Sandpaper for your face may sound terrible, but it’s actually a highly effective procedure to exfoliate and rejuvenate facial skin. If you’re ready to get rid of blemishes, scars, age spots, and more, this may be right for you. And we’re here to help!
Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Published: April 11, 2021
Last updated: December 22, 2021

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board
Candidates considering dermabrasion will find it useful to familiarize themselves with the various factors that affect the total cost of this skin resurfacing and facial rejuvenation procedure.
| Factor | Explanation | | ---------- | ---------- | | Severity of Concern | Length and involvement of treatment | | Provider | Training, experience, specialty | | Consultation Fees | May or may not count towards the final cost of the procedure | | Location | Facility fees vary by region and are typically higher for larger facilities | | Recovery Expenses | Skincare, supplies, etc. |
That being said, the following can give you an idea of the questions to ask and factors to consider when going into a consultation for a dermabrasion treatment.
You should then remember to consider the costs of your recovery supplies, like special skincare, and the time you’ll need off from work and regular activities. These costs of course will vary by individual.
The table below breaks down dermabrasion costs by state. The numbers in this table are from zip codes selected from the capital of each listed state.
| State | Average Cost | | ---------- | ---------- | | Alabama | $1,685-$3,295 | | Alaska | $1,715-$4,785 | | Arizona | $1,300-$2,570 | | Arkansas | $1,575-$3,275 | | California | $1,715-$4,785 | | Colorado | $1,300-$2,570 | | Connecticut | $1,980-$3,170 | | Delaware | $1,980-$3,170 | | Florida | $1,685-$3,295 | | Georgia | $1,685-$3,295 | | Hawaii | $1,715-$4,785 | | Idaho | $1,300-$2,570 | | Illinois | $1,575-$3,275 | | Indiana | $1,980-$3,170 | | Iowa | $1,575-$3,275 | | Kansas | $1,650-$3,420 | | Kentucky | $1,980-$3,170 | | Louisiana | $1,575-$3,275 | | Maine | $1,980-$3,170 | | Maryland | $1,980-$3,170 | | Massachusetts | $1,980-$3,170 | | Michigan | $1,980-$3,170 | | Minnesota | $1,575-$3,275 | | Mississippi | $1,685-$3,295 | | Missouri | $1,575-$3,275 | | Montana | $1,650-$3,420 | | Nebraska | $1,575-$3,275 | | Nevada | $1,715-$4,785 | | New Hampshire | $1,980-$3,170 | | New Jersey | $1,980-$3,170 | | New Mexico | $1,300-$2,570 | | New York | $1,980-$3,170 | | North Carolina | $1,685-$3,295 | | North Dakota | $1,575-$3,275 | | Ohio | $1,980-$3,170 | | Oklahoma | $1,575-$3,275 | | Oregon | $1,715-$4,785 | | Pennsylvania | $1,980-$3,170 | | Rhode Island | $1,980-$3,170 | | South Carolina | $1,650-$3,420 | | South Dakota | $1,575-$3,275 | | Tennessee | $1,685-$3,295 | | Texas | $1,300-$2,570 | | Utah | $1,300-$2,570 | | Vermont | $1,980-$3,170 | | Virginia | $1,980-$3,170 | | Washington | $1,715-$4,785 | | Washington DC | $1,980-$3,170 | | West Virginia | $1,980-$3,170 | | Wisconsin | $1,575-$3,275 | | Wyoming | $1,300-$2,570 |
these states are presented as national averages as specific information is not available
| Country | Average Cost | | ---------- | ---------- | | Canada | $500 to $3,000 | | Mexico | $450 to $1,500 | | Colombia | $400 to $1,250 | | United Kingdom | $1,000 to $5,000 | | Australia | $500 to $4,000 | | Japan | $450 to $3,750 | | United Arab Emirates | $475 to $4,500 |
The bottom line here is that reconstructive surgery and procedures are covered by health insurance and cosmetic surgeries and cosmetic procedures are not. Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure (not a medical necessity) and will not be covered.
Dermabrasion can treat acne scars, fine wrinkles and fine lines, sun damage, and even be used for severe acne and tattoo removal. In case that’s not enough, a dermabrasion surgical procedure turns over skin cells of the outermost layer for skin rejuvenation and refreshment. Friendly reminder that after your financial investment in dermabrasion, remember to avoid sun exposure on the new skin in the treated area for the first few months and follow the post-op instructions of your provider.
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