One excellent method for removing acne scars is dermabrasion. It will even out your skin’s surface, making acne scars and other scars less noticeable. A skilled physician does dermabrasion, removing little patches of skin at a time with a tool. This approach is less popular because it necessitates taking significantly more time off from work or school, but it can be repeated for more noticeable effects.

The original purpose of dermabrasion was to reduce pox and acne scars. These days, it’s also used to cure sun damage, get rid of tattoos, and lessen wrinkles and fine lines. Dermabrasion is a process used by dermatologists to lessen the appearance of acne and scars; however, it is not suitable for all skin conditions.

Dermabrasion, sometimes referred to as mechanical exfoliation or microdermabrasion, is the process of buffing away the skin’s epidermis using memory sheets. Numerous conditions, like acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, can be treated with this. What impact does it have on the epidermis? Does using it have any advantages over phototherapy or topical treatment? We’ll examine dermabrasion for acne in detail in this review. Continue reading to find out more about whether microdermabrasion is beneficial for active acne and cystic acne.

Remaining marks from prior breakouts are known as acne scars. As you age and your skin begins to lose collagen—the protein fibers that keep skin supple and smooth—these may become more apparent. They may also become more obvious when exposed to sunlight.

Acne scars are not permanent, though. There are a number of ways to treat scars, including microdermabrasion.

During this process, your dermatologist or skincare specialist will carefully remove the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin, using a tiny portable piece of equipment. The smooth, toned skin beneath will be exposed by this technique.

This treatment is available at your dermatologist’s office or at a spa.

Continue reading to find out if microdermabrasion is suitable for your particular acne scars, its possible cost, any possible adverse effects, and more.

Does it work for all acne scars?

Certain kinds of depressed acne scars that result in skin pits respond well to microdermabrasion. Only depressed acne scars that rest flat against the epidermis respond to this treatment. Ice pick scars are deeper than other acne scars; thus, it won’t get better.

Those with active mild-to-moderate outbreaks may also benefit from microdermabrasion. The process not only eliminates excess oil (sebum) from pores but also eliminates dead skin cells that might clog them.

Discuss your choices with your dermatologist if you have an active nodular or cystic breakout. Microdermabrasion may make your inflammation worse in some situations. Your dermatologist might advise delaying microdermabrasion until the acne subsides or suggest an alternative course of therapy.

How much does it cost?

Microdermabrasion and other cosmetic procedures are not covered by medical insurance. Ask your dermatologist or skin care specialist about the projected costs in advance to determine your out-of-pocket expenses.

The average price per session as of 2016 was $138. For best results, you’ll probably need 5 to 12 sessions, which might add up to roughly $1,658 in out-of-pocket expenses.

In the long run, over-the-counter (OTC) kits are less costly, but the outcomes might not be as striking. Dermatologists utilize stronger gadgets than over-the-counter ones.

What are the risks of dermabrasion?

You might not be a good candidate for dermabrasion if you have certain medical conditions or drugs. It is not recommended to have dermabrasion if you have:

• Rosacea, since it increases the chance of infection.
• diseases of the skin, blood, or immune system that impede the healing process.
• recent facelift or brow lift operations.
• burn scars because dermabrasion won’t work on them.
• dark skin since it raises the risk of scarring or discoloration that lasts a lifetime.
• With infection and potentially scarring cold sores, herpes simplex can make healing more difficult.
• keloid disorders that result in scarring.
• medications that thin your skin, such as isotretinoin (Absorica®, Claravis®), blood thinners that raise your risk of bleeding, or any medications used to treat acne in the past few months.
• skin that is sensitive to cold.

Are there side effects and complications with dermabrasion?

Although rare, dermabrasion side effects are possible. Among the most frequent issues are:

• flare-ups of acne. Tiny white spots called milia are occasionally seen by patients with acne rosacea; these will gradually disappear as the skin heals.
• irregular skin color changes that might be either temporary or permanent.
• Skin darkening, either temporary or permanent, commonly brought on by sun exposure in the days and months after surgery.
• pores that are enlarged (usually transient).
• leaving scars.
• swelling.
• infection.

