What Is Dermaplaning? Benefits, Limits and Who It Suits

Dermaplaning is an in-office exfoliation treatment. A trained skincare professional glides a sterile surgical blade across your skin to lift away dead skin cells and the fine facial hair often called peach fuzz. Most people notice smoother, brighter skin right away, and an appointment typically takes about 30 minutes with no downtime. Hair that is removed grows back within a few weeks, so the results are temporary.

At Center for Plastic Surgery, our aestheticians perform dermaplaning on its own or add it to another treatment. Below: what it does, who it suits, how it compares with DiamondGlow®, and what it cannot do.

• What Dermaplaning Does for Your Skin

• Is Your Skin a Good Match?

• What Happens During a Visit

• Dermaplaning vs. DiamondGlow® at a Glance

• Limits and Risks to Know

• Aftercare and How Often to Repeat It

• Interested in Dermaplaning in Washington, D.C.?

What Dermaplaning Does for Your Skin

In short, it removes the dull top layer so the fresher skin underneath shows. Our dermaplaning page describes it as "a controlled method of surgical scraping that removes dead skin and peach fuzz, instantly brightening, softening, and refining your face." It can also soften the appearance of wrinkles, scarring and skin irregularities.

Most people notice these changes:

• Brighter, smoother skin: removing built-up dead cells reveals a fresher surface. Our procedure page notes that this also triggers your skin's cell turnover process.

• Less peach fuzz: the fine hairs that catch light and powder are removed along with the dead skin.

• Easier makeup: with the surface smoother, foundation goes on more evenly.

• Better product absorption: serums and moisturizers can sink into the skin more easily afterwards.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center lists dry, dull skin, fine lines, rough texture, poor skin tone and sun-damaged skin among the concerns dermaplaning treats.

Is Your Skin a Good Match?

Dermaplaning suits many people. The main requirement on our procedure page is skin that is relatively tolerant, because the treatment is somewhat abrasive.

It is worth waiting, or choosing a different treatment, if you have:

• Active acne: our procedure page advises against dermaplaning during a breakout, because it could open active spots and spread bacteria. Ohio State also lists cystic acne as a reason to consider other options.

• Rosacea or keratosis pilaris: Ohio State names both as conditions where dermaplaning may not be right for you.

• Eczema, psoriasis, cold sore outbreaks, rashes or skin growths: Cleveland Clinic recommends talking with your provider first if any of these apply.

• Open wounds or lesions on your face: Ohio State recommends rescheduling until the skin has healed.

If you are unsure, that is what the first appointment is for. Your aesthetician looks at your skin and tells you whether dermaplaning is the right place to start.

What Happens During a Visit

The appointment is short and simple. Preparation starts a few days before your visit: our procedure page asks you to stop using retinol, aggressive AHA or BHA treatments and physical exfoliants to avoid irritation. Ohio State also suggests avoiding sun exposure in the week before your appointment.

At the appointment, your face is cleansed. An experienced skincare professional then works across small sections of skin with a sharp, sterile blade, lifting away dead cells and fine hairs. Ohio State puts a typical appointment at about 30 minutes. Our aestheticians can also add dermaplaning to another treatment, such as a facial or a HydraFacial. Our post on HydraFacial add-ons covers the other options.

Dermaplaning vs. DiamondGlow® at a Glance

Both treatments exfoliate the skin's surface, but they do it differently, and DiamondGlow® also works inside the pores. This comparison is based on our own procedure pages.

Sources: Center for Plastic Surgery dermaplaning and DiamondGlow® pages.

Dermaplaning is also often confused with microdermabrasion. Ohio State explains the difference: dermaplaning uses a surgical steel blade, while microdermabrasion uses an electric device that applies an abrasive exfoliant with suction.

Limits and Risks to Know

Dermaplaning is a surface treatment, and it helps to be clear about what that means.

• Hair removal is temporary: Ohio State notes that fuzz grows back in a few weeks. For longer-term hair reduction, ask about laser hair removal.

• Deep scars need more: Cleveland Clinic states that dermaplaning may not reduce the appearance of deep or raised acne scars, and some people need more intensive treatment.

• It does not stop aging: Cleveland Clinic says it can make skin look younger but does not stop the aging process.

Side effects are usually mild but possible. Expect some redness, and your skin may feel sensitive for a short time. Ohio State lists skin irritation and temporary discoloration as possible complications. Cleveland Clinic adds infection, scarring (including raised or keloid scars) and skin that turns lighter or darker than the surrounding area. Tell your provider if you have a history of any of these.

Aftercare and How Often to Repeat It

Aftercare is mostly about gentleness and sun protection. For the first days after treatment, Ohio State recommends:

• Hold off on makeup for a day or so.

• Skip harsh or exfoliating ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide and astringents.

• Wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure and excessive heat, such as saunas.

How often can you repeat it? Ohio State recommends leaving at least a month between treatments to avoid irritation. Your aesthetician will suggest a schedule based on how your skin responds. Everyone's skin is different, so follow the plan made for you rather than a general rule.

If you are budgeting for a series, our pricing and cost information page explains how treatment fees work.

Interested in Dermaplaning in Washington, D.C.?

At Center for Plastic Surgery, our registered nurses and licensed aestheticians work closely with our board-certified plastic surgeons, including Dr. Samir S. Rao, to build personalized skin care treatment plans for patients from Washington, DC, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Arlington, Fairfax, and surrounding areas. Call our Chevy Chase office at (301) 652-7700 or our Tysons Corner office at (703) 560-2850, or request a consultation to find out whether dermaplaning suits your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my facial hair grow back thicker or darker?

No. According to Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, the fine fuzz removed by dermaplaning grows back within a few weeks, and the idea that it returns thicker or darker is a misconception. Because the regrowth is the same soft vellus hair as before, you can repeat the treatment on a schedule your aesthetician recommends.

Is dermaplaning the same as shaving my face at home?

The motion looks similar, but the treatment is not. In-office dermaplaning is performed by a trained skincare professional with a sterile surgical blade, after your skin has been assessed for conditions like active acne or rosacea that make it a poor fit. If you are curious about at-home tools, ask your aesthetician whether your skin suits them.

Can dermaplaning help with acne scars?

It can soften the appearance of mild scarring and skin irregularities by removing the dull surface layer. Cleveland Clinic notes it may not improve deep or raised acne scars, which often need a more intensive treatment. Wait until any active breakout has cleared, because dermaplaning over active acne can spread bacteria.

Can I combine dermaplaning with a chemical peel or facial?

Often, yes. Our aestheticians can add dermaplaning to other treatments, and Cleveland Clinic lists combining it with a resurfacing treatment such as a chemical peel as a good question to raise with your provider. Whether a combination suits your skin, and in what order, is decided at your visit.

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