How Much Does Dermabrasion Cost?

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board

What is the average cost of dermabrasion?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of dermabrasion was $1,296 in 2019, however, there are a myriad of possible expenses (details below!) to consider when booking a dermabrasion.

• Average Cost of Dermabrasion: $1,296
• Price Range for Dermabrasion: $500 - $4,000

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.

Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of Dermabrasion

What affects the cost of a dermabrasion treatment?

Let’s expand on the variables from the first table. Before we get started though, let’s just reiterate we’re providing estimates throughout this guide and consultations will always offer the best assessment of a dermabrasion cost.

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.

• Severity of Concern: Dermabrasion for facial rejuvenation may address scars, rough skin texture, age concerns, and other blemishes. The nature of these concerns will impact how involved the procedure will be.
• Provider: A more experienced, board certified cosmetic provider typically charges more for their expertise.
• Location: The 2019 ASPS Report reports dermabrasion occurrences by region. The coasts accounted for 58 percent of all dermabrasions performed in the United States and the remaining 42 percent occurred in the central United States.
• Recovery Expenses: Dermabrasion is rather invasive to the skin and has a few weeks of downtime during which special care needs to be taken with your skin. Time off from work, special skin care, and follow ups may be a part of your dermabrasion recovery.

What does the cost of a dermabrasion treatment include?

Are you wondering what you’re actually paying for with a dermabrasion procedure? Each factor from the first table has its own cost. The length of the procedure will contribute to cost as will the experience and time of your provider. Also, there will be charges for using the procedure room, supplies like local anesthetics, gloves, gowns, and the dermabrasion tool, and the special bandages applied following the 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.

How much does a dermabrasion treatment cost?

So what does a dermabrasion cost. The ASPS reports the average cost in 2019 was $1,296 in the United States. The cost range for dermabrasion is actually $500 to $4,000. The cost will vary mostly by location and provider and candidates can expect higher costs for longer procedures, performed in a larger facility from a more experienced provider. The lower end of the range most likely represents a shorter procedure in a smaller facility.

How much does a dermabrasion treatment cost across the United States?

Alright, now we need to really look at the effect of location. We’ve already mentioned the ASPS 2019 Statistics Report shows a pretty equal distribution of dermabrasion procedures across the United States. The data from the table reflects a generalized estimate for all skin resurfacing procedures — including dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.

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.

Average Dermabrasion Cost by State

*these states are presented as national averages as specific information is not available

How much does a dermabrasion treatment cost around the world?

For those considering pursuing dermabrasion abroad, the following table compares average costs in a few countries. Remember to add in travel expenses, review the reputation of the provider and facility, and factor in the extra costs related to recovery when looking at this data. The table below reflects costs converted to U.S. dollars.

Average Dermabrasion Cost by Country in USD

Does insurance cover the cost of a dermabrasion treatment?

So, does insurance pay for dermabrasion? Short answer is no. But, to understand why, we will provide the long answer, too. These definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA) are useful:

• Cosmetic Surgery: Reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Alterations to abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.

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.