Is dermabrasion painful?

To ensure you don’t experience any pain throughout the operation, your skin will be numbed using either local anesthesia or a freezing spray. You can get symptoms similar to a severe sunburn following the operation. Your doctor might recommend painkillers if there is an intense stinging sensation.

How to prepare for the procedure

Microdermabrasion is done in a spa or at the office of your dermatologist. While it’s not necessary to get ready for the operation in advance, you might want to make sure you’re makeup-free.

Your dermatologist will either utilize a delivery device/vacuum combination, which blows tiny crystals onto the skin, or a diamond-tip wand. After that, both remove dirt from the skin by vacuuming.

You may experience some scratching during the process. Additionally, the device may massage your skin or create a little suctioning feeling.

Every session lasts roughly half an hour. It will take several sessions to get the desired result.

What to expect after the procedure

The fact that microdermabrasion has no negative side effects is one of its advantages. Your dermatologist won’t need to provide an anesthesia because the diamond tip wand and abrasive crystals are painless.

The short recuperation period is an additional benefit that enables you to undergo microdermabrasion several times per month. There is no downtime required, and following each session, you may get right back to your regular activities.

Use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type after each session. (Your dermatologist might have particular suggestions.) During this process, you will also need to apply sunscreen daily. Your skin may become more vulnerable to UV radiation as a result of microdermabrasion, which could result in burns. Your chance of developing age spots, or sun-related scarring, may also rise as a result of this sensitivity.

With this technique, side effects are rare. However, you may experience irritation or hyperpigmentation if your skin is more sensitive or darker in tone.

Is Microdermabrasion Good For Cystic Acne

Discuss your choices with your dermatologist if you have an active nodular or cystic breakout. In certain situations, microdermabrasion might make your irritation worse. Your dermatologist might advise delaying microdermabrasion until the acne subsides or suggest an alternative course of therapy.

Remaining marks from prior breakouts are known as acne scars. As you age and your skin begins to lose collagen—the protein fibers that keep skin supple and smooth—these may become more apparent. They may also become more obvious when exposed to sunlight.

Acne scars are not permanent, though. There are a number of ways to treat scars, including microdermabrasion.

During this process, your dermatologist or skincare specialist will carefully remove the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin, using a tiny portable piece of equipment. The smooth, toned skin beneath will be exposed by this technique.

This treatment is available at your dermatologist’s office or at a spa.

Continue reading to find out if microdermabrasion is suitable for your particular acne scars, its possible cost, any possible adverse effects, and more.

Is microdermabrasion for everyone?

Ice pick scars or those that go past the dermis, the middle layer of your skin, are not appropriate candidates for microdermabrasion. Scars that extend over this outermost layer of skin cannot be properly treated by it since it only targets the epidermis.

Discuss your alternatives with your dermatologist if you have darker skin. Hyperpigmentation can occasionally result with microdermabrasion.

Additionally, you should refrain from this process if you have:

• open injuries
• aggressive acne, either nodules or cysts
• taken isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne recently or at now
• rashes associated with rosacea, eczema, or irritation
• active oral herpes simplex (cold sores or fever blisters)
• skin cysts that are malignant (cancerous).

Are other treatment options available?

You might also want to think about alternative acne scar treatment options.

Additionally, depressed scars can be treated with:

Dermabrasion, which targets the dermis and is regarded as an invasive procedure, is comparable to microdermabrasion.

• fillers
• chemical peels
• laser treatment
• Microneedling

Conversely, raised scars are managed with:

• laser treatment
• surgical removal
• Cryosurgery
• injections of corticosteroids

Depending on the kind of acne scars you have, your dermatologist might suggest microdermabrasion or another method.

To get the best outcomes, treating depressed acne scars frequently requires at least two distinct procedures. For instance, your dermatologist may suggest laser therapy if you try microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion For Active Acne

When you have aggressive acne, using microdermabrasion can cause those areas to break, worsening your acne, lengthening the healing period, and increasing your risk of infection.

