Cosmetic Dermatology
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a popular skincare treatment that involves gently exfoliating the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (often referred to as "peach fuzz") using a surgical scalpel. This process can leave the skin feeling smooth, soft, and rejuvenated. This treatment is a unique option because it uses manual processes, not chemicals or lasers, to treat the skin. This makes it safe for most skin types, even sensitive skin. It does not discolor darker skin colors, like some laser treatments. It is one of the few skin treatments that can be performed on pregnant women.
The Benefits of Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning isn’t a new treatment concept. It has been tried and tested over many years and many treatments. Our patients return for this treatment again and again for its many skin enhancing benefits.
What can this treatment do for you?
- Removes vellus hairs that trap dirt and oils
- Skin feels amazingly smooth
- Brightens dull skin
- Non-chemical and safe during pregnancy
- Reduces breakouts by removing dead skin, dirt, and oils that can clog pores
- No downtime
- Does not harm the skin
- Safe for all skin types and colors including patients with rosacea, dark skin pigmentation, and sensitive skin
What to Expect from a Dermaplaning Treatment
The treatment begins with careful cleansing of the skin. This removes any makeup, dirt, or bacteria on the surface of the skin. When the skin is ready, we’ll use a sharp medical scalpel to carefully scrape the skin. The process isn’t painful; some patients liken the sensation to shaving. You may feel a slight tingle as the treatment progresses.
A typical treatment takes between 20-30 minutes. After the skin has all been treated, we’ll proceed with any additional treatments you’ve scheduled or, if you’re only receiving dermaplaning, we’ll apply a moisturizing and soothing cream and sunscreen to the skin.
What’s recovery like? Recovery is practically non-existent after this treatment. Patients can return to work the same day with no downtime. The skin is immediately softer, brighter, and smoother. Some patients will experience slight redness in the treated areas. If redness occurs, it typically fades within 1-3 days.
The skin may be more sensitive to the sun temporarily. Make sure you use sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors. Your skin will be more sensitive to some topical skin treatments. We’ll let you know if you need to alter your skincare regimen for a couple of days.
Dermaplaning for Hair Removal
Vellus hairs, those fine, downy hairs found on the cheeks and jawline, are removed during a dermaplaning treatment. The surgical blade used for the treatment essentially shaves the hair away, along with dead and damaged skin cells. For many of our patients, the hair removal benefit of this treatment is one of the main reasons for considering treatment.
Vellus hairs can be very difficult to remove. They are so fine that they are resistant to waxing and threading, but on some women are so abundant that they distract from the skin’s appearance. Dermaplaning effectively removes vellus hair, along with providing other skin-enhancing benefits.
If you’re worried about hair growing back darker or thicker than it was before dermaplaning, there is no reason for concern. Shaving does not change the color or thickness of hair. It simply removes the hair at the skin’s surface. Your hair may temporarily look darker or thicker to you as it grows back, but that is simply due to a trick the eye plays. Patients get used to the appearance of their skin without hair, and when it starts to come back, you’ll notice it more.
How long does hair removal last? Hair removal results typically last for a couple of weeks. The speed of your hair growth and the quantity and thickness of your vellus hairs will affect the longevity of your treatment.