Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion refer to a type of skin exfoliation. Regular dermabrasion, whether it be full face dermabrasion or dermaplaning just done on one area, is serious cosmetic surgery. Although microdermabrasion is less extensive, it is still important that you use only a qualified healthcare provider for this.

Dermabrasion costs

Dermabrasion or dermaplaning is a way to sand down the upper layers of the skin. The cost can range from a few thousand dollars to four thousand dollars or more, with cost determined by how large an area is being done, as well as the area where you live. Dermabrasion uses either a rapidly rotating wire brush or other type of abrading instrument. During a dermabrasion, the top layer of skin is removed. This can also help to remove:

• scars due to injury
• acne scars
• uneven skin tone
• rough surface skin
• wrinkles and lines

Depending on how large an area is being done, dermabrasion can take from a few minutes (for example if you were doing just the chin or one cheek) to an hour (for example if you were doing the whole face). The cost would also depend on how large an area you were doing. The cost for a small area might be under $2000, while the cost for a full face dermabrasion would be $4000 or more. Cost also depends on where you are located, and whether you are having any other procedures done by the same physician. You may also need more than one procedure to get the results you want. You may also be told that you would get better results with a different type of procedure. For example, for lines and wrinkles, dermal fillers or fat augmentation may be a better option. Botox injections may also be an option. Some scars might respond to a chemical peel. Laser resurfacing is also used for both skin rejuvenation and scar treatment.

Prior to the cosmetic surgery, your skin would be injected with a local anesthesia to numb it. During the procedure you are generally awake, though sedated. You may be aware of the whirring noise of the rotating brush. Following the dermabrasion, you may have bandages for a day or two, and then be given ointment to apply to the raw skin. You will want to stay indoors for a week to ten days. After about a week, you should see an improvement in the way the skin looks.

This is a big procedure, not something you undertake easily. So spend a lot of time considering if this is really the right thing for you. It is very important that only a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon do this type of procedure. It makes no sense to have a doctor who specializes in scalp surgery, when you are having a dermabrasion done on your face. Talk to your doctor beforehand and look at before and after photos of people who had dermabrasions done for the same reason you are considering your own surgery.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is really not a cosmetic surgery, but more of a procedure or cosmetic treatment. It is a much less drastic type of exfoliating of the skin. Many spas and doctors' offices will perform microdermabrasion. The procedure involves a light abrasive tool, one using either fine particles, tiny crystals, a roughened surface or a diamond-head tool.

As with a regular dermabrasion, you could have only one a area treated, such as the chin or cheeks. Or you could have the full face done. Microdermabrasion may leave the skin looking red, but you would not get the rawness and blistering that a regular dermabrasion produces. It is still important that you use a qualified healthcare provider for this procedure. Done incorrectly, the results could leave you worse off than before.

Also remember that your skin will be very sensitive to the sun after any type of dermaplaning, so use protection.