Dermabrasion is used to improve the appearance of scars resulting from acne, chickenpox and other diseases, accidents and previous surgeries. It is also used to remove tattoos, and to treat age spots, wrinkles and precancerous changes caused by chronic sun damage.

Dermabrasion is most effective when the area to be treated is small and localized. It may not be recommended for people with dark skin due to an increased risk for discoloration and blotchiness.

In recent years, laser resurfacing treatments and a variation of dermabrasion known as microdermabrasion have largely replaced dermabrasion in treating superficial facial lesions and defects. However, dermabrasion remains the best treatment available for treating deeper scars (especially those related to acne) or for patients who do not respond well to other techniques.

Dermabrasion is also used to treat rhinophyma, an advanced case of the skin condition rosacea. This disorder occurs when oil glands enlarge in the face, resulting in a bulbous, red nose and swollen cheeks. Rhinophyma tends to affect men age 40 and older. Dermabrasion can be used to sculpt the nose down to normal size and shape.

Finally, dermabrasion can be used to treat prominent perioral dermatitis, a condition in which deep wrinkles form around the mouth. These wrinkles may result from smoking, heredity, age or sun exposure.

Dermabrasion is not effective in treating certain types of pigmented birthmarks, burns resulting from scars or congenital skin defects. It is also unable to prevent the natural aging process of the skin.