Dermabrasion
Smoother, More Even Skin With Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion can improve scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.
At Athré Facial Plastics, dermabrasion is personally performed by Dr. Raghu Athré, a double board-certified plastic surgeon. Using controlled mechanical resurfacing, Dr. Athré tailors treatment to improve damaged or irregular skin and achieve a smoother, more even appearance.
“Couldn't be any more pleased! I came in with a mindset of what I was expecting and they surpassed my expectations!”
– Julie P. (Houston, TX), facial plastic surgery patient
About Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a mechanical resurfacing procedure that removes controlled layers of damaged or irregular skin.
Dr. Athré uses a specialized rotating instrument to precisely control the depth and extent of treatment based on your skin concerns and treatment goals. As the treated area heals, new skin forms with a smoother, more even surface, improving the appearance of scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and other textural irregularities.
Key Takeaways
- Can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Can improve the appearance of certain acne scars
- Can improve some signs of sun damage and uneven pigmentation
- Treatment typically takes 30–60 minutes
Dermabrasion Procedure
What is the dermabrasion procedure like?
The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
Before treatment, the area is numbed with topical or local anesthesia. Dr. Athré then uses a specialized rotating instrument to remove controlled layers of skin to the appropriate treatment depth. The depth and extent of treatment are tailored to your skin concerns and treatment goals. As the treated area heals, new skin forms with a smoother, more even surface.
Because dermabrasion is not appropriate for everyone, your consultation will also include an evaluation of your skin, medical history, medications, scarring history, and treatment goals. Active acne, cold sores or other skin infections, certain skin conditions, a tendency to develop raised scars, and some medications may affect candidacy or require treatment to be postponed.
Patients with darker skin tones may have a greater risk of pigmentation changes after dermabrasion. Dr. Athré will evaluate your individual risk and discuss whether dermabrasion or another treatment may be more appropriate.
What Can Dermabrasion Improve?
Dermabrasion can address several types of skin irregularities:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Certain types of acne scars
- Uneven or rough skin texture
- Some signs of sun damage and uneven pigmentation
Treatment Areas
What conditions can dermabrasion address?
Dermabrasion may improve several types of scars, wrinkles, and surface irregularities, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Certain acne scars
- Scars from surgery or injury
- Some signs of sun damage
- Age spots
- Uneven or rough skin texture
The conditions that respond best to dermabrasion depend on factors such as the type, depth, and location of the concern, as well as your skin characteristics. Dr. Athré will determine whether dermabrasion is appropriate for the specific concern you want to treat.
Where can dermabrasion be performed?
Dermabrasion is most commonly performed on the face but may also be used on selected areas of the neck, chest, or hands. During your consultation, Dr. Athré will determine whether dermabrasion is appropriate for the area you want to treat.
Dermabrasion Recovery
Recovery varies with the depth and extent of treatment, but most patients should expect visible redness or discoloration, swelling, and skin sensitivity during the initial healing period.
Swelling generally begins to improve within several days to a week, while redness or discoloration and sensitivity can persist for several weeks. Many patients can return to work and normal daily activities after about two weeks, although the treated skin will continue to heal beyond that point.
Dr. Athré will provide specific instructions for cleansing and caring for the treated skin as it heals. Careful sun protection is especially important because sun exposure during recovery can contribute to changes in skin pigmentation.
As healing progresses, the treated skin generally becomes smoother and more even in appearance. Improvement develops gradually, and it can take about three months for the skin to return to its usual color.
Dermabrasion can produce long-lasting improvement, but it does not stop the natural aging process, and continued sun exposure can diminish the results over time. Depending on the condition being treated and the size or depth of the treatment area, some patients may require additional treatment.
Dermabrasion FAQs
See below for frequently asked questions about dermabrasion.