Wish your skin were as smooth as a baby’s bottom? Without a time machine, that’s a tall order. But through dermaplaning, also called microplaning, a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician can uncover the newer, smoother skin that’s buried under a layer of old, dead skin cells, not to mention some fine hairs, aka peach fuzz.
In this procedure, the provider uses a sterile, surgical-grade scalpel to scrape off dead skin cells and fine hairs known as vellus hairs, revealing brighter, fresher-looking, silky-smooth skin. In essence, dermaplaning is next-level exfoliation for your skin. There’s no blood, swelling or bruising — at worst, your face might look slightly pink or red for a few hours or days, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. There’s also no pain (though your skin may feel a bit tender afterward) and no downtime. The procedure typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes.
Dermaplaning is often done before another cosmetic procedure, such as a light chemical peel, to enhance its effect. Check out the video below to see dermaplaning in action.
Get A Glimpse: Dermaplaning treatments at Water's Edge Dermatology
Get a 15-second glimpse of dermaplaning treatment in action, at Water's Edge Dermatology (but note, we speeded up playback so we could show you almost the entire treatment). SO…why are women shaving their faces?Dermaplaning is much more than just shaving your face. You can expect to see an instant glow, with an increased cell turnover, and removal of fine hair for all skin types. This procedure takes about 30 minutes with little to no down time. A sterile blade is held at an angle and stroked across the skin’s surface. It may sound scary but the action is removing all of the dead skin cells from the epidermis. This provides a deeper exfoliation, that make both cosmetic procedures and product application more efficient. We love following dermaplaning up with a light chemical peel immediately afterwards. We are asked regularly if this will make your hair grow back in thicker. The answer is NO. The normal skin growth cycle is about every 28 days so you can have this procedure done every 3-4 weeks. Here is a short clip of our aesthetician Alyse Pennninger performing the procedure on her client in our Jupiter location. Available in the following offices: Wellington, Delray, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Stuart, St.Lucie West, Vero and Palm Bay. #healthyskin #glowgetter #dermaplaning #byebyepeachfuzz #smootherskin #youthfulglow #AntiAging
Posted by Water's Edge Dermatology on Monday, August 6, 2018
If video doesn’t start, you can watch the dermaplaning video here on our Facebook Page.
Benefits of dermaplaning
Dermaplaning temporarily removes fine facial hair, which many other procedures, such as microdermabrasion, do not. Like other exfoliation methods, dermaplaning can unclog pores and remove blackheads.
After dermaplaning, skin care products such as moisturizers and anti-aging creams may penetrate the skin better and therefore work more effectively. Makeup will also glide on more smoothly. If you have acne scars (especially the small, deep, “pitted” scars that sometimes result from cystic acne) or areas of hyperpigmentation (dark spots or patches), these may be less noticeable following a dermaplaning treatment. Fine lines may be less visible, too.
“Dermaplaning is my favorite procedure I provide patients because it immediately creates a healthier, more radiant appearance to your skin,” said Alyse Penninger, Licensed Medical Aesthetician at Water’s Edge Dermatology. “The treatment also increases absorption of skin care products to give you that lasting glow for weeks.”
Is dermaplaning safe?
Dermaplaning is quite safe when performed by a licensed aesthetician or board-certified dermatologist, but it’s not completely risk free. In rare cases, infection or scarring may result — one reason it’s important to choose a highly reputable, experienced provider. Light patches are another possible side effect. You’ll need to be especially diligent about wearing sunscreen in the days and weeks immediately following the procedure to help protect the newly exposed skin.
If you’ve heard that fine facial hair will grow back thicker or darker after dermaplaning, fear not: That is simply not true.
While at-home dermaplaning is all the rage, experts advise against performing this procedure at home. You may succeed in removing fine hairs, but you probably will not get deep enough to remove dead skin cells — and if you do, you might cut yourself (likely with a non-sterile blade, to boot).
Who shouldn’t get dermaplaning?
If you have inflamed acne, dermaplaning is not advised as the procedure can further irritate your skin. If you have eczema or rosacea or if your skin is extra sensitive, you should seek the advice of a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist to discuss whether dermaplaning is right for you. Hold off on a dermaplaning treatment if you have a cold sore on your face.
Finally, if you have large, deep acne scars, consult with your provider prior to seeking dermaplaning.
How long does dermaplaning last?
The results of dermaplaning last about three to four weeks. Most experts suggest getting the treatment no more than once every four weeks (less often if you have very sensitive skin).
“Most of my patients love to have this treatment done right before a big event because it makes their makeup go on like it’s been airbrushed,” said Alyse.
Article Written By: Marianne Wait, an award-winning health and wellness writer based in New Jersey.
