Mechanical resurfacing of the skin has been in use for about 50 years and involves the use of abrasive tools to remove the outer layers of the skin to produce an improved appearance. Dermabrasion has been used for the treatment of photoaging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions, and perform discoloration (called dyschromia). Superficial and deep techniques are available.

There are two layers of the skin; the outer layer is called the epidermis and the inner layer, the dermis. Superficial dermabrasion removes portions of the epidermis and deep dermabrasion removes all of the epidermis and portions of the dermis. Deep methods are the preferred method for treatment of scarring (i.e. from acne or trauma) and other less common skin conditions (i.e. epidermal nevi, rhinophyma, and benign tumors). It has also been used for removal of resistant tattoos.

Deep methods are more effective but generally require healing time and carry a higher risk of complications.