Dermabrasion
DESCRIPTION
Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that resurfaces the texture of the skin by removing its top layer. It is most often performed for the purpose of removing acne scars, tattoos or fine wrinkles. The procedure can be done in the office using a local anesthetic. A second treatment may be required for better results. Dermabrasion uses a mechanical method such as a high-speed rotary abrasive wheel to remove the skin. After the procedure is complete, the individual can expect discoloration and scabbing to occur, which will last for five to seven days. Discoloration and swelling can last for two to three months while the area is healing. Scarring after the skin has healed is rare.
POLICY
Dermabrasion for the treatment of hypertrophic or keloid scars, secondary to injury or previous medically necessary surgery, when functional impairment or chronic inflammation is present is considered medically necessary.
Dermabrasion for the treatment of acne scars, tattoos, wrinkles or uneven pigmentation is considered cosmetic.
Any device utilized for this procedure must have FDA approval specific to the indication, otherwise it will be considered investigational.
See also: Chemical Peels
SOURCES
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2001, March). Evidence Report / Technology Assessment: Number 17. Management of acne. Retrieved July 26, 2002 from http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/acnesum.htm.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (3:2003). Reconstructive / Cosmetic services (10.01.09). Retrieved March 7, 2007 from BlueWeb.
Braverman, P. K. (2006). Body art: Piercing, tattooing, and scarification. Adolescent Medicine Clinics, 17 (3), 505-519.
Facial Plastic Surgery Network. Dermabrasion. (2005, February). Retrieved March 7, 2007 from http://www.facialplasticsurgery.net/dermabrasion.htm.
Habif, T. H. (2004). Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy (4th ed., pp 709-710). Philadelphia: Mosby, Inc.
Harmon, C. B. (2001, July). Dermabrasion. Dermatologic Clinics, 19 (3), 439-442.
Moran, M. L. (2001, August). Management of facial cutaneous defects, Part II: Scar revision. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 34 (4), 767-780.
Plastic Surgery Information Service. (2005). Dermabrasion and dermaplaning: Refinishing the skin. Retrieved January 23, 2001 from http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/Dermabrasion.cfm?RenderForPrint=1.
Ross, E. V., Naseef, G. S., McKinlay, J. R., McKinlay, J. R., Barnette, D. J., Skrobal, M. et al. (2000, January). Comparison of carbon dioxide laser, erbium: YAG laser, dermabrasion, and dermatome. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 42 (1), 92-105.
Szachowicz, E. H. (2002, February). Microepidermabrasion: An adjunct to medical skin care. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 35 (1), 135-51.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (1999, March). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Guidance for dermabrasion devices. Retrieved March 7, 2007 from http://www.fda.gov/CDRH/ODE/DERMABR.PDF.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 1/11/1983
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 4/12/2007
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
This document has been classified as public information.