Surgical planning of the skin, or dermabrasion, was first developed in the early 1900’s as a technique to help reduce the effects of scarring. Initially it was primarily used to improve scars from acne, chicken pox or accidents. Since then, it has been shown to be helpful in many conditions including:
   •Removal of tattoos (both accidental and artistic)
   •Pigmentary disorders such as liver spots
   •Benign tumors
   •Aged or sun-damaged skin showing changes such as wrinkles
   •Precancerous changes of the skin
  The degree of improvement in smoothness, texture and tone after treatment for each of these conditions depends on many variables and can only be estimated by the physician. However, those who expect a perfect skin will be disappointed.

  After cooling the skin, a rapidly turning brush (or wheel) is passed over the skin to remove the more elevated part of the tissue. This is very much like “sanding” the skin.
  When healing is completed, the resultant appearance is usually much evener.