Dermabrasion for Acne Scars - Dangers, Risks & Side Effects


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As with all surgical procedures, especially those involving general anaesthetic, there is an element of risk. Yet dermabrasion has been practiced and refined for over a decade and has been shown to be very safe. To escape any unwanted results or avoidable side effects it is important to find a practitioner who has experience and who you trust. If you are experiencing any serious side effects, or effects that give you cause for concern, please visit your medical practitioner immediately for advice.

Before your treatment your practitioner should discuss, in detail, the likely side effects and the possible risks of your procedure. Do not hesitate to ask any questions if you are uncertain or at all concerned.


Immediate Side Effects of Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion can immediately be a rather bloody process. The sanding off of the top layers of skin will probably cause you to bleed from the affected area that can cause some distress if you are squeamish. The bleeding, however, is entirely normal and should stop quickly. As the local or general anaesthetic wears off you will experience a little discomfort in the treated area that can be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers. Be sure to always read the label and not to exceed the stated maximum dose. Your pharmacist should be able to advise you on the best painkiller for you.

If you have never been in contact with anaesthetic before it is very unlikely, though possible, that you may experience a bad reaction to it. As long as you give your practitioner a thorough medical history this is extremely unlikely to occur.

Side Effects of Dermabrasion During Healing of Acne Scars

The effects of dermabrasion are not particularly pretty to look at as they heal. Initially you will probably experience discomfort, redness, swelling, oozing and crustiness as the area begins to heal. It should take around seven days for new skin to form. This new skin will look unusually pink at first but should have visibly faded within another seven days. However, a certain amount of pinkness can last for months.

It is implausible but possible that you may develop an infection during the healing process. The easiest way to spot an infection is to keep an eye out for any yellow-coloured scabs or crustiness. If you do notice this, please consult your practitioner immediately.

Long-term Side Effects of Dermabrasion

It is rare, but not unheard of, for dermabrasion to actually cause conditions such as eczema, cold sores, the development of small white lumps called milia and raised keloid scars.

One of the most upsetting long-term side effects of dermabrasion can be discolouration of the skin. This can be temporary but is sometimes permanent. For someone who has undergone surgery to remove skin imperfections this can be a hard thing to deal with. An excess, or a lack of pigment, in an area of the face causes hyper- and hypopigmentation. This can cause the skin to look uneven and blotchy. Dermabrasion can cause this but it is not common. It is possible that the discolouration will resolve itself in time and if it persists there are treatments available for it. Another longer-term side effect is that the area where dermabrasion was performed can sometimes look red and sandblasted for many months after the procedure.

Is Dermabrasion Dangerous?

In a word, no. You are almost definitely not putting yourself in peril by undergoing dermabrasion. There are risks, as there are with any kind of surgical procedure, but they are relatively minor and very unlikely. As long as you have been advised well and have a good, experienced, trustworthy practitioner, you will almost certainly be fine.

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