Dermabrasion remains the gold standard treatment for acne scarring, although it can be used for many indications. Also used for significant sun damage, a special instrument—essentially a rapidly rotating diamond sanding disk or wire brush—scrapes away the skin's surface. Dermabrasion is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Afterwards, your face will be red and raw. Healing may take between one and four weeks and discoloration may persist for up to a month. Most important, you'll have to stay out of the sun for several months after your treatment.