What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a mechanical resurfacing procedure: a high-speed rotating instrument is used to polish the epidermis and part of the superficial dermis in a controlled way, so the skin heals into a smoother, more even surface. It is used mainly to soften acne scars, fine wrinkles around the mouth and some surgical or traumatic scars.
It is worth separating it from two things it is confused with. It is not the microdermabrasion offered in spas —a superficial exfoliation with a diamond tip or crystals that barely touches the outermost layer and will not erase a scar— nor is it a laser, which remodels the skin with heat rather than physical abrasion. Medical dermabrasion works deeper than an exfoliation and, for that very reason, has a real recovery and risks that must be assessed.
Depth is graded during the procedure: the aim is to reach the papillary or upper reticular dermis, where the edges of a scar are softened without creating a new one. Going too superficial changes nothing; going too deep can heal poorly. That control is the whole procedure, and it is what makes it a medical act rather than an over-the-counter aesthetic one.
Techniques used by Dr. Arístides Arellano
Dermabrasion is not a single maneuver identical for everyone: it depends on the instrument, on the depth reached and, above all, on the patient’s skin type. These are the decisions made in each case:
- Diamond fraise: a head coated with diamond particles that abrades the skin more uniformly and predictably. It is the usual choice for working acne scars and perioral wrinkles over defined surfaces.
- Wire brush: a fraise with metal bristles that penetrates more aggressively; it is reserved for expert hands and for lesions that justify it, because its margin for error is smaller.
- Depth control: the key technical point of the whole procedure. The skin is abraded to the plane where the scar is softened without creating a new one, using clinical signs from the dermis itself as a guide. This is where the result is decided.
- Skin cooling (cryoanesthesia): before abrading, the area is cooled and firmed, which allows a more even polish and helps with local anesthesia.
- Prior phototype assessment: in darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI, the most common phototypes in Mexico) dermabrasion can cause pigment changes —darkening or lightening— if poorly indicated. That is why skin type is assessed before deciding whether dermabrasion is the right technique or whether another option is preferable.
- Treatment by aesthetic units: when the face is treated, whole regions are abraded to avoid visible steps between treated and untreated skin.
How is it performed?
Dermabrasion is generally performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation depending on the extent, in a medical setting. The area is cleaned and cooled, abraded in a controlled way to the planned depth, and covered at the end with dressings that protect the skin while it re-epithelializes. Depending on the area, it lasts from a few minutes, for an isolated scar, up to about an hour for an extensive facial treatment.
A raw surface is left that weeps and then forms a thin crust; this sheds on its own as the skin regenerates from the follicles and the edges. The phase of dressings and strict sun protection that follows is as decisive for the result as the procedure itself.
Every medical treatment —topicals, peels and energy-based devices included— carries risk and requires a prior assessment. In darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI, the most common phototypes in Mexico) a poorly indicated procedure can darken the patch instead of lightening it. Results may vary according to each patient, their phototype and their individual triggers.
Who is a good candidate?
- Depressed acne scars ("rolling" type or with soft edges), which respond better to polishing than deep pinpoint scars.
- Fine wrinkles around the mouth (perioral lines) that are not well corrected by filler alone.
- Mature surgical or traumatic scars that you want to blend with the surrounding skin.
- Texture irregularities or rhinophyma in selected cases.
- Skin that is not tanned at the time of the procedure, and a willingness to avoid the sun strictly during recovery.
- No recent treatment with isotretinoin (an oral retinoid) and no active infection in the area; both are assessed before scheduling.
- Realistic expectations. Dermabrasion softens and improves, it does not erase: a very deep scar improves rather than disappears, and results may vary from one person to another.
- In people prone to keloid scarring or with darker phototypes, it is assessed with particular care —sometimes with a test in a discreet area— before being indicated.
Recommended post-treatment care
After dermabrasion the skin is left exposed while it re-epithelializes, and the care during that phase decides much of the result: clean dressings, occlusive moisturizing, strict sun protection for weeks and, when indicated, antiviral prophylaxis to prevent a cold-sore flare. Dr. Arístides Arellano may also recommend measures to modulate the redness and, once the skin has closed, a plan to accompany the maturing of the color. See the full guide: Post-surgical recovery and care.
