American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Dermabrasion

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Dermabrasion gives the skin a smoother appearance through controlled surgical scraping, most commonly used for dealing with facial scars and wrinkles.

What are the risks of dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are normally safe when they're performed by a qualified, experienced board-certified physician. The most common risk is a change in skin pigmentation. Permanent darkening of the skin may occur in some patients due to sun exposure in the days or months following surgery. On the other hand, some patients find the treated skin remains a little lighter or blotchy in appearance.

You may develop tiny whiteheads after surgery. These usually disappear on their own, or with the use of an abrasive pad or soap (the surgeon may have to remove them occasionally). You may also develop enlarged skin pores; these usually shrink to near normal size once the swelling has subsided.

While infection and scarring are rare with skin-refinishing treatments, they are possible. Some individuals develop excessive scar tissue (keloid or hypertrophic scars); these are usually treated with the application or injection of steroid medications to soften the scar.

You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and closely following his or her advice.



Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Michael Brown Headshot

Michael Brown, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 125, 45155 Research Place
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1703726-1175

Larry Lickstein Headshot

Larry Lickstein, MD

U.S. Board Certified
21021 Sycolin Road, Suite 001
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1571440-5005

Munique Maia Headshot

Munique Maia, MD

U.S. Board Certified
8100 Boone Boulevard, Suite 730
Tysons Corner, VA 22182
United States

1703574-4500

Reza Miraliakbari Headshot

Reza Miraliakbari, MD, MBA, FACS

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 310, 8501 Arlington Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22031
United States

1703645-0077

Victoria Yongsook Suh Headshot

Victoria Yongsook Suh, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 130, 8503 Arlington Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22031
United States

1703846-0097

Phillip Chang Headshot

Phillip Chang, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 350, 19500 Sandridge Way
Lansdowne, VA 20176
United States

1703729-5553

Byron Poindexter Headshot

Byron Poindexter, MD

U.S. Board Certified
1825 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, VA 20190
United States

1703879-8245

Robert Sigal Headshot

Robert Sigal, MD

U.S. Board Certified
1825 Samuel Morse Dr.
Reston, VA 20190
United States

1703893-6168

Logo

Patient Care Center