Dermabrasion was initially created to reduce pox marks and acne scars. These days, it’s also used to cure sun damage, get rid of tattoos, and lessen wrinkles and fine lines. Not all skin types can profit from

The Diamond Tip A diamond-tipped wand is used in microdermabrasion, a skin treatment, to gently exfoliate the skin and remove dirt and impurities. The dry and dead outer layer of your skin is removed during this non-invasive, chemical-free skin rejuvenation procedure, exposing new, healthy skin beneath.

Numerous skin issues can be resolved with it, such as:

• Acne and its aftereffects
• Age spots
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Excessive pigmentation
• uneven texture of the skin

During a consultation, our skin specialists may assess your skin type, cosmetic objectives, and medical history to help you choose the best skin treatment for your needs.

Microdermabrasion for Acne: Things to Keep in Mind 

Collagen and elastin can be released with the aid of microdermabrasion, improving the health and youthfulness of your skin. Additionally, it helps your skin become more responsive to topical acne treatments, which is a bonus.

However, when utilizing microdermabrasion for acne, there are a few factors to consider:

• Mild acne responds well to it. Your doctor might advise using conventional topical creams and/or antibiotics to treat moderate to severe acne on some areas of your face.
• Microdermabrasion should not be used on active acne. When you have aggressive acne, using microdermabrasion can cause those areas to break, worsening your acne, lengthening the healing period, and increasing your risk of infection.
• There won’t be a quick remedy. Your acne may appear worse for a while before improving because microdermabrasion can put stress on your skin’s cells. You will achieve the outcomes you desire if you have patience.
• Prior to the procedure, wash your face. Cleaning your face before a microdermabrasion treatment is a good idea since it will help remove any dirt or filth beneath the skin and prepare it for exfoliation.
• Any skin concerns should be discussed with your skin specialist. Inform your skin specialist in advance if you have extremely sensitive skin or if you have recently been exposed to a lot of sun. Tell them whether you are receiving any further acne treatments as well.

Dermabrasion can enhance:

• patches of age (liver).
• Fine wrinkles and crow’s feet.
• dark skin spots, including melasma.
• Tattoos and pockmarks.
• Rhinophyma is thick, red skin on the nose.
• scars resulting from surgery, accidents, or acne.
• benign (non-cancerous) skin growths.
• areas of precancerous skin.
• wrinkles and damage from the sun.
• marks from stretching.

Dermabrasion is unable to enhance:

• birthmarks.
• burns.
• moles.

Who is dermabrasion right for?

Dermabrasion can be used to people of any age, including young ones. If you’re older, though, be aware that your recovery may take longer than anticipated.

Your skin type and medical history are two things that could prevent you from being eligible. Your skin may get permanently discolored if you are Asian, Black, or have a dark complexion in general. Perhaps dermabrasion is not something you want to risk.

You run the risk of experiencing a flare-up if you have any medical disorders such as cold sores, fever blisters, skin responses, or allergic rashes. Additionally, dermabrasion is not an option if your acne is persistent due to the possibility of infection. You run the chance of being infected if you’ve had radiation therapy, a severe burn, or a chemical peel.

Finally, when your skin is scraped, your freckles may disappear.

Conclusion

The fact that microdermabrasion has no negative side effects is one of its advantages. Your dermatologist won’t need to provide anesthesia because the diamond tip wand and abrasive crystals are painless.

The short recuperation period is an additional benefit that enables you to undergo microdermabrasion several times per month. There is no downtime required, and following each session, you may get right back to your regular activities.

Use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type after each session. (Your dermatologist might have particular suggestions.) During this process, you will also need to apply sunscreen daily. Your skin may become more vulnerable to UV radiation as a result of microdermabrasion, which could result in burns. Your chance of developing age spots, or sun-related scarring, may also rise as a result of this sensitivity.

With this technique, side effects are rare. However, you may have irritation or hyperpigmentation if your skin is more sensitive or darker in tone.