Dermabrasion is a cosmetic surgery that removes the epidermis using abrasive techniques. The therapy was initially administered to patients with facial injuries, acne scars, and severe burns. However, it has lately been enhanced to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, uneven skin tone, and accident-related scarring.

A cosmetic skin resurfacing technique called dermabrasion is performed to remove damaged skin and level out the patient’s facial tone. By smoothing the skin’s surface, dermabrasion can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even if it cannot completely remove them. The topmost layer of skin is removed by carefully controlled abrasion, often with a pumice stone or wire brush, so that new, healthy skin tissue can form in its place.

A surgical technique called dermabrasion uses a scraping tool to enhance the skin’s look. It can be used by doctors to treat precancerous skin spots, small wrinkles, and acne scars.

The advantages include a quicker recovery period and lower costs as compared to alternative skin treatments.

Large skin pores and microscopic whiteheads are possible side effects, although altered skin pigmentation is the most frequent concern.

Even while the procedure can result in a significant improvement in the skin, it might take some time for that change to show.

The conditions that dermabrasion may help with and the related expenses are covered in this article. Along with the outcomes and any issues, it also looks at the advantages, risks, and what to anticipate.

What affects the cost of a dermabrasion treatment?

Let’s go into more detail about the variables in the first table. But before we begin, let’s clarify that this guide is only meant to serve as a guide and that the best method to determine the cost of a dermabrasion is always through consultation.

Nevertheless, the following might help you prepare for a consultation for a dermabrasion treatment by providing you with a list of questions to ask and things to think about.

• Severity of Concern: Scars, rough skin, age issues, and other imperfections may be addressed with dermabrasion for facial rejuvenation. The extent of the procedure will depend on the nature of these issues.
• specialist: For their knowledge, a more seasoned, board-certified cosmetic specialist usually charges more.
• Location: Dermabrasion incidence is broken down by region in the 2019 ASPS Report. Of all dermabrasions conducted in the United States, 58% took place on the coastlines, with the remaining 42% taking place in the center.
• Recovery Costs: Dermabrasion requires you to take extra care of your skin for a few weeks after the procedure, which is quite invasive. Your dermabrasion recuperation may include follow-ups, special skin care, and time off from work.

What does the cost of a dermabrasion treatment include?

Are you curious about the true costs associated with a dermabrasion procedure? Every element listed in the first table has a price. The length of the treatment, your provider’s experience, and their time will all affect the final cost. Additionally, there will be fees for the use of the process room, the dermabrasion tool, gloves, gowns, local anesthetics, and the special bandages used after the procedure.

The price of your recuperation supplies, such as specialized skincare products, as well as the time you’ll need to miss from work and everyday activities, should therefore be taken into account. Naturally, these expenses will differ for each person.

How much does a dermabrasion treatment cost?

What is the price of dermabrasion? According to the ASPS, the average price in the US in 2019 was $1,296. Dermabrasion actually costs between $500 and $4,000. Candidates can anticipate greater prices for longer procedures, carried out in a larger facility by a more experienced provider, as the cost will mostly vary by location and provider. A shorter operation in a smaller facility is probably represented by the lower end of the spectrum.

How much does a dermabrasion treatment cost around the world?

For those considering pursuing dermabrasion abroad, the following table compares average costs in a few countries. Remember to add in travel expenses, review the reputation of the provider and facility, and factor in the extra costs related to recovery when looking at this data. The table below reflects costs converted to U.S. dollars.

Average Dermabrasion Cost by Country in USD

Does insurance cover the cost of a dermabrasion treatment?

So, does insurance pay for dermabrasion? Short answer is no. But, to understand why, we will provide the long answer, too. These definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA) are useful:

• Cosmetic Surgery: Reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Alterations to abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.

The bottom line here is that reconstructive surgery and procedures are covered by health insurance and cosmetic surgeries and cosmetic procedures are not. Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure (not a medical necessity) and will not be covered.

Why undergo dermabrasion?

The procedure may treat the below conditions:

• scars from acne or injuries
• sun-damaged skin
• precancerous skin patches
• fine wrinkles
• rhinophyma, a condition that makes the nose enlarge and become bumpy and red

Cost

The average cost is $1,786, but this does not include the cost of operating room expenses, anesthesia, and other related fees.

Factors that may influence the cost entail:

• qualifications of the surgeon
• time and effort involved in the procedure
• geographical location
• type of dermabrasion — microdermabrasion is another type of cosmetic procedure

Ideal candidates

Although males and females of all ages can benefit from dermabrasion, some people are better candidates.

