Everything you need to know about dermabrasion to erase scars

Scars on the face, whether acne-related or not, can be considered unsightly by people who have them. A method can nevertheless make it possible to attenuate them or even completely to erase them: it is about dermabrasion. Explanations with Dr Eric Menouillard, from the Center Skincare Agency.

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a dermatological treatment offered in many aesthetic medicine institutes. “This method is very effective. It makes it possible to treat different skin lesions, such as scars (including those of acne), acne, dilated pores, wrinkles and fine lines, pigment spots or melasma again”, explains the expert. Before adding: “Dermabrasion brings together different non-surgical techniques (with specific lasers or a rotating brush for example, editor’s note) which aim to smooth the first superficial layers of the epidermis and to revive the production of collagen and elastin.

Once the superficial epidermis layer has been eliminated, the skin can regenerate and renew itself.

Dermabrasion, for which skin types?

Good news, all skin types can use this treatment.

“The doctor just has to adapt the intensity of the dermabrasion according to the phototype and the sensitivity of the patient,” adds the specialist.

The different techniques of dermabrasion to reduce scars

There are several dermabrasion techniques. They are classified according to their intensity and depend in particular on the desired result but also on the condition of your skin.

This is a dermabrasion technique that is carried out using peels. Most often, experts use a fruit acid peel non-irritating for deep cleaning. Otherwise, they can resort to a medium peel with trichloroacetic acid, or a deeper peel, with phenols.

“Chemical peeling of the skin is a very effective dermabrasion technique that treats a wide range of indications. The treatment renews the epidermis by removing the different layers of the skin, from the most superficial to the deepest. This renewal of the dermis will lead to the production of new cells”, indicates Dr Menouillard.

• Radiofrequency dermabrasion

Radiofrequency dermabrasion features a treatment called Legato III. “It’s an innovative treatment that uses microplasma radiofrequency and ultrasound technologies to help smooth the skin,” says the expert. It is particularly effective for erase the scarsthanks to the three combined techniques:

1. A mechanical phase to remove the upper layers of the epidermis using small abrasive wheels in the shape of a cutter or a brush.
2. A thermal phase that uses unipolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
3. A treatment phase, which consists of injecting powerful active ingredients into the deep dermis thanks to micro-wells produced using ultrasound. Are injected: hyaluronic acid non-crosslinked, trace elements or even vitamin C. “The acoustic waves will promote the penetration of the active ingredients”, continues the doctor.

It is a treatment often recommended for people with deep scars and wrinkles.

• Fractional laser dermabrasion

Fractional laser dermabrasion can work on the epidermis and superficial dermis to treat raised scars and sunken acne scars.

This technique can be performed under general anesthesia depending on the location of the scar and its area.

Scars: what results to expect with dermabrasion?

“The more invasive the technique, the more spectacular the results will be,” says Dr. Menouillard, “Depending on their intensity, the peelings will have a more or less impressive result. The most powerful phenol peeling offers a real leap back of 10 years. Legato III also has an anti-aging action but it is especially of great interest on scars, acne, wrinkled skin (photo aging) or even stretch marks. In short, serious skin alterations. The results are at After 3 weeks and requires 1 to 3 sessions, depending on the case, spaced out a month.The skin is completely renewed.For example for scars or stretch marks, the cells of the epidermis are renewed and the skin regains its uniform and smooth, almost as before the lesion.”

The most effective technique for your skin will obviously be appreciated by the aesthetic doctor during the consultation.

Dermabrasion to erase scars: contraindications

The different dermabrasion techniques are contraindicated for very sensitive and/or poorly healing skin, for skin with a weakened immune system and for pregnant women.

It is also essential not to expose yourself to the sun for a few weeks after a dermabrasion. This is why it is best to use it in winter. Also, you must wear protection with an SPF 50 for the face.

>>> Many thanks to Dr Eric Menouillard from Center Skincare Agency for his expertise and availability.