Dermaplane

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dermaplaning?  Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliating and skin-resurfacing service. A medical-grade, sterile instrument called a dermatome is guided across the skin at an angle to gently remove dead skin cells and vellus hair from the epidermis.  Dermaplaning also temporarily removes the fine vellus hair of the face (aka "peach fuzz"), leaving a very smooth surface. As with any exfoliation, removing dead skin cells helps home care products work better, reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens skin tone, and helps reduce milia, closed and open comedones, and minor breakouts associated with congested pores.

What should you expect during your treatment?  Your aesthetician will perform a thorough skin analysis before your first dermaplaning treatment and review any contraindications that might prevent you from receiving dermaplaning.  You'll get the best results by completing a series of monthly services and following a home care regimen. If desired, your aesthetician will review your current daily regimen and skin care products, advise you on which products to continue using, and recommend any additional products or changes to enhance your desired outcome.  Your aesthetician should also take every precaution to ensure your skin stays well hydrated and calm after each session. However, you may experience excessive dryness or even some peeling between sessions; always contact your aesthetician if you have any concerns. More sensitive skin may experience some redness after the first couple of sessions. This normally goes away after 2 to 3 hours.  After your treatment, we highly encourage you to wear SPF 30+ at all times. Tanning beds should never be used. You are investing in your skin; therefore, it is in your best interest to keep protecting it long after your series of treatments is complete.

Is satisfaction guaranteed?  Immediate results, such as smoother, glowing skin, are among some top results.  After a series of treatments, clients have reported a longer-lasting glow, deeper product absorption, and greater product effectiveness, which can support a commitment to a daily skin care regimen. However, we cannot guarantee this outcome, as maximum results depend heavily on age, cumulative sun exposure, health, lifestyle, genetic traits, overall skin condition, and willingness to follow recommended protocols. Be aware that many changes may occur deeper within the skin over time. 

What are the benefits of dermaplaning?  Dermaplaning can benefit our skin in many ways.  As with all skin care, a regular routine is essential to maximize the benefits of any service.  Below are some of the highly sought-after benefits when performed every 4 to 6 weeks:

  • Provides deeper product penetration
  • Removes soft facial hair that traps dirt and oils
  • Promotes smoother skin
  • Safe procedure for removing dead skin cells and “peach fuzz”
  • Reduces the appearance of acne scars
  • Diminishes the look of fine lines
  • Works on all skin types
  • Instant results and no downtime

What are the contraindications? What would prevent someone from receiving a dermaplaning procedure?  Although it is impossible to list every potential risk and complication, the following conditions are recognized as contraindications to dermaplaning treatment and must be disclosed prior to treatment.

  • Accutane use (minimum 12-month discontinuation period)
  • Active acne 
  • Active infection of any type, such as herpes simplex or flat warts. 
  • Any raised lesions 
  • Botox or Filler (minimum 7-day waiting period before dermaplaning)
  • Cancer History (no service during active treatment, Physician clearance required post-treatment)
  • Chemical Peels (minimum 14-day waiting period before dermaplaning)  
  • Certain Medications
  • Diabetes (service permitted only with verified glycemic control)
  • Eczema or dermatitis
  • Family history of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation
  • Hemophilia
  • Hormonal therapy that produces thick pigmentation
  • Intense Pulse Light (IPL) (minimum 10-day waiting period before dermaplaning)
  • Laser Treatments (minimum 14-day waiting period before dermaplaning) 
  • Moles
  • Oral blood thinner medications
  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) Susceptibility (2-week pre- and post-treatment protocol)
  • Pregnancy
  • Recent use of topical agents such as glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids, and Retin-A
  • Retinoid use 5 days prior to dermaplaning
  • Rosacea
  • Scleroderma
  • Skin Cancer
  • Sunburn
  • Tattoos
  • Telangiectasia/erythema may be worsened or brought out by exfoliation
  • Thick, dark facial hair
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Use of Accutane within the last year
  • Vascular lesions

What should I expect after the procedure?  Avoid aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity until all redness has subsided. Avoid direct sunlight exposure immediately after treatment (including strong UV light or tanning beds). Although SPF 30+ should already be part of your daily skin care, after epiplaning, apply SPF 30+ daily to the treated area for at least two weeks. Twice daily, cleanse the treated area with a post-treatment cleanser, apply a serum or treatment cream, then apply SPF 30+ sunscreen.


As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out!