What to Expect during Dermabrasion for Acne Scars


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Your practitioner should have explained exactly how your dermabrasion treatment would be done in the appointment before the procedure. If you have any questions about it, or feel you do not fully understand the process it is a good idea to talk it though with your practitioner. If you are feeling in control and calm about the procedure the more pleasant an experience it will be and, perhaps, due to the lack of stress, the faster your skin will heal.

Before the Procedure

For two weeks before the procedure you may have been asked to apply a particular cream to the scarred area in order to prime it for dermabrasion. You will also have quit smoking and taking any medications or supplements which may complicate the treatment.


Immediately before the procedure you should again be talked though the practice of dermabrasion as well as its possible risks and side effects. It will also be confirmed that you have followed all the correct steps before the dermabrasion, such as cutting out Vitamin E tablets.

Once it has been decided that you are fit for surgery, you will be giver either a local or general anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is applied as a cream or a spray, if the treatment is to be long or you re particularly nervous you may be given a mild sedative to relax you for the procedure. Another form of local anaesthesia that is sometimes used before dermabrasion is freezing. A freezing spray or ice packs may be applied to the area to numb it before treatment. General anaesthetic is given to you in the form of an injection, usually into your arm. This will cause you to gently drift off and you will remain unconscious throughout your dermabrasion.

During the Procedure

Once you are safely anaesthetised and safe from experiencing pain, your eyes will be covered to avoid distress and possible damage. Your practitioner will use a high-powered spinning tool that operates pretty much like a sander. The fast-spinning surface is made of either a wire brush or a diamond fraise. This surface is applied to the treatment area. Before the dermabrasion begins a kind of dye is put on your skin, which will allow the dermabrader to tell how deep the dermabrasion is going.

Your practitioner will then ‘sand’ through the surface layers of your skin to the optimum, previously decided level. This will probably cause bleeding but you will not experience any discomfort thanks to the anaesthetic. Bleeding from the area is a gory but good sign. Injuring the skin in this slight way will stimulate the growth of new, healthy, scar-free layers of skin.

After the Procedure

After the actual dermabrasion is performed, the treated area will then be taken care of to avoid infection and promote effective healing. There are a number of methods that may be used to do this. Often the area is given a dressing of either a thin transparent film which is a little like medical cling film, a bandage or a gauze. Sometimes the wound is left uncovered but is treated thoroughly and regularly with an ointment. Your nurse of practitioner should explain how to look after your dressing.

After the procedure and until the healing process is underway you should experience swelling, pain, tenderness and redness. You will in all likelihood be given painkillers to minimise any discomfort and anti-swelling medication. It is also probable that you will be given antibiotics in order to avoid any chance of infection and anti-viral medication to stop cold sores etc developing.

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