Sometimes confused with microdermabrasion, a similar but less intensive treatment, dermabrasion is usually performed by a plastic surgeon and requires anesthesia to put the patient to sleep or under partial consciousness. A dermabrader is used to remove the top layers of damaged skin, allowing the smooth, unblemished layers to rise to the surface. The process can be performed in a variety of ways, and generally takes between thirty minutes and an hour.

Sometimes plastic surgeons choose to use the traditional wand device that has an abrasive rotating disc attached at one end or a dermatome, which has a blade that gradually peels away the layers of skin. Today, it is more common for different lasers to be used in order to achieve safer, even, and more effective results.

Many people find this method uncomfortable and painful, but often not unbearable. Immediately following the procedure, treated areas will be discolored, tender, and sore. Your face may feel strange and normal activities such as talking or washing may cause aches.

Swelling and pain subsides with a few days after the process, but a protective scab will begin to develop. It is important to allow the scab to grow and eventually fall off in its own time to prevent potential scarring on the new skin that lies beneath. A topical treatment that can sooth any itch or surface pain is often prescribed after the procedure.

Although a very safe way, it has some risks and potential complications that may occur. Many of these complications are minor and heal themselves within a few days or weeks. Problems such as increased sensitivity to sun, temporary discoloration or blotchiness, and whiteheads will generally disappear with proper care and patience.

More serious but rare risks include permanent pigmentation discoloration, scarring, and infection. If you are prone to keloid scarring you will want to carefully consider undergoing this process and discuss possibilities with your plastic surgeon. Report any abnormalities to a plastic surgeon immediately to avoid long term damage.

This is well suited for those with deep acne scars that are resistant to topical treatments. Not only will dermabrasion help smooth the skin's surface, but it can help eliminate, or at the very least, greatly diminish the appearance of flat scars, even those that are in deep layers.

Pit-like scars may require additional treatments or a combination of procedures in order to effectively smooth them away. It is recommended that those seeking acne scar treatment wait until any breakouts have largely cleared in order to achieve maximum results.

Although dermabrasion is popular for those seeking acne scar treatment, the process can also help address other facial scarring, such as from a previous facial procedure or from an accident, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. This will not only result in healthier, fresher looking skin, but can give you back your confidence as well.