A method and system for performing abrasion on a surface, such as on the skin of a patient, is disclosed. The dermabrasion apparatus includes apparatus for delivering and retrieving material to and from a selected site to be abraded, a delivery and retrieval hand piece, an abrasive handling device, and a waste retrieval holding device. The hand piece is coupled to the abrasive handling device as well as the waste retrieval holding device, which is further coupled to the delivery and retrieval apparatus. The abrasive handling device further includes an abrasive supply device, a receiving channel, a feeding chamber, and a delivery channel. The abrasive supply device typically is a canister fitted with a funnel-shaped spout that is inverted into the receiving channel. The receiving channel feeds abrasive to the feeding chamber. The delivery and retrieval apparatus, typically a vacuum source that generates a pneumatic air supply within the abrasion apparatus, causes the abrasive within the feeding chamber to loft in an arc such that it reaches the delivery channel. The delivery channel then leads to the hand piece, which is utilized to apply the abrasive to the surface and then retrieve the waste debris during the procedure.