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Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Apparatus for Harvesting Tissue Microcolumns
Published on: October 25, 2018
Effectiveness of dermasanding (manual dermabrasion) on the appearance of surgical scars: a prospective, randomized,
Elena Poulos1, Christopher Taylor, Nowell Solish
1Division of Dermatology, Women's Campus, Sunnybrook and Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Dermasanding using sterile sandpaper has been described as a simple treatment for scars but has not been evaluated in a prospective randomized fashion. It could provide a safe, simple, and cost-effective option for the treatment of scars.
Objective:
Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of dermasanding on the appearance of surgical scars of the face.
Methods:
We evaluated 15 patients using a blinded, split-scar model. Each scar was divided into 2 equal portions, and half of the scar was treated according to randomized assignment. Scars were treated with dermasanding 6 to 8 weeks after operation. The treatment half was compared with the control half by blinded observers at 3 time points.
Results:
Improvement in the treated half of scars was seen in 80% of patients at 6 months (95% confidence interval, 60%-100%), and 47% had an excellent response. In 20% of patients the unsanded side was better.
Conclusions:
Dermasanding is an effective procedure in the treatment of surgical scars.
