Plastic surgeries are not one size fits all. Each procedure is tailored and tweaked to meet the needs of an individual patient, and as such, the cost for every operation will vary. However, budgeting is an important step in the planning process, so to help you get an idea of the costs of dermabrasion – one of many skin correcting cosmetic options – hear what a couple of doctors have to say.

It’s important to know what factors will be taken into consideration when setting dermabrasion prices. This will help you to compare and contrast the cost structures of not only different doctors, but different treatment options, as well.

First, before we look at pricing, know that dermabrasion has fallen out of favor with many cosmetic professionals today, not because it’s not effective, but because other, more advanced technologies have been developed. Thus, pricing this procedure can be tricky.

Atlanta plastic surgeon Julian Gordon, MD, typically only uses the technology to treat scars, “and the prices vary from free to about $800 depending on what I am treating,” he says.

For small treatments, Steven H. Dayan, MD, substantiates an article citing that dermabrasion can cost as little as $100, but that larger, more intensive treatments can climb into the $4,000 range.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS, says dermabrasion prices are similar to those of quality chemical peels, and those can range in the hundreds of dollars.

As you can see, there isn’t an exact, unwavering cost of dermabrasion. Each doctor will evaluate your needs and determine a price that’s appropriate for your treatments. Since this is the case, let’s take a look at some the various factors that can play into the costs of dermabrasion.

  1. Location
    This is an important factor. In some markets, cosmetic surgery is a booming, multi-million dollar industry, but in others, it’s almost non-existent. Depending on the market, the cost of living in that market and average prices among cosmetic surgeons operating in the area, the cost of your dermabrasion will differ.

  2. Experience of your treatment provider
    Are you having dermabrasion performed by a cosmetic surgeon with years of experience? Or, are you receiving your treatment from an aesthetician? Many people are qualified to perform dermabrasion, but the more experience he or she has, the more you will pay. Remember, going with the lowest price isn’t always best – when you pay for experience you’re also paying for quality and security.

  3. The size of the area and condition being treated
    Many professionals, like Dr. Gordon, only use dermabrasion to treat small areas. If you elect to receive full facial dermabrasion, for example, you can expect to pay more than someone who is receiving dermabrasion as spot treatment.

  4. Anesthesia
    The costs of anesthesia factor heavily into any procedure where some form of sedation is needed, and because dermabrasion is a more intense treatment – when compared to more superficial skin correction procedures such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels – you will likely incur added costs here. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor during your evaluation period. If you are concerned about the extra expenses, explore dermabrasion alternatives that are less invasive.

  5. The severity and depth of the treatment
    The deeper the treatment, the longer it will take. Plus, the healing process will be involved. The doctor’s fees will be more, and you may incur costs associated with medication, dressings and follow-up visits.

Dr. Engler recommends this when trying to decide if dermabrasion is right for you, from a treatment and cost perspective: “Do as much research as you can on your own. Educate yourself as much as possible before calling some doctors. Schedule evaluations – this is the best way to get your price specifics.”