Carly from Texas, asks:

‘Hi Jane, I’m considering dermabrasion but am not sure if it’s dangerous or not. Can you help?’

Hi Carly,

You should always consult your doctor before making surgical decisions. They know you best and can determine the best course of treatment.

Dermabrasion involves the surface of the skin being removed by what is, essentially, sanding. Mostly, the practitioner (commonly a plastic surgeon) will scrape away at the skin with a rough wire brush or with a motorised burr that contains diamond particles.

The practitioner will work on the skin until a level is reached where scarring is removed. The skin is then dressed with either a wet / waxy dressing or a dry treatment or a combination of both.

For the most part, dermabrasion can be conducted with a mild local anaesthetic. In serious cases, the practitioner may opt to conduct the procedure using a general anaesthetic.

Recovery time is around two weeks. Your skin will be pink and very sensitive, hence it’s an imperative that you wear sunscreen at all times. You also need to be careful not to bump the affected area.

You can now purchase home dermabrasion kits. On the whole, these are not as effective as the ones conducted by plastic surgeons. But they do give a great result with less risk.

Dermabrasion is not a walk in the park. But the results are amazing. Good luck with your decision!