Dermabrasion in Pune: Smoothing Scars and Uneven Skin

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a controlled way of removing the upper layers of the skin. A fine, rapidly spinning burr or wheel planes the surface down to the right depth. Over the following week, new skin grows up from the deeper layer that was left behind, from the hair follicles and sweat glands. Because this new skin forms over a levelled surface, raised scar edges and ridges become smoother.

It is different from microdermabrasion, a light surface polish with a much smaller effect.

Who may benefit, and how is suitability assessed?

Dermabrasion may help:

• raised or uneven scars, such as the edges of an old cut or surgical scar;
• self-harm scars, often combined with a thin skin graft (see suicidal scar treatment);
• acne scars with raised shoulders or shallow pits;
• rough texture and some sun damage;
• some tattoos, as part of their removal.

The doctor will examine your skin type and the depth of the scars, and ask about keloids, cold sores, isotretinoin use, smoking and how your skin has healed before. People with brown skin are counselled about the risk of colour change; a small test area may be suggested.

What are the options for scars and uneven skin?

Option	What it can do	Limitations
Dermabrasion	Levels raised edges and ridges precisely	Downtime; colour change risk in brown skin
Fractional CO2 laser	Improves texture in columns; faster healing per session	Several sessions
Scar revision surgery	Replaces a wide scar with a finer line	A new scar, though finer
Fat grafting or subcision	Lifts depressed or tethered scars	Does not treat raised edges
Chemical peels and microneedling	Mild improvement in texture	Gradual; several sessions

How is dermabrasion performed?

1. Marking: the area is marked, often feathering the edges so the treated patch blends in.
2. Anaesthesia: local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation; general anaesthesia for large areas.
3. Resurfacing: the skin is planed with the spinning instrument, layer by layer, until the scar edges are level. Depth is judged by the look of the skin and the pattern of fine bleeding points.
4. Dressing: a moist, non-stick dressing or ointment is applied to protect the raw surface while it heals.

How should you prepare, and what should you ask?

• Stop smoking, which slows healing.
• Tell the doctor about cold sores; preventive medicine may be prescribed.
• Avoid sun tanning for some weeks before treatment.
• Ask your dermatologist how long to wait after isotretinoin.

Questions to ask:

• Is dermabrasion or laser better suited to my scars and skin type?
• How deep will you go, and what will healing look like?
• What is my risk of colour change?

What is recovery like?

Time	What to expect for most patients
Days 1-3	The area is raw, oozing and swollen; dressings or ointment as advised
Days 4-10	New skin forms under a crust; keep it moist and do not pick
Weeks 2-4	Skin is pink and sensitive; strict sun protection; make-up once healed
Months 1-3	Redness fades; texture continues to improve

What are the risks of dermabrasion?

• Redness that lasts longer than expected.
• Darker or lighter patches (hyper- or hypopigmentation), more likely in brown skin.
• Infection, including cold sore outbreaks.
• Milia (small white spots) or enlarged pores, usually temporary.
• Thick scarring, uncommon, more likely if treated too deeply or in people prone to keloids.
• Less improvement than hoped.

Contact the clinic for increasing pain, spreading redness, yellow crusts, blisters or fever.

What results can you expect?

Raised scar edges and ridges become flatter, and the skin feels smoother. Scars are softened, not removed. The full result is clear once redness has faded, often after two to three months.

What affects the cost of dermabrasion in Pune?

• Size and number of areas treated.
• Anaesthesia and facility.
• Combined procedures, such as skin grafting or fat grafting.
• Dressings, medicines and follow-up visits.

Dermabrasion for scars after injury may be considered by some insurers; cosmetic treatment usually is not covered.