Dermatology Coding Alert

Published on Wed Sep 02, 2009 PDF

What is the difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion? While the former is a mechanical procedure that uses a power driver hand-held device to remove the top layers of the skin, the latter is much less invasive.

Microdermabrasion can be performed in a beauty center, doctor's office, or even at home, using a personal kit. A doctor uses a sandblaster-like hand-held device to spray and circulate high pressure flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin.

Patients will need to see the dermatologist for several follow-up visits to monitor progress. All dermabrasion procedures require at least one or two follow-up visits during the first week.