Dermaplaning

DERMAPLANING

How it works

The basic concept of dermaplaning is the same as shaving, but in place of a razor, it uses a scalpel-type blade to remove skin cells, hair, and other debris that may be present on the surface of the skin.

The continuous exposure of the top layer of skin to UV rays, environmental toxins, and irritants means that it may begin to appear dull. Dermaplaning removes the top layer of skin to reveal newer skin cells that may make a person’s skin appear smoother and glowing.

Reports on the effectiveness of dermaplaning are mostly anecdotal, and treatment results may vary from person to person.

Procedure

An esthetician, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist can perform skin resurfacing procedures such as dermaplaning. A person should choose a professional who has appropriate training and a valid license.

When a professional performs dermaplaning, it is a safe procedure that requires very little preparation. Prior to the procedure, the professional should use a gentle cleanser with alpha or beta hydroxy acids to help loosen dead skin cells. The face needs to dry completely before the procedure.

During the procedure, the professional will use a sterilized 10-gauge scalpel that they will hold at a 45-degree angle to the skin. They will pull the skin tight and use the blade to make short motions against the grain of the hair on the skin.

Following the procedure, they will often apply a moisturizer to the person’s skin before providing them with a post-procedure care guide.

A person will require little downtime, if any, after a dermaplaning treatment. They will not need to take time off work, and they may even be able to fit their treatment session in during a lunch break.

Benefits

Dermaplaning provides several potential benefits, all of which are cosmetic. There are no medical reasons to get dermaplaning treatment.

People interested in dermaplaning are often looking to achieve a more youthful look by removing dead skin, small hairs, and minor imperfections in their complexion. Some potential benefits include:

reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, or sun-damaged skin
restoring a youthful glow to the skin
removing small hairs that can hold onto oil and debris

Risks and side effects

Only a certified or well-trained professional should perform dermaplaning. When an esthetician performs the procedure, a person can generally consider it to be safe. Possible risks of dermaplaning include:

small nicks or cuts
redness on the skin
appearance of whiteheads following the procedure
infections or scarring, although these are not common

What to expect

A person should expect the professional to perform the dermaplaning in a clean environment with sterile equipment. If the treatment area does not appear clean, the person should not go ahead with the procedure.

It is important to ensure that the professional has proper training and experience. People can check the local laws and make sure that the provider is operating with the proper certificates and licenses.

The procedure is relatively short and should take less than an hour. A professional may recommend a person to use a chemical peel following the dermaplaning, as this procedure will have prepared the skin for a peel. The chemical peel will be an additional cost.

The skin may appear red and feel a bit tender for a few days following dermaplaning. A person should avoid UV light exposure for a few days and take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), when out in the sun.

If they wish to, a person can plan to have another appointment for dermaplaning within a few weeks. The results do not last a long time.