One of the more popular skin resurfacing procedures, dermabrasion has its advantages and disadvantages, several of which will be discussed. Remember, there is no one, perfect skin resurfacing procedure for every skin type and condition; your doctor will advise you as to whether dermabrasion is the right one for you.
Advantages
- Dermabrasion can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and even scars due to injury.
- Recovery time is minimal compared to other procedures, with swelling and redness reduction coming as quickly as a few days to a month.
- You will begin to see new skin growth in as little as 7-10 days after the procedure.
- For treatment of smaller areas of the body, dermabrasion can be completed within a few minutes.
- Most treatments performed within a doctor's office, allow patients to go home the same day. There is no inconvenience of an overnight stay in the hospital.
- Calming medications are often administered to sooth you before and after surgery.
- Administering of either general or local anesthetic ensures no pain during surgery, with the size of the area treated determining which one is used.
- Most, if not all, discomfort after dermabrasion tends to subside within 24 hours, and you may not require medication there after.
- You will pay less for dermabrasion compared to other alternatives, such as laser peels.
Disadvantages
- Depending on how extensive the dermabrasion needed and how long the procedure takes, hospital admission can be required.
- When you have larger areas treated, the procedure time increases and can take up to 1-2 hours to complete.
- While you will spend less money on dermabrasion than other methods of skin resurfacing, the cost can be costly. The average cost of dermabrasion for the entire face is $4,000.