Before and after
Most patients want to see before-and-after photographs before deciding. Out of respect for each person’s privacy, Dr. Arístides Arellano shows real cases —always with documented consent— during your in-person consultation, where you can review results from patients with a starting point similar to yours. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Approximate price
The cost of dermabrasion is defined at your consultation, because it depends on the area to be treated, the depth required and whether it is combined with another procedure; that is why no fixed figure is published that might not match your case. Approximate price — the definitive cost is set at your private consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano. See the price list.
About Dr. Arístides Arellano
Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic surgeon holding a specialty licence: he practises under a Mexican medical licence (D.G.P. 1125959) and a specialty licence in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (0002008), both issued by the Directorate General of Professions (DGP), which reissued his certificate of professional standing in 2025. His career began before Mexico’s present-day specialty-board system existed: he belongs to the founding generation of plastic surgery in Puebla, the second generation of a surgical tradition started in 1971 by Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. Trust is verified, not promised: both licences are public and anyone can look them up in the DGP’s National Registry of Professionals.
Related patient guide
Before deciding where to have a resurfacing procedure, it helps to know what to verify in whoever performs it: How to choose a plastic surgeon in Puebla — part of the informational guide series reviewed by Dr. Arístides Arellano.
Trust is verified, not promised. All 210 scanned documents —degree, licences, diplomas, publications and certificates, from 1977 to 2025— are open in Dr. Arístides Arellano’s credential archive, alongside an explanation of the difference between a specialty licence and a board certification.
Recovery · step by step
- Days 1–7The skin weeps and forms a thin crust that sheds on its own. Daily dressings, occlusive moisturizing and no sun.
- Weeks 2–4Newly formed skin that is pink or red. It can be covered with makeup on medical advice; strict sun protection.
- Months 1–3The redness fades progressively. Sun protection is maintained to avoid pigment changes.
- Months 3–6The color evens out and the definitive result settles. Results may vary.
Frequently asked questions
How is dermabrasion different from microdermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a medical procedure that polishes the skin at depth, into the superficial dermis, to soften scars and wrinkles; spa microdermabrasion is a superficial exfoliation that barely touches the outermost layer and will not erase a scar. The first has a real recovery of several days; the second, almost none. They are different things with similar names.
Does dermabrasion work for acne scars?
Yes, it is one of its main indications, especially for depressed scars with soft edges ("rolling" type). It softens the edges so the surface looks more even. Very deep or pinpoint scars improve but do not disappear, and combining techniques is sometimes preferable. Results may vary depending on your skin and the type of scar.
How long is recovery?
The skin re-epithelializes in roughly 7 to 14 days, forming a thin crust that sheds on its own. Afterward there is a pink or red color that fades progressively over weeks to months. Strict sun protection is mandatory throughout that phase. The definitive result settles between the third and sixth month.
Is dermabrasion painful?
It is performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation depending on the extent, so the procedure itself is tolerable. In the following days it is normal to feel discomfort similar to a graze or superficial burn, controlled with the doctor’s instructions. The area is covered with dressings that also reduce discomfort.
Does dermabrasion work on darker skin?
It can be indicated, but with caution. In Fitzpatrick IV–VI, the most common phototypes in Mexico, there is a real risk that the skin responds with pigment changes —darkening or lightening— if the procedure is poorly indicated. That is why skin type is assessed before treating, sometimes with a test in a discreet area, and in some cases a safer option for that tone is preferred.
How many sessions do I need?
Often a single session provides the main improvement, and in some cases it can be repeated once the skin has fully healed, months later. The actual number depends on the depth of the scars and how your skin responds, and it is defined at the consultation rather than in advance.
How much does dermabrasion cost in Puebla?
The cost is defined at your consultation because it depends on the area to be treated, the depth required and whether it is combined with another procedure; that is why no fixed figure is published. At the consultation you receive a clear estimate for your case. You can review the references in the site’s price list.
Every case is different. Discuss yours in a personal consultation.
Book a consultation on WhatsAppEvery figure published on this site is approximate and is not a quote. Any procedure or treatment first requires a private assessment consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano —$800 MXN, charged separately— and it is at that consultation that the definitive cost of your case is determined.
Educational content; it does not replace a medical consultation. Results may vary from person to person.