Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are invasive and minimally invasive procedures that use mechanical friction to wear away layers of skin in a controlled way, from the epidermis down into the dermis. By removing fibrous scar tissue, damaged surface cells or pigment deposits, they stimulate cell turnover in the basal layer and remodel the connective tissue network, leaving the skin smoother and more even in tone.
At Haute-Derma, we draw a clear line between deep medical dermabrasion, which requires anesthesia and strict sterile technique, and cosmetic microdermabrasion, a gentle treatment with no downtime. Choosing the right one for each patient lets us get the best results while keeping the procedure safe.
How They Work and How Deep They Go
The two techniques differ in how deeply they remove tissue and how invasive they are:
- Dermabrasion: A high-speed rotary device (12,000–15,000 rpm) fitted with a diamond fraise or wire brush removes the entire epidermis and planes down into the papillary or upper reticular dermis. This breaks up fibrous scar ridges, levels raised scar edges and prompts fibroblasts to build entirely new collagen.
- Microdermabrasion: A diamond-tip handpiece, or a stream of aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate microcrystals combined with vacuum suction, gently removes the stratum corneum. It clears away dead cells, unclogs follicle openings and helps skincare actives absorb better.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion at a Glance
| Feature | Dermabrasion | Microdermabrasion |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | Papillary to upper reticular dermis | Stratum corneum of the epidermis |
| Anesthesia | Regional block, cryo-anesthetic spray or general anesthesia | None needed (or a light topical numbing cream) |
| Recovery | 10–14 days (crusting and skin regeneration) | None (skin is slightly pink for a few hours) |
| Immediate effect | Pinpoint bleeding from the dermis | Mild redness, instantly smoother skin |
| Indications | Raised or fibrotic scars, deep boxcar scars, deep tattoos | Rough or dull skin, blackheads, better absorption of skincare products |
The Clinical Process and Combined Treatment Plans at Haute-Derma
- Risk assessment and pre-procedure preparation: Patients planning dermabrasion must stop oral isotretinoin at least 6 months beforehand to avoid the risk of hypertrophic scarring. Preventive antiviral treatment (acyclovir) is started 2 days before the procedure, and melanin-inhibiting agents (tranexamic acid, arbutin) are used to lower the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Standard medical technique:
- Dermabrasion: The skin is firmed with a dedicated cryo spray to hold the surface steady. The doctor then moves the diamond fraise parallel to the skin until fine pinpoint bleeding appears – the sign that the papillary dermis has been reached.
- Microdermabrasion: The doctor adjusts the vacuum suction and moves the diamond tip in strokes from the center of the face outward, focusing on the T-zone and areas with built-up dead skin.
- Aftercare and a moist healing environment: Immediately after dermabrasion, the treated skin is covered with a semipermeable biological dressing or a sterile healing ointment. Re-epithelialization is complete within 7–10 days.
Managing Complications and Clinical Safety
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Very common in skin types IV–V after deep dermabrasion. Strict sun protection with a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen and physical cover is essential, and hydroquinone 2–4% or tretinoin can be started once the skin has fully closed.
- Hypertrophic scarring / hypopigmentation: These occur if abrasion goes too deep, beyond the reticular dermis. Controlling hand pressure and reading the bleeding points correctly therefore requires a highly experienced doctor.
- Secondary infection: This includes staphylococcal infection or widespread herpes simplex outbreaks. Keep the wound clean, rinse it gently with sterile saline and take your medications exactly as prescribed.
