Dermabrasion, also known as dermasanding or dermaplaning, is a non-surgical procedure that involves removing the surface of the skin to refresh the complexion and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Dermabrasion helps to ‘refinish’ the skin’s top layers through a method of controlled surgical scraping, giving the skin a smoother appearance. It is similar in its aim to laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels, but uses a machine to remove the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and then several deeper layers of the skin. It can be performed on small areas of skin or on the entire face; alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a face lift, scar removal or revision, or a chemical peel. The treatment can be quite invasive, so local anesthetic or sedation are usually required and only a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist should perform this procedure. The cost of treatment will vary, depending on the size of the area being treated but can cost anywhere from £1,000 upwards. Healing time is required, but this treatment can achieve a significant reduction in the appearance of lines, wrinkles and scars as well as being an option for tattoo removal.

Am I a Candidate? Ideal candidates for dermabrasion are those who wish to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and scars. It can also be an effective solution for tattoo removal. Dermabrasion cannot be used to reduce pore size, or to improve sagging skin. It is also not recommended in people with olive or black skin who will be more prone to pigmentation changes post-treatment.

Before Treatment - Dermabrasion is an extensive procedure, so it may be that a less invasive procedure could deliver the results you want without the pain or downtime. In recent years, chemical peels, lasers and a milder form of dermabrasion, known as microdermabrasion have become increasingly popular alternatives to dermabrasion. If you do decide to go ahead with a dermabrasion procedure, your practitioner may perform a patch test before treatment.

During Treatment - A local anaesthetic will be applied to the treatment area, often combined with sedation to make you feel drowsy and to lessen any pain or discomfort. The practitioner will then scrape away the outermost layer of the skin with a rough wire brush or a tool containing diamond particles. The dermabrasion machine will then be applied – this is a motorized sanding device that uses sheets of paper roughened with crystals to sand down the skin to the required depth. The skin then heals, producing tighter skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and scars. A dermabrasion procedure can take up to an hour.

Recovery - The skin usually takes around 10 days to heal, although redness can take up to three months to fade completely.

Benefits - This treatment can achieve a significant reduction in the appearance of lines, wrinkles and scars as well as being used occasionally as an option for tattoo removal.

Risks and Complications - A dermabrasion procedure can be quite painful and there will usually be some bleeding. Post-procedure, the skin will be swollen and red, and may be itchy as the skin heals. Very rarely, infections or pigment changes can develop after treatment.

Cost - The cost of dermabrasion can range from £1,000 upwards depending on the extent of the area treated.

Choosing a Practitioner - Dermabrasion is a skilled technique which requires an experienced operator to use the machine and to judge how badly the skin is damaged and how much skin needs to be removed.