Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a gentle, noninvasive facial treatment that exfoliates the skin while removing fine vellus hair, commonly called peach fuzz. A trained provider uses a sterile blade to carefully lift away accumulated surface cells and hair, leaving the complexion feeling softer and smoother.

The treatment can provide an immediate refresh for dull, dry or uneven-looking skin with minimal downtime. It may be performed on its own or combined with selected facial enhancements for a more customized experience.

How does dermaplaning work?

During dermaplaning, a sterile blade is held at a precise angle and gently moved across the skin. This removes fine facial hair and the outermost buildup of dead skin cells without making surgical incisions.

Removing this surface buildup can help the complexion appear smoother and brighter. Makeup may apply more evenly afterward and approved skin care products may spread and absorb more easily across the freshly exfoliated surface.

What concerns can dermaplaning improve?

Dermaplaning may be recommended for patients concerned about:

• Dull-looking skin
• Dry or rough texture
• Fine facial hair
• Uneven surface texture
• Mild congestion
• A less radiant complexion
• Makeup that appears uneven or textured
• Mild visible signs of sun exposure
• Fine surface lines

Dermaplaning provides superficial exfoliation and does not treat every skin concern. Deep acne scars, significant wrinkles, pronounced pigmentation or active inflammatory skin conditions may require a different treatment or a combination of services.

What areas can be treated?

The Dermatology Clinic performs dermaplaning on the full face and submental area beneath the chin. Your provider will evaluate the skin and avoid any areas where treatment could cause unnecessary irritation or injury.

Dermaplaning is generally not performed directly over active blemishes, open wounds, irritated rashes, raised skin growths or other areas that require medical evaluation.

What happens during treatment?

Your appointment begins with an evaluation of your skin, current products, sensitivities and treatment goals. The skin is then thoroughly cleansed and prepared.

Your provider gently passes a sterile blade across the treatment area using controlled, precise movements. The blade removes fine vellus hair and accumulated surface cells without cutting into healthy skin.

After dermaplaning, soothing and hydrating products may be applied. Sunscreen is typically used before you leave the office to protect the newly exfoliated skin.

The full appointment takes approximately one hour, although the length may vary when enhancements are included.

Is dermaplaning uncomfortable?

Dermaplaning is generally comfortable and does not usually require numbing medication. You may feel a light brushing, scraping or scratching sensation as the blade moves across the skin.

The treatment should not feel sharply painful. Tell your provider immediately if you experience discomfort so the technique can be adjusted or the area can be examined.

Will my facial hair grow back thicker?

Dermaplaning does not change the number, color, thickness or growth rate of the hair follicles. The vellus hair will gradually return, but it will not become darker or biologically thicker because it was removed.

Newly emerging hair may temporarily feel slightly blunt because the tapered end was cut at the skin’s surface. As it grows, it should return to its usual soft texture. Dermaplaning is temporary and does not provide permanent hair removal.

When will I see results?

Most patients notice smoother, softer and brighter-looking skin immediately after treatment. Makeup may also appear more even because fine hair and rough surface buildup have been removed.

The degree of improvement varies depending on the condition of your skin, your current skin care routine and whether dermaplaning is combined with another service.

How long do the results last?

Dermaplaning results commonly last approximately four weeks. Dead skin cells will gradually accumulate again and vellus hair will naturally regrow.

Daily sunscreen, gentle skin care and periodic maintenance treatments can help preserve a smoother, more radiant-looking complexion.

How often should I schedule dermaplaning?

A single treatment can provide a temporary refresh before an event or whenever the skin appears dull or textured. For ongoing maintenance, The Dermatology Clinic generally recommends scheduling dermaplaning every four to eight weeks.

Your ideal schedule will depend on:

• Your skin type
• The speed of hair regrowth
• Your level of sensitivity
• Your current skin care routine
• Other aesthetic treatments you receive
• How your skin responds to each appointment

The skin should have enough time to recover between exfoliating treatments.

Is there any downtime?

Dermaplaning typically involves little to no downtime. Most patients can return to work and their usual daily activities immediately after the appointment.

Temporary effects may include:

• Mild redness
• Tightness
• Dryness
• Slight sensitivity
• Minor itching or tingling
• Temporary irritation

The skin may be more sensitive to active products and sunlight immediately after treatment. More significant reactions, including prolonged redness, infection, discoloration or scarring, are uncommon but possible with any procedure that disrupts the skin’s surface.

How should I prepare for treatment?

Extensive preparation is usually unnecessary. However, patients with dry, sensitive or reactive skin may be advised to discontinue retinoids and exfoliating products approximately three days before treatment.

