Scars
Dermabrasion may help soften the appearance of acne scars, pox marks, and scars from accidents or previous surgery.
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Skin Refinishing • Marietta, Georgia
Dermabrasion in the Atlanta Metro Area
Dermabrasion is a controlled skin-refinishing procedure designed to smooth the skin’s surface and improve the appearance of scars, fine lines and other surface irregularities.
Skin Refinishing
A controlled approach to smoothing the skin’s surface
Dermabrasion uses controlled surgical sanding to refinish the upper layers of skin and create a smoother contour.
Dermabrasion, also known as skin refinishing, is a procedure that helps refinish or repair the top layers of the skin through a method of controlled surgical sanding. The abrasive action improves skin contour and can create a smoother appearance.
It is most commonly used to improve the appearance of facial skin affected by acne scars, pox marks, scars from accidents or previous surgeries, fine wrinkles around the mouth, age spots and certain skin lesions.
Women and men of different ages may benefit from dermabrasion. At Plastic Surgery Center of the South in Marietta, our board-certified plastic surgeon can help you understand the procedure and determine whether it fits your individual circumstances.
Fine Lines
The treatment can smooth fine facial wrinkles, particularly those that develop around the mouth.
Surface Irregularities
Age spots, some skin lesions, and uneven surface texture may also be addressed depending on your skin and goals.
What to Expect
During your dermabrasion treatment
Treatment may be performed in the office or as an outpatient procedure and can also be combined with other surgical procedures.
01
Treatment Planning
Your surgeon evaluates the area being treated and determines the safest depth based on the imperfections you want to improve.
02
Controlled Refinishing
A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel is used to remove the outer layers of skin in a controlled fashion.
03
Customized Depth
Your plastic surgeon works to the safest level expected to make the targeted imperfections less visible.
04
Procedure Time
Treatment may take only a few minutes or up to about an hour and a half depending on the size of the area being treated.
Your Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Corey Harkins can evaluate your skin, the type and depth of the irregularities you would like to improve, and whether dermabrasion is an appropriate treatment for your goals.
Your consultation is the time to discuss treatment depth, expected recovery, sun protection, possible alternatives, and how dermabrasion may fit into a broader facial rejuvenation plan.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Facial Rejuvenation Experience
Individualized Treatment Planning
Recovery
First Few Days
Days 7–10
6–8 Weeks
Several Months
What healing looks like after dermabrasion
Redness, swelling and tenderness
The skin may feel similar to a severe brush burn and may be red, swollen, tingly or achy. Medication can help control discomfort.
New skin appears
A crust forms as the area heals and then falls away, revealing newly formed skin that initially appears pink.
Pinkness continues to fade
In most cases, much of the pink coloration gradually fades over this period. Makeup can be worn once the skin has healed.
Final results develop
The surface of the skin can continue improving over time, and it may take several months before the final result is apparent.
Protecting Your Results
Sun protection is an important part of recovery
Give newly treated skin time to normalize
Your new look can offer a dramatic improvement to the surface of your skin, but the final result develops gradually. The supplied recovery guidance recommends avoiding unnecessary direct and indirect sunlight for 3 to 6 months after treatment and using sunscreen regularly when outdoors.
Avoid unnecessary direct and indirect sunlight during the early recovery period.
Use sunscreen regularly when outdoors.
Allow several months for the skin’s final appearance to become clear.
Medical Spa Support
Skin care support after treatment
Makeup & Sunscreen Guidance
Plastic Surgery Center of the South’s certified esthetician can help with makeup and sunscreen needs as your skin heals and transitions back to its normal color.
The practice also carries cosmetic and skin care products that include skin-correction, anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing ingredients.
Nonsurgical Alternatives
For patients looking for a less intensive skin-refinishing option, the practice also offers alternatives such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
Your provider can help determine whether dermabrasion or a nonsurgical treatment better matches your skin, goals and desired recovery.
Explore Your Options
Find the right skin-refinishing approach for you
Meet with Dr. Harkins to discuss the appearance of scars, fine lines or other surface irregularities and determine whether dermabrasion or another skin treatment best fits your goals.