Finding the Right Doctor for Dermabrasion

If you plan to have dermabrasion, you’ll want a highly qualified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. Dermatologists with specialized training also perform dermabrasion. How do you find the best doctor who is right for you? Here are important factors to keep in mind. 

Find a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who:

• Is board certified in plastic surgery or dermatology, respectively, and who specializes in dermabrasion
• Has experience treating patients with your specific condition
• Practices at a clinic or surgical facility known to have high-quality outcomes in plastic surgery and dermatology 
• Accepts your insurance, if applicable. Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic dermabrasion.
• You are comfortable talking with and who fully answers your questions

Here are four steps to finding the best doctor to perform your dermabrasion.

Start by creating a list of potential plastic surgeons or dermatologists. Ask your family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations. For example, if you already have a dermatologist, ask him or her if they perform dermabrasion, or if they can recommend another provider who specializes in dermabrasion. 

If you’re starting out without any referrals, or you’re looking for more options, search for plastic surgeons and dermatologists on Healthgrades.com. 

Healthgrades.com shows patient satisfaction ratings, which give you insight into how your own experience might be with the doctor. Patients rate the doctor and the doctor’s medical practice, and say if they would recommend the doctor to family and friends.

Take time to research the doctors’ credentials and experience. Look for a doctor who is board certified in plastic surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, or dermatology, and performs dermabrasion on a regular basis. The more experience a doctor has performing dermabrasion, the better your results are likely to be. 

Also, confirm that the doctor is in good standing with state and federal agencies and that he or she has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. 

You’ll find all this information on Healthgrades.com.

As you narrow down your list of doctors, call each doctor’s office and ask for a consult appointment to meet and interview the doctor. 

• Ask yourself if you are comfortable talking with the doctor. 
• Does he or she respect your opinions and answer your questions in a way you understand? 

Here are some questions to ask the doctor:

• Do you typically treat patients like me?
• How many dermabrasion procedures have you performed?
• What results do you usually see?
• How frequently do you encounter complications from the surgery?
• What do you do to avoid complications or correct them if they occur? Specifically, ask the doctor if his or her team is prepared to handle complications, such as a reaction to anesthesia, in the office or outpatient facility where they perform dermabrasion.

Your insurance coverage is a practical matter. To receive the most insurance benefits and pay the least out-of-pocket for your surgery, you need to choose a surgeon that participates in your plan. 

However, insurance may not cover dermabrasion for cosmetic reasons. It may cover dermabrasion to remove a precancerous skin growth or treat extensive scars. Contact your health insurance carrier to find out if they will cover the procedure and if the doctor is on your plan. 

But keep in mind, just because a doctor participates in your insurance plan doesn’t mean he or she is a high-quality doctor. You still need to consider the doctor’s experience and expertise.