Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an ablative skin resurfacing procedure that uses a rapidly rotating instrument to mechanically remove the outer skin layers. It is primarily used for acne scars, deep wrinkles, and uneven skin surface. It is more aggressive than microdermabrasion and requires a meaningful recovery period.

Under local anaesthesia or conscious sedation, a diamond fraise or wire brush rotates at high speed and is moved across the treatment area to abrade the skin down to a controlled depth within the dermis. The wound heals with new, smoother skin growing from the deeper dermis.

Significant improvement in surface irregularities, acne scars, and deep wrinkles after healing at 3–6 months. Results can be dramatic for appropriate scars. Full results are visible once the skin colour normalises at 3–6 months.

Raw, weeping wound for 7–10 days. Strict wound care and sun avoidance for several weeks. Redness and pinkness persist for 2–3 months. Complete normalisation at 3–6 months.