Dermabrasion provides long-term effective prophylaxis against actinic keratoses and presumably squamous cell carcinomas. The benefits last for an average of 4 years before even one new actinic keratosis reappears. Cryosurgery, 5-Fluorouracil, and chemical peels result in much shorter prophylaxis. Dermabrasion is the most effective modality for prevention of new actinic keratoses.

Revisions of scars, characteristically deferred for 6 to 12 months after wounds have healed, are performed to improve function and appearance. However, none of the techniques that has evolved to modify cicatrical deformities has afforded total, permanent effacement of scars already present. Evidence is presented here that dermabrasion of both surgical and accidental scars of the face, done 4 to 8 weeks after the primary wound, usually eliminates visible residual cicatrization.

While many physicians choose the fraise for all dermabrasive surgery, others prefer the faster abrasiveness and reduced friction of the brush for deep full-faced abrasions, removal of tattoos, and revision of scars. In addition to preoperative preparation and postoperative care of the patient, the author's technique for full-face abrasion with the power-driven rotary brush is described.

No abstract