Dermabrasion is a skin-resurfacing procedure that uses a rapidly rotating device to remove the outer layer of skin, revealing smoother skin underneath. It is a popular treatment for people who wish to improve the appearance of their skin, and it can treat conditions such as fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven texture. Dermabrasion can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures. During the procedure, a professional will numb your skin with anesthesia before removing the outermost layers of your skin. It is typically an outpatient procedure performed in a dermatologists office.

Dermabrasion can cause temporary side effects such as reddish and swollen skin immediately after the procedure. It can also cause 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 and scarring are rare but possible side effects.

It is important to note that dermabrasion is generally only safe for people with fair skin. For people with darker skin, dermabrasion can result in scarring or discoloration. Microdermabrasion is an alternative skin-resurfacing procedure that works on all skin types and colors, but it is not effective for deeper problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, or deep acne scars.