Before your appointment:

• Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
• Do not intentionally exfoliate or scrub the treatment area
• Follow instructions regarding retinoids, acids and acne medications
• Tell your provider about all prescription and over-the-counter products you use
• Report any recent facial waxing, peel, laser, injectable or resurfacing treatment
• Tell your provider if you are prone to cold sores
• Report any active acne breakout, rash, sunburn, open wound or skin infection
• Arrive with clean skin and no makeup when possible

Your provider may adjust these instructions according to your skin and the other services included in your appointment.

How should I care for my skin afterward?

Most normal activities can be resumed after dermaplaning, but gentle care is important while the skin barrier recovers.

After treatment:

• Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser
• Apply an approved moisturizer
• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Limit direct sun exposure
• Avoid tanning
• Do not scrub or aggressively exfoliate the skin
• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and harsh products for several days if your skin is sensitive
• Avoid picking at any dryness or flaking
• Follow the personalized skin care instructions provided by your treatment team

Makeup can usually be applied after treatment when the skin is calm and intact. Patients with particularly dry or reactive skin may benefit from waiting until the following day.

What enhancements are available?

Dermaplaning may be customized with additional services based on your concerns and treatment goals.

• Lip infusion therapy: A targeted enhancement designed to hydrate, smooth and temporarily plump the appearance of the lips.
• Eye radiance therapy: A focused treatment intended to hydrate and smooth the delicate skin around the eyes.
• Brow waxing: Unwanted brow hair may be removed to complement the refreshed appearance created by dermaplaning.
• Brow tinting: Tint may be applied to temporarily deepen the appearance of the brow hairs and improve definition.
• Superficial peel: A light chemical peel may be added to address concerns such as dryness, clogged pores, dullness or mild blemishes when appropriate.

Not every enhancement is suitable for every patient. Your provider will evaluate your skin and avoid combinations that could cause excessive irritation.

How is professional dermaplaning different from shaving at home?

At-home facial razors primarily remove hair at the skin’s surface. Professional dermaplaning uses a sterile blade and controlled technique to remove both vellus hair and accumulated surface cells.

A trained provider can adjust the angle and pressure, identify areas that should not be treated and customize the procedure for your skin. Professional treatment also allows dermaplaning to be safely coordinated with approved serums, peels or other aesthetic services.

Who is a good candidate for dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning may be appropriate for patients who want a gentle treatment for dullness, dryness, rough texture or fine facial hair without significant downtime.

Good candidates generally:

• Have healthy, intact skin
• Want superficial exfoliation
• Are bothered by peach fuzz
• Prefer a noninvasive facial treatment
• Have realistic expectations
• Can follow preparation and aftercare instructions

The treatment may be considered for many skin tones because it does not rely on heat or light energy. However, every patient still requires an individual evaluation.

Who may need to postpone treatment?

Dermaplaning may need to be delayed if you have:

• Active inflammatory acne
• Open or recently picked blemishes
• An active rosacea flare
• An eczema or dermatitis flare
• Active psoriasis in the treatment area
• A cold sore outbreak
• A bacterial, viral or fungal skin infection
• Sunburned, chapped or broken skin
• An open wound
• Significant irritation
• A raised or suspicious skin growth that has not been evaluated
• Recently undergone another treatment that has not fully healed

Passing a blade over inflamed or compromised skin may worsen irritation, spread bacteria or delay healing. Your provider can recommend another service or reschedule dermaplaning after the skin has recovered.

What are the possible risks?

Dermaplaning is generally considered low risk when performed on appropriate skin by a trained provider. However, possible side effects and complications include:

• Temporary redness or irritation
• Dryness or sensitivity
• Small nicks or abrasions
• Acne or folliculitis-like breakouts
• Infection
• Changes in skin color
• Prolonged inflammation
• Scarring

Following preparation and aftercare instructions can help reduce these risks.

Contact the clinic if you develop worsening pain, significant swelling, blistering, drainage, spreading redness, persistent bleeding or another unexpected reaction.

Can dermaplaning be combined with other treatments?

Dermaplaning may be combined with superficial chemical peels, DiamondGlow®, selected facials and other aesthetic services. Removing surface buildup can prepare the skin for certain treatments and create a smoother surface for approved topical products.

Some laser procedures, injectables, deeper peels and resurfacing treatments should be spaced apart. Your provider will recommend the safest order and timing based on your skin, recent procedures and treatment goals.

Schedule a dermaplaning appointment

Dermaplaning offers a gentle way to remove dull surface buildup and fine facial hair while creating a softer, smoother and more radiant-looking complexion. The Dermatology Clinic can evaluate your skin and customize the treatment with appropriate products and enhancements. Contact us today to get scheduled.