The usual method of dealing with a stubborn acne problem or acne scars is some form of skin resurfacing, either dermabrasion or laser surgery. Resurfacing is very appealing to people because it is a way of treating acne by refreshing the skin’s surface and getting a new layer of…skin.”
Dermabrasion is essentially a kind of sanding. Using a motorized burr, the doctor (usually a plastic surgeon) levels out of the surrounding surface skin.
Advantages of Dermabrasion
The new surface of skin will be lighter and smoother than the original surface but will be level to the scarred tissue. As a result, shadows that cause the dark and deep appearance of the scars will be reduced.
Disadvantages of Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion, however, has many unwanted features. First, the initial treatment will result in only a 20% to 40% improvement. Additional treatments over a long period of time may be necessary. At best, dermabrasion will ultimately result in only moderate improvement.
The procedure itself is difficult and uncomfortable. Although the dermabrasion can be done in the surgeon’s office, the patient should expect a fairly lengthy healing period.
Prescription pain medication is necessary up to ten days after the surgery. New dressings and ointments must be applied daily until the skin heals. Swelling can last up to two weeks, and even after the skin heals, the surface may appear sunburned for up to six weeks.
Furthermore, dermabrasion is not inexpensive; a complete treatment of the face can cost about $4000. More often than not, the expense is considered cosmetic and not covered by health insurances. Those who expect dermabrasion to bring acne relief and those who expect deep acne scars will be removed following a few treatments will be disappointed.”
