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Press release from The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

NEW ORLEANS (February 24, 2002) – Dermabrasion, a dermatologic procedure that is more than 100 years old, has a long history of being the treatment of choice for resurfacing deep facial scars and defects. However, as new resurfacing treatments became available that offer quicker results and shorter recovery times, many patients opt for these procedures over dermabrasion. But for patients whom the newer alternative resurfacing treatments aren’t appropriate, many dermatologists and patients are again looking to dermabrasion as the treatment of choice.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2002 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, dermatologist Christopher B. Harmon, MD, Clinical Instructor, Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, spoke about the resurgence of dermabrasion.

Dermabrasion is a non-thermal resurfacing technique especially well-suited for deep defects of the skin such as acne scars, heavy wrinkles and the disfiguring effects of skin conditions like rosacea. The procedure involves the mechanical sanding of the upper layers of the skin and penetrates the skin deeper than microdermabrasion. With dermabrasion, a new layer of skin replaces the abraded skin during healing, resulting in a smoother appearance.

Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that requires only local anesthesia and for a few days following the procedure, the severely "brush burned" feeling can be avoided by using semipermeable dressings, which let moisture and air reach the skin. The new skin that appears is pink at first, but gradually develops a normal appearance. Most patients heal within one to two weeks. It’s important for patients to remember to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect the new pink skin.

"While newer laser resurfacing treatments and microdermabrasion can be used for superficial facial lesions and defects, dermabrasion is still the best treatment available for deeper scarring," said Dr. Harmon. "Dermabrasion is an excellent alternative for patients whose skin may not respond well to laser resurfacing. Utilizing dermabrasion instead of laser resurfacing can avoid unwanted scarring, loss of normal skin pigmentation, skin redness and dryness, which may be the result of excessive thermal injury," said Dr. Harmon.

There are many dermatologic conditions for which dermabrasion is an appropriate treatment. The most frequent use for dermabrasion is to treat acne scarring, particularly depressed scars that give the skin a crater-like appearance and deep "ice-picking" scarring. "While acne may have long ago faded, the disfiguring scars can last a lifetime if untreated," said Dr. Harmon. "The wire brush used to sand the skin in dermabrasion can sculpt away the sharp edges of these scars."

Dermabrasion is also used for treating rhinophyma, an advanced case of the skin condition rosacea. Rhinophyma occurs when oil glands enlarge on the face and a bulbous, red nose and swollen cheeks develop. This condition usually occurs in men over 40. Dermabrasion can be used to sculpt the nose back down to a more normal shape and appearance.

Individuals with prominent perioral rhytids, deep wrinkles around the mouth, can also benefit from dermabrasion. "These wrinkles, often called smoker’s lines, can also be the result of heredity, age and sun exposure," explained Dr. Harmon. "Depending on the depth of these lines, which can often extend up into the eye area, dermabrasion is the best treatment for excellent results."

While dermabrasion can give skin a smoother and refreshed appearance, there are conditions for which dermabrasion is not indicated, including certain types of pigmented birthmarks, scars from burns and congenital skin defects.

"It’s important that patients understand the advantages and disadvantages of all resurfacing procedures in order to achieve optimal results," said Dr. Harmon. "The dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon are the most qualified to answer questions and perform any type of resurfacing procedures. If you’re concerned about the experience of the individual performing your resurfacing, be sure to ask about their qualifications."

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.

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