Dermaplaning is a type of exfoliation in which the practitioner scrapes off a layer of dead skin cells. The treatment also removes vellus hair or peach fuzz, leaving behind smooth skin.
What does dermaplaning involve?
The practitioner may first clean and dry the client’s face. They will pull the desired area taut with one hand and use the instrument with the other hand. While holding the surgical blade at an angle, they will scrape off peach fuzz and dead skin cells with short and swift strokes.
Some clients have said that it feels like shaving your legs. The process typically removes three weeks worth of dead skin cells, so clients may not need to have dermaplaning done more often than once every three or four weeks.
Are there side effects?
Since no chemicals or medications are used, the treatment does not cause side effects. The client’s skin may be pink and sensitive to the sun, so they should use sunscreen.
Who should do the procedure?
Dermaplaning should be performed by either a licensed aesthetician who specializes in the procedure or by a board certified dermatologist.
Who is a good candidate?
While dermaplaning works for almost all skin types, people with acne should wait until their skin has cleared up before undergoing the procedure. Dermaplaning can stimulate the sebaceous glands, which will make acne worse.
In addition, vellus hairs expunge the oils that build up under the skin. Removing those hairs can also make acne worse. On the other hand, dermaplaning is an especially effective technique for people with dry skin.
Since no chemicals are involved, dermaplaning is a safe procedure for pregnant or nursing women.
Is dermaplaning the same as dermabrasion?
No, they are different procedures.
Dermabrasion is a skin treatment in which the practitioner uses a diamond wheel with rough edges or a wire brush to remove the top layers of the skin. New skin eventually grows to replace the old skin. It is most often done to reduce fine lines around the mouth or acne scars.
A patient undergoing dermabrasion will need a local or even general anesthetic while dermaplaning does not cause any more discomfort than shaving one’s legs.
Also, the procedure does not have a recovery period. It may take five to eight days for the new skin to grow after a dermabrasion session.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are near the Celebration, FL area, contact The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery today to schedule your appointment.