Dermaplaning

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a cosmetic treatment in which dead skin cells and peach fuzz are scraped off with a scalpel by a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or aesthetician. While dermaplaning removes fine facial hairs, the procedure differs from shaving in terms of the tools used, the amount of skin removed, and the person performing the procedure.

Most people get the procedure on their face, but you can do it anywhere on your body.

Dermaplaning vs. dermabrasion vs. microdermabrasion: What are the differences?

Dermaplaning, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are all skin resurfacing procedures. Each procedure uses different tools and takes off different amounts of skin. Dermaplaning uses a scalpel (knife) or razor to remove skin. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure. Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical procedure that uses an exfoliating blade to sand away your skin to smooth it and remove the appearance of scars.

Dermaplaning vs. shaving

Dermaplaning and shaving can both be used to remove unwanted hair growth. If removing hair is your singular concern, shaving is an option. But shaving only cuts hair at the skin level and should not remove any layers of skin. If you’re hoping to improve the overall appearance of your skin, dermaplaning will also exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells

Benefits of dermaplaning

The benefits of dermaplaning depend on your skin type, tone, medical history and the quality of the professional performing your dermaplaning.

The benefits of dermaplaning are cosmetic and may include:

• Brighter, more youthful skin tone
• Removing small hairs or peach fuzz
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Smoother skin
• Ease hyperpigmentation
• Evening skin tone
• Removing bacteria and clearing pores to limit breakouts
• Reducing deep scars from acne or pox

Who shouldn’t have dermaplaning?

Some people with preexisting skin concerns shouldn’t have dermaplaning. Before getting this procedure, talk to your healthcare provider if you have:

• An active case of acne
• Cold sore outbreaks
• Eczema
• Moles, freckles, skin tags or other skin growths
• Psoriasis
• Skin burns, such as those from radiation therapy
• Skin rashes (e.g., contact dermatitis)
• If you’re taking isotretinoin, a prescription medication used to treat severe acne, you should wait 6 months after you stop taking it to try dermaplaning.

The Procedure

It’s best to avoid exfoliating your skin 3 days before your procedure. You should also try to avoid direct sunlight or tanning.

Dermaplaning is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure. Before beginning, your provider may cleanse your skin with an alpha- or beta-hydroxy acid to loosen skin cells. While dermaplaning doesn’t hurt when done correctly, you may receive a numbing cream as a precaution.

During your dermaplaning session, a scalpel gently glides along your skin at a 45-degree angle to exfoliate your skin and remove hair. The length of your dermaplaning session depends upon how much area is covered. A facial session typically takes 30 minutes but can last up to an hour and a half.

Skin Care After Dermaplaning

Taking care of your skin care is essential after dermaplaning. Be gentle with your skin for the next few days. Your practitioner will likely advise the following:

• Avoid harsh cleaners, toners or exfoliants.
• Apply soothing moisturizer and sunscreen daily.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Avoid heavy makeup.
• There’s no downtime needed to let your skin heal. Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and a moisturizer afterward. That’s because your skin may be more sensitive.

How often should I get dermaplaning?

You can do dermaplaning every 3 to 4 weeks. But it’s important to remember it won’t get rid of all acne scars or stop aging.

Dermaplaning Side Effects

Most people have little to no irritation or reaction. Short-term side effects may include:

• Red and swollen skin from the scraping
• Soreness
• A burning or tingling sensation for about 48 hours after the procedure
• It’s a myth that your hair will grow back thicker or darker after dermaplaning. While hair that grows back may feel courser at first, it will get softer over time.

Dermaplaning at Home

Dermaplaning should only be performed by a trained and licensed professional. Plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and aestheticians who are experienced and licensed are your best choices when receiving dermaplaning. At-home kits are available on the market but using these without proper training can increase your risks of side effects, including scarring.

If you’d like to undergo dermaplaning or have questions about it, please come in for a free consultation with our licensed aesthetician.

Click here to book your appointment now or call (818) 551-0464!