Dermal Abrasion-Reply

To the Editor:— Dr. Thale seems much disturbed over the use of the phrase "removal of scars." From our experience with this technique in many hundreds of cases over a period of 15 years, we see nothing wrong in using the expression "removal or elimination of scars," since we have found that this can be done in the majority of cases. We often remove shallow acne scars with one dermal abrasion, while the deeper ones may need this procedure repeated two or three times at intervals of 6 months to 1 year. There is always a definite improvement after each abrasion treatment. Dr. Thale admits that the number of abrasions necessary depends on the extent of scarring. Dr. Thale lists a number of complications and untoward reactions. From our own experience we have encountered them rarely. In fact, the only complications we have seen have been temporary pigmentations, including temporary