Dermabrasion for Acne Scar Repair

"Repair" is a strong word for what dermabrasion does to acne scars. The DermNet entry on acne scarring is a fair place to start before any quote arrives.

This article sets the label against what the American Academy of Dermatology says and marks where the word goes too far.

The academy's wording on dermabrasion

The American Academy of Dermatology says dermabrasion can also smooth out your skin making acne scars less noticeable.

What is backed, partly backed and not backed

• Backed: dermabrasion can smooth the skin and make acne scars less noticeable, per the American Academy of Dermatology.
• Partly backed: "scar improvement." The source says less noticeable, which is a softer claim than a changed scar.
• Not backed: "repair" in the sense of removing a scar. The American Academy of Dermatology passage used here says less noticeable and says nothing about removal or a set result.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery page on acne scars gives the wider picture of the condition.

What to ask for in writing

• The exact wording of the result claim, with "less noticeable" kept as the benchmark.
• The scar type being treated.
• The source document the provider relies on.

Reading the label fairly

The source backs "less noticeable." It does not back "repair". Before a consultation in New Canaan, read the American Academy of Dermatology page on acne scar consultation and treatment and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery page on dermabrasion for acne scars.