Final answer:
Dermabrasion, a procedure to remove the upper layers of skin, was common practice in the 1980s and 1990s but is less common now due to laser technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic medical procedure that involves the controlled abrasion (wearing away) of the upper layers of the skin with an abrasive device. It was a common practice in the 1980s and 1990s before the advent of laser resurfacing. Dermabrasion is used to remove and improve the appearance of acne scars, pox marks, and scars from accidents or disease. While it's less commonly performed today for these indications, due to advancements in laser technology, it is still a valuable technique for certain dermatological conditions.