What type of scars should not be treated with microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a superficial exfoliating procedure that is effective for improving the appearance of various skin conditions, but it is not suitable for all types of scars. Ice Pick scars, which are a form of atrophic scarring, are characterized by their deep, narrow shape that can resemble small punctures in the skin. They typically occur as a result of severe acne or other skin traumas.

The reason microdermabrasion is not appropriate for treating Ice Pick scars is that this technique only removes the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and does not penetrate deeply enough to address the underlying tissue where these scars develop. For such deeply rooted scars, more invasive treatments like laser therapy, subcision, or microneedling may be necessary to effectively break down scar tissue and encourage the production of new skin.

In contrast, hypertrophic scars, traction scars, and flat scars can often benefit from the mild exfoliation that microdermabrasion provides, making the correct answer to this question focused specifically on the unique challenges posed by Ice Pick scars.