These include:

• Younger individuals: This may be because older adults heal more slowly.
• Individuals with a lighter complexion or Fitzpatrick skin types I and II:  This may be because people with darker complexions may develop permanent discoloration or blotchiness after treatment, and those with light complexions may have a lower risk of these side effects.
• People with a lower risk of developing certain skin reactions: Such as cold sores, fever blisters, or allergic rashes, as there is a lower chance of a flare-up of these conditions. Flare-ups may affect the results of dermabrasion.

Who should not have dermabrasion?

Some people may be unsuitable for the treatment, including:

• people with an active infection with herpes simplex virus
• people with active acne, as they have a higher risk of infection
• people currently taking certain medications, such as Isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne

People that fall into any of these categories may wish to schedule the procedure later.

Typically, people with active herpes simplex virus may need to wait until the infection has been dormant for 6–8 weeks

Also, people who have received treatment with Accutane within the previous 6 months should wait and schedule the procedure later. This treatment for severe acne can delay wound healing and increase the likelihood of adverse effects, such as scarring.

Benefits

Some benefits of dermabrasion, compared with other similar procedures, include:

• less recovery time than other skin procedures
• usually does not necessitate an overnight stay in a hospital or clinic
• less costly than alternative procedures, such as chemical peels

Risks

Dermabrasion is usually safe when an experienced, board-certified doctor performs it.

The most common risk is an alteration in skin pigmentation. This may involve permanent darkening of the skin following sun exposure during the weeks and months after the procedure. In contrast, the skin of some people may appear blotchy or a little lighter.

Other risks include:

• Tiny whiteheads: These typically disappear without treatment or with the use of an abrasive soap.
• Large skin pores: These normally revert to near-typical size after the swelling disappears.
• Excessive scar tissue: This happens rarely, and treatment is available.
• Infections: These occur rarely.

How long does dermabrasion last?

Dermabrasion is a skin-resurfacing procedure that uses a rapidly rotating device to remove the outer layer of skin. The skin that grows back is usually smoother.

Dermabrasion can decrease the appearance of fine facial lines and improve the look of many skin flaws, including acne scars, scars from surgery, age spots and wrinkles. Dermabrasion can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures.

During dermabrasion, your doctor numbs your skin with anesthetics. You might also have the option of taking a sedative or receiving general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your treatment.

Skin treated with dermabrasion will be sensitive and blotchy for several weeks. It might take about three months for your skin tone to return to normal.

Why it’s done

Dermabrasion can be used to treat or remove:

• ] Scars caused by acne, surgery or injuries
• Fine wrinkles, especially those around the mouth
• Sun-damaged skin, including age spots
• Tattoos
• Swelling and redness of the nose (rhinophyma)
• Potentially precancerous skin patches

Risks

Dermabrasion can cause side effects, including:

• Redness and swelling.  After dermabrasion, treated skin will be red and swollen. Swelling will begin to decrease within a few days to one week but might last for weeks or even months. Your new skin will be sensitive and blotchy for several weeks. It might take about three months for your skin tone to return to normal.
• Acne.  You might notice tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin. These bumps usually disappear on their own or with the use of soap or an abrasive pad.
• Enlarged pores.  Dermabrasion might cause your pores to grow larger.
• Changes in skin color. Dermabrasion often causes treated skin to temporarily become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation), lighter than normal (hypopigmentation) or blotchy. These problems are more common in people with brown or black skin and can sometimes be permanent.
• Infection.  Rarely, dermabrasion can lead to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, such as a flare-up of the herpes virus, the virus that causes cold sores.
• Scarrin.  Dermabrasion that’s done too deeply can cause scarring. Steroid medications can be used to soften the appearance of these scars.
• Other skin reactions.  If you often develop allergic skin rashes or other skin reactions, dermabrasion might cause these reactions to flare up.

Dermabrasion isn’t for everyone. Your doctor might caution against dermabrasion if you:

• Have taken the oral acne medication isotretinoin (Myorisan, Claravis, others) during the past year
• Have a personal or family history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids)
• Have acne or another pus-filled skin condition
• Have frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores
• Have burn scars or skin that’s been damaged by radiation treatments

Conclusion

According to the most recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of skin resurfacing treatments like dermabrasion is $1,829 per procedure. Anesthesia, operating room supplies, and other associated costs are not included in this average cost; it is merely a portion of the whole cost. To find out your final cost, please contact the office of your plastic surgeon.

The type of dermabrasion process, the amount of time and effort required, the office’s location, and the experience and credentials of the practitioner may all affect the cost.

Make sure to inquire with your physician about the total cost of your dermabrasion procedure. Make sure to inquire about patient financing plans, as many plastic surgeons provide them.