COSMETOLOGY

Recovery is different for everyone in the weeks and months after dermaplaning, but you can expect:

• After 1 week: Redness and swelling should subside. You may notice enlarged pores or small whiteheads on your skin, which usually go away with the swelling. Don’t shave the treated area.
• After 2 weeks: A scab may form over the treated area, which falls off. The skin underneath will look tight and pink. It might be itchy. Most people can return to work after two weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activities.
• After 4–6 weeks: You can gradually get back to playing sports or other activities, but you should stay out of the sun.
• After 6–12 months: Continue staying out of the sun until the treated area has returned to your normal skin color.

Dermaplaning doesn’t require general anesthesia, but your healthcare provider might put a numbing cream or spray on your face about half an hour before the procedure.

You might feel a scratching or stinging sensation on your skin, but dermaplaning usually isn’t painful.

Your healthcare provider uses a special instrument called a dermatome to remove hair and skin cells. The tool looks a bit like an electric razor. The dermatome has a small blade that moves back and forth across your skin. It doesn’t make cuts in your skin, but gently shaves off the top layers of skin.

Afterward, they may apply a soothing gel or ointment to your skin to reduce redness, swelling or irritation.

The treatment can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and a half. The length of the procedure depends on the size of the area that needs treatment.

Who shouldn’t have dermaplaning?

Some people with preexisting skin concerns shouldn’t have dermaplaning. Before getting this procedure, talk to your healthcare provider if you have:

• An active case of acne.
• Cold sore outbreaks.
• Eczema.
• Moles, freckles, skin tags or other skin growths.
• Psoriasis.
• Skin burns, such as those from radiation therapy.
• Skin rashes (contact dermatitis).

Who gets dermaplaning?

You may consider dermaplaning if you have skin concerns such as:

• Acne scars.
• Actinic keratosis (scaly skin patches that can lead to skin cancer).
• Dull or dry skin.
• Peach fuzz (light, soft hair on your face).
• Skin damaged by sun exposure.
• Fine lines (wrinkles).

Dermaplaning, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are all skin resurfacing procedures. Each procedure uses different tools and takes off different amounts of skin. Dermaplaning uses a scalpel (knife) or razor to remove skin. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure. Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical procedure that uses an exfoliating blade to sand away your skin to smooth it and remove the appearance of scars.

Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure for your skin. Your healthcare provider uses a special instrument to shave away the uppermost layers of your skin.

Dermaplaning can help reduce the appearance of acne scars or other skin imperfections by revealing newer, undamaged skin. It can make your skin look younger; though, it doesn’t stop the aging process. Some people also get dermaplaning for hair removal. This is only a temporary fix because your hair will grow back.

Most people get the procedure on their face, but you can do it anywhere on your body.