Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a procedure to smooth the outermost layer of skin in order to promote new skin growth and improve appearance. Dermabrasion is done by a dermatologic or plastic surgeon using a dermatone, a handheld instrument with a swirling wire brush, that scrapes away skin irregularities such as acne scars.
A local anesthetic and sedative are usually given before the procedure, although general anesthesia is sometimes used. A numbing spray may be used along with, or in place of, a local anesthetic. Dermabrasion is often done in stages, treating parts of the face at different times.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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