Standard dermabrasion uses a rotating brush that removes the top layers of a person's skin. As with chemical peels, dermabrasion selectively strips away the upper layers of skin, leaving the underlying dermal layers exposed. It is usually used on the upper lip and chin and cannot be used around the eyes. Dermabrasion affects deeper layers of skin than chemical peels, thus removing such disfiguring marks as deep acne scars and wrinkles. As with chemically treated skin, after the procedure the treated skin oozes and forms a scab, a reaction that is both unsightly and uncomfortable, but only temporary.
Postoperative care is similar for both procedures.
A gentler variation called microdermabrasion uses very tiny crystals polish the skin and a vacuum technique to remove them. Results are similar to light chemical peels. Only mild redness occurs after treatment, although for best results five or six repetitive treatments are needed every one or two weeks. To date, patient satisfaction has been very high. A subsequent reaction specifically heats and vaporizes the top shallow layer of skin.