Dermaplaning

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a procedure in which a medical grade scalpel is used to gently scrape off the outermost layer of skin and peach fuzz. By removing dead skin cells freshly uncovered skin cells appear resulting in healthier, brighter skin. People have seen benefits in fine wrinkles, skin’s texture, and reported it to significantly lighten postinflammatory scars.

Dermaplaning Pros and Cons

With use of a sterile surgical scalpel, dermaplaning is a minimally invasive procedure with few risks to the skin or health. By removing peach fuzz and vellus hair many are afraid darker facial hair will appear but that is not the case. Risk of cuts and infection due to cuts are the most common concerns with dermaplaning treatment however these are very small knicks that can occur and generally heal quick.

What are the benefits of Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning can be beneficial versus other hair removal methods when wanting to not grow darker hair, to remove dead skin cells, after other hair removal treatments have failed, and to perk up dull skin. Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation method versus a chemical exfoliation which makes it safer at the skin’s surface.

Should I get Dermaplaning treatment?

Dermaplaning treatment seemed to be popping up as the hot new trend in Scottsdale 8 years ago when DHH Med Spa was first established. We wondered was it really worth the cost? Would it do any damage? Along with many other questions we had, we decided to try it with a medical aesthetician. Here is what we have learned.

Dermaplaning FAQ’s

Is Dermaplaning painful?

Dermaplaning does not require the use of numbing cream and is considered a very mild treatment in the world of women’s health.

Is dermaplaning the same as shaving?

Unlike with shaving, dermaplaning treatment will not result in significantly thicker hair regrowth.

How to prep your skin for dermaplaning

Prior to your dermaplaning treatment it is always good to talk to your certified dermatologist or healthcare provider about any skincare concerns you may have. Your provider should assess your skin and consider working around any active and cystic acne or cold sores. If your skin is inflamed further irritation may not be recommended so contact the office in that case prior to your dermaplaning procedure. Your provider may also recommend the discontinuation of exfoliants or retinols for a few days before or after your treatment as well as limiting sun exposure.

I have seen blades on amazon, are they the same blades used as an in office procedure?

In office we use a sterile blade to remove the stratum corneum or outer layer of skin. While the blades seen on amazon will remove vellus hair aka peach fuzz, they do not have an exfoliating blade and will not remove the dead skin cells and therefore you may not receive as many benefits such as seeing brighter immediately skin.

Is dermaplaning safe and are there any contraindications?

Dermaplaning is generally considered a low risk procedure. Sensitive skin types may want to test an area out first or try oil planing versus traditional dermaplaning. Dermaplaning is safe for pregnant women as well however if they have other concerns they should talk to their healthcare provider or certified dermatologist.

How often should you do a dermaplaning session?

As with many skin treatments consistency is key! Dermaplaning can be performed as often as every 3 weeks but in general most people are treated every 1-2 months to maintain the skin’s surface appearance and remove dead skin.

Is Dermaplaning pregnancy safe?

Unlike chemical peels which are a chemical exfoliation, Dermaplaning during pregnancy with a manual exfoliation to remove dead skin is safe.

Is Dermaplaning safe for all skin types?

Yes, unlike some chemical exfoliants which are not safe for all skin types, dermaplaning the dead skin layer is safe for all skin types! If you have sensitive skin make sure to talk to your certified dermatologist or healthcare provider to make sure dermaplaning is right for your skin type.

Can dermaplaning reduce wrinkles?

Some people have reported a reduction in wrinkles from dermplaning however there is no true evidence that dermaplaning reduces in wrinkles in the way in which a neuromodulator such as botox would.

Does dermaplaning cause breakouts?

In general dermaplaning treatment should not cause breakouts. As with any cosmetic procedure, talk to your provider about your individual concerns such as acne scars or active acne. Past acne should not make you worry about receiving a dermaplaning treatment. Your provider may give you tips such as to not wear makeup or repair the skin barrier with certain skincare products. We recommend Skinbetter Science alpharet clearing serum which can be purchased here for breakouts.

Can dermaplaning treatment be done at the same time as other procedures?

Dermaplaning has been known to pair well with other procedures as long as there is not too much exfoliation and irritation at the same time. A dermaplaning facial is always a favorite in our Scottsdale office, especially the Diamond glow facial. If your provider determines there is only slight redness they may still proceed with a chemical peel at the same appointment. Botox, fillers, and Ultherapy are generally considered fine to have performed at the same appointment as your dermaplaning treatment.

Can I have dermaplaning if I have had laser hair removal treatments?

Yes if you have had laser hair removal and still desire peach fuzz removed dermaplaning is still a safe and effective option for removal of skin cells at the top layer of the skin. Dermaplaning will not make the hair grow back thicker in areas of laser hair removal.

Can I have a dermaplaning treatment if I have active acne?

Those with acne scars and active acne should always talk to their healthcare provider about their individual concerns. In general the aesthetician should be able to gently shave around the area of active breakouts with the scalpel to remove fine hairs with some breakouts.

Are there specific skincare products I should use/avoid after dermaplaning?

At DHH Med Spa in Scottsdale we love Alastin and Skinbetter Science products for your skin! We firmly believe retinol is important in your regimen to prevent aging however your provider may recommend not using these products for a few days before or after dermaplaning. As we also discourage skin exposure in general to limit sun damage, the use of a sunscreen such as the tone smart SPF by Skinbetter Science is recommended to protect the outer layer of skin. Besides recommending to avoid direct sun exposure we also recommend applying a moisturizer such as Trio to hydrate the top layer of skin.

Can I use the Skinbetter Science Peel Pads after dermaplaning?

As the peel pads provide an exfoliation to the skin, we recommend stopping them for a few days post procedure.