What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning immediately rejuvenates the skin by removing the top layer of skin cells from the epidermis along with vellus hair (peach fuzz). It is highly effective in minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars, while leaving skin smooth, supple, and vibrant. It has been utilized in medical practices for over 40 years to prepare the skin for chemical peels and laser treatments. In spas it is often the exfoliation step in anti-aging facials. It is also utilized to prepare skin for light chemical peels, enzymes, Rezenerate nano infusion, light therapy, micro-current and other modalities. Dermaplaning increases the penetration of active ingredients in treatment room and home care products. It creates the perfect canvas for makeup application and is the go-to treatment to prepare for high profile occasions.

Dermaplaning is a physical/mechanical exfoliation that is extremely safe when performed by a professionally trained skin care specialist utilizing the appropriate tools and practices for the service. Utilizing proper technique is vital to assure client safety and best outcomes.

WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE?

This technique is safely performed using a blade specifically designed for dermaplaning. Once the skin is properly prepped, the technician holds the skin taut and gently glides the blade along the skin’s surface at a 45 degree angle.

IS IT SAFE?

It is extremely safe when performed by a trained professional utilizing proper methods and tools.

ONCE THE VELLUS HAIR IS REMOVED WILL IT GROW BACK THICKER?

No, this is physiologically impossible. The soft, fine vellus hair will grow back slowly - usually in about 