Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Which type of scars is generally not improved by microdermabrasion?

1. Hypertrophic scars

2. Ice pick scars

3. Atrophic scars

4. Keloid scars

The correct answer is: Ice pick scars

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that exfoliates the superficial layers of the skin, making it especially effective for atrophic scars, which are characterized by a loss of tissue and are typically flat and can respond well to resurfacing techniques. Hypertrophic scars, although raised, can sometimes benefit from microdermabrasion, as this technique can help smooth out their texture over time. Keloid scars, which are raised and extend beyond the original injury site, may see some improvement with microdermabrasion, but typically require a more individualized approach due to their tendency to recur. Ice pick scars, being narrow and deep, present a unique challenge. These scars penetrate deeply into the skin and their size and depth usually make superficial treatments like microdermabrasion less effective. The treatment often cannot reach deep enough to create a significant improvement in these types. Consequently, ice pick scars are generally not improved by microdermabrasion because the procedure does not adequately address the contours and depth of such lesions, highlighting why this is the correct answer.