Dermaplaning is an effective superficial exfoliation that involves the removal of fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face using a No.10 surgical blade. While there is a risk for nicks or cuts to the skin, just as there is for shaving, the incidence of this occurring is generally low. A mild combination or enzyme peel can be applied post treatment to enhance the effects of the exfoliation depending on skin sensitivity and experience with AHA’s/Enzymes. There are certain conditions that may require postponement of your procedure including: inflamed acne lesions, opens cuts/ scratches, active cold sores, surgery within the last 3-6 months, illness or severe stress
1. Ensure skin is properly hydrated prior to treatment by drinking plenty of water and using a good moisturizer day and night. Dermaplaning very dry or dehydrated skin increases the risk for the blade catching.
2. 24-48 hours prior to treatment, discontinue using all alpha hydroxy acid products (those containing Glycolic or Lactic acid), Salicylic products, and other acne medications such as Benzoyl peroxide.
3. The following procedures should not be performed for a minimum of 7 days before Dermaplaning: waxing, cosmetic injections (Botox, fillers), Chemical Peels, laser treatments.
4. Discontinue use of Vitamin A products 5-7 days prior to treatment. For prescription Retinoids, discontinue use 2 weeks prior.
5. Avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds 2 weeks prior to treatment.
1. Mild redness or tightness in the skin can be experienced for the first 24-48 hours post treatment and occasionally light flaking in localized areas. It is extremely important that you do no pick, scratch, pull or rub your skin during or after the treatment. If you do, it may damage underlying new skin, and cause scarring or pigmentation changes. Drink plenty of water and apply moisturizer as needed.
2. For the first 24 hours adhere to the following: avoid chemical hair treatments, sleep on back if possible, a fresh pillow case should be used, avoid excess heat from hot showers, steam rooms, hot tubs or extensive exercise, avoid use of make-up or irritating cosmetics. Do not go swimming for 48 hours post treatment. Chlorine, excess heat and irritating make-up or skin care may cause complications such as hyperpigmentation, rash or unwanted reaction.
3. No waxing, use of AHA’s, BHA’s, Retinoids, perfumes or exfoliation tools for 7 days post treatment.
4. No direct sun exposure or tanning for at least 2 weeks after your treatment. It is absolutely imperative to wear a minimum SPF 30 daily before, during and after Dermaplaning or any advanced exfoliation procedure.
5. Follow the appropriate home care regimen described by the aesthetician following Dermaplaning to ensure proper healing.
· Dermatitis, Eczema or Psoriasis in treatment area
· Suspicious spots, lesions or moles
· Excessive Telangiectasias
· Rosacea type III/ IV
· Open wounds/ Active Acne
· Deep wrinkles, Extremely Dry Skin, raised/indented scars
· Pregnancy
· Active or frequent Cold Sores or Fever Blisters
· Active or frequent cold sores: Possible prescription anti-viral medication and doctor consent may be required prior to having Dermaplaning to decrease risk of outbreak.
· Hepatitis A/B/C or HIV/AIDS
· Auto-immune diseases including Insulin-dependent Diabetes, Lupus (active), Lyme’s Disease etc.
· Cancer/ Chemotherapy medication(s)/ Radiation Treatment
· Accutane within last 12 months
· Blood thinning medications and/or Hemophilia
· Smoking: Heightened vascular sensitivity from nicotine and debilitating effect of exposure to toxic chemicals may result in decreased healing time.
· General state of health: Increased stress levels, chronic illness can result in decrease healing time.
· History of keloid scarring in treatment area.
· Very hypersensitive or reactive skin types
IS DERMAPLANING THE SAME AS SHAVING?
While there are similarities to shaving, Dermaplaning is not the same as it is a very precise, professional procedure involving a medical instrument that is very effective at getting very close to the epidermis to remove vellus hair and dead skin. Improvements in the skin can be seen and felt almost instantly, and can even improve skin texture, tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
WILL THE HAIR GROW BACK THICKER?
No, there is no actual scientific basis for this. Nothing happens to the actual bulb of the hair follicle where all the nutrients are that stimulate hair growth, so the hair will not grow back thicker. When the hair is removed with the blade, it has a blunt edge, so when it starts to grow back, it may feel thicker due to this edge, but it will go back to a normal point once it has all grown back in.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU HAVE DERMAPLANING DONE?
You can come in as often as once a month and the process can remove about 2-3 weeks of accumulated dead skin cells. Coming in more often is not recommended because it can interfere with the skin’s normal renewal cycle and may cause peeling from over-exfoliation, because the body will not yet have created enough new skin.