Dermabrasion is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is a type of skin smoothing surgery.

Dermabrasion is usually done while you are awake. The health care provider will apply a numbing medicine (local anesthesia) to the area of skin that will be worked on.

If you are having a complex procedure, you may be given medicines called sedatives to make you sleepy and less anxious, or you may receive general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep through surgery and not feel any pain during the procedure.

Dermabrasion uses a special device to gently and carefully "sand" the top surface of the skin down to normal, healthy skin. Petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment is placed on the treated skin to reduce scab formation and scaring.

Dermabrasion may be helpful if you have:

• Age-related skin growths (seborrheic keratoses)
• Fine lines and wrinkles, such as around the mouth
• Precancerous growths (keratoses)
• Scars on the face due to acne, accidents, or previous surgery

Alternative treatments such as laser or chemical peels exist for many of these conditions. Always discuss your options with your health care provider.

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Review Date: 10/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)