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
For everyday skincare essentials, pre- and post-treatment support, procedure enhancers, or even treatment alternatives, we’ve got you covered.

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board
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.

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. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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:
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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