The most common skin concerns that can be effectively treated with dermabrasion treatments are:
- Fine lines and wrinkles (especially around the mouth)
- Age spots
- Acne scars (or those caused by chicken pox)
- Surgical or other injury associated scars (which aren’t too deep)
- Sun damage
- Uneven skin tone
- Rhinophyma (thick and red or swollen skin on the nose)
- Pre-cancerous skin markings or patches, such as actinic keratoses
- Tattoos (in most instances, laser resurfacing treatments may be recommended for tattoo removal, but sometimes dermabrasion can be effective)
A dermatologist or surgeon may opt to treat any of the aforementioned conditions with dermabrasion, but can also offer alternative treatments. Dermabrasion can also sometimes be used to treat small cysts or epidermal nevi (abnormal, non-cancerous patches of skin that develop as a result of an overgrowth of cells in the outermost layer of skin). Between yourself and your specialist, you can decide on the best option for the desired result you most wish to achieve.