Dermabrasion

Cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center are nationally known for excellence in treating a wide variety of skin conditions. Using advanced treatment options such as dermabrasion, our specialists provide compassionate care to help patients achieve their appearance goals.

Expertise in Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that uses a rapidly rotating device to remove the top layers of skin. After dermabrasion, the skin that grows back is usually smoother and more youthful looking.

Specialists in cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery have extensive training and experience in using dermabrasion for a wide variety of skin conditions or problems. Our team of doctors has board certifications in cosmetic and plastic surgery and dermatology. We’re always involved in research to improve the use of dermabrasion and apply it in more types of skin conditions.

Dermabrasion Treatment Options

Dermabrasion can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as a face lift or chemical peel. We perform dermabrasion using two types of devices:

• Diamond wand: The device has a laser-cut diamond tip that rotates to “sand” away the top layers of skin.
• Wire brush: This tool also rotates to remove the top layers of skin.

What to Expect From Dermabrasion

As an outpatient procedure, dermabrasion allows patients to go home the same day. First, our surgeons discuss anesthesia options with patients to provide comfort during the procedure. We typically use local anesthesia to numb the area to be treated and a sedative to help the patient relax but not sleep. For severe cases, we might use general anesthesia to put the patient to sleep during the procedure.

The dermabrasion procedure itself can last a few minutes to more than an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Some patients might need more than one procedure for deeply scarred skin or large areas.

In the procedure, the surgeon uses the dermabrasion device to remove as many layers of skin as necessary to minimize the appearance of the scar or wrinkle or remove growths. The surgeon applies a treatment after dermabrasion to help promote healing, which can include ointment, a dressing, dry treatment, or a combination of these.

During their recovery, patients can expect to:

• Have red, swollen, sensitive skin for several weeks
• Receive medication to relieve pain and/or reduce the risk of infection for a few days after the procedure
• Possibly have a scab or crust over the treated area as it heals
• Have pink skin for up to three months after the procedure
• Return to work and most activities within a week
• Resume more strenuous activities after a few weeks