Current Concepts in Dermabrasion Therapy

Abstract

Dermabrasion is a facial resurfacing technique that was developed in the 1930s. It is a simple and effective technique used to treat various skin lesions, especially on the face. Some examples of lesions treated by dermabrasion include facial rhytids, actinic keratosis, rhinophyma, tattoos, and various types of scars, including acne and postsurgical scars. It is imperative to conduct a proper history and physical examination when evaluating patient for dermabrasion to ensure that the proper surgical candidates are chosen and to avoid preventable complications. Dermabrasion is performed using a handheld device, and therefore, successful treatment of lesions is dependent on the experience of the user and the technique used. The most common complications after dermabrasion include scarring, hyperpigmentation, and infection. However, with proper wound care and technique, usual healing and reepithelialization can be observed within 1 to 2 weeks post procedure. Although one of many facial resurfacing techniques, dermabrasion should be in the repertoire of any facial cosmetic surgeon.

Scar Revision: Surgical and Nonsurgical Options

“…The appropriate depth can be identified by pinpoint bleeding that marks the papillary dermis layer followed by the parallel collagen segment that marks the correct depth of abrasion. 15,16 Subsequent healing is driven by the surrounding epithelium and results in a smoother scar without excess thickness. Dermabrasion has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of scars including acne, surgical scars, actinic keratosis, rhinophyma, and facial rhytids.…”

“…Dermabrasion has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of scars including acne, surgical scars, actinic keratosis, rhinophyma, and facial rhytids. [16][17][18][19] Ultimately, dermabrasion represents a simple and cost-effective option for the treatment of a variety of scars.…”