Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion: What's the Difference?

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
cosmetic facial treatment, including dermabrasion tool on female model
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Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are both cosmetic procedures that resurface the skin to improve appearance, but they are not the same thing. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure performed by a doctor, while microdermabrasion is a relatively superficial skin treatment done by a skincare professional, such as an aesthetician. Both remove layers of skin so that new, rejuvenated skin can grow, but dermabrasion goes much deeper into the skin’s surface.

Comparing Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Procedures

Dermabrasion is a procedure in which the doctor uses mechanical devices like a wire brush or rotating wheel covered in a special sterile sandpaper to remove the epidermis and upper layer of the dermis. You will be sedated before dermabrasion, and your skin will be red, tender and swollen afterwards. A crust or scabs form, which fall off within about two weeks as your skin heals, revealing the new skin. Dermabrasion stimulates collagen growth for anywhere from 3 to 6 months, which tightens and plumps the skin.

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment and much gentler and superficial than dermabrasion. A skincare professional will use an instrument (there are many microdermabrasion devices) to remove the top layers of the epidermis, which makes the skin look fresher. There is little to no downtime with microdermabrasion. Some people have a series of treatments.

Microdermabrasion is also not the same thing as microneedling, in which a skincare professional uses a roller with small needles to make tiny punctures in the skin, causing micro-injuries that build collagen as they heal.

Compare Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Benefits and Costs

Dermabrasion can address scars from acne, injuries, or surgery, as well as remove tattoos, actinic keratoses, which are rough patches due to sun damage, and reduce nose enlargement caused by rosacea. It takes about 3 to 6 months to see the full benefits of dermabrasion, but your skin should heal within about two weeks so you can resume normal activities.

Microdermabrasion can make your skin look smoother, brighter, and more even toned. It may help fade light scars, improve fine lines, and fade discoloration. The primary benefits of microdermabrasion are fresher-looking skin and a more even skin tone, but it cannot address the more serious skin imperfections that dermabrasion can.

Dermabrasion is far more expensive than microdermabrasion, and costs vary widely according to the extent of the damage, size of area being treated and other considerations. The average cost of dermabrasion was $1786, according to the latest figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you require general anesthesia and hospitalization, the fee will increase substantially.

Microdermabrasion costs also vary, but averaged $167 in 2020. There may be additional charges in different locations and offices. Neither microdermabrasion or dermabrasion are covered by insurance because they are cosmetic procedures.

When considering dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, take into account the extent to which each can address your skin concerns and what fits your budget. If you are considering dermabrasion, you can also discuss cosmetic laser or chemical peels with your physician, which are used to address similar skin issues.

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  1. Dermabrasion vs Microdermabrasion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/procedures/dermabrasion-microdermabrasion
  2. Dermabrasion. Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dermabrasion/about/pac-20393764
  3. Dermabrasion. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermabrasion
  4. How much does dermabrasion cost? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermabrasion/cost#
  5. Microdermabrasion. American Society of Plastic Surgeons.https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion
  6. MICRODERMABRASION: OVERVIEW. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/microdermabrasion-overview
  7. Dermabrasion. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1297069-overview#a4

Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Last Review Date: 2021 Mar 17
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