrasion penetrates deeper and delivers more dramatic results but it also carries a longer recovery and greater risk.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Get Dermabrasion

A consultation with a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon is crucial before scheduling dermabrasion. While many people are candidates, there are key contraindications, including:

• Active skin infections like cold sores or herpes

• Recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months

• Ongoing acne breakouts

• Darker skin tones, which may be at higher risk for pigmentation changes like hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation

If any of these apply to you, your provider may recommend alternative treatments such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Although generally safe when performed by a trained professional, dermabrasion carries risks such as:

• Prolonged redness and swelling

• Scarring (including keloids or hypertrophic scars)

• Changes in skin color (especially in darker complexions)

• Infection or acne flare-ups

• Milia (small white bumps)

Proper aftercare is critical to reducing the likelihood of complications and ensuring optimal healing.

How to Prepare for Dermabrasion

Preparation for dermabrasion can take several weeks and typically includes:

• Sun protection: Avoid direct sunlight for at least 2 months before treatment.

• Quit smoking: Smoking affects circulation and healing quit at least 1–2 weeks before and after the procedure.

• Review medications: Blood-thinners like aspirin may need to be paused; always follow your doctor’s instructions.

• Fasting: If sedation or general anesthesia is used, you may need to stop eating or drinking for at least 8 hours beforehand.

You’ll also need to arrange transportation home if sedation or anesthesia is involved.

What Happens During the Procedure

The treatment typically lasts from a few minutes up to 90 minutes, depending on the treatment area. It may be performed under:

• Local anesthesia with sedation

• General anesthesia

• Topical numbing spray for smaller areas

Once the skin is cleaned, the provider uses the dermabrasion tool to exfoliate layers of the skin. Afterward, a healing ointment and sterile dressing are applied.

Recovery and Healing

Post-treatment, expect:

• Redness, swelling, and tenderness (especially in the first week)

• Difficulty speaking or eating (if the mouth area is treated)

• Peeling and scabbing as new skin forms

Most people return to work or social activities in about two weeks, though full healing including pigmentation normalization can take up to 3 months.

Your provider will give specific skincare instructions, which may include:

• Gentle cleansing and moisturizing

• Daily sun protection

• Avoiding cosmetics until cleared

• Using non-allergenic or mineral makeup once approved

Avoid sun exposure for at least 6 to 12 months post-treatment to reduce the risk of skin discoloration.

Long-Term Outlook

Once healed, your skin will look pink for several weeks but should gradually return to a more even tone. While dermabrasion won’t stop aging, it can deliver noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone that last for years with proper care.

For some individuals with deep scarring or severe sun damage, multiple sessions may be required for best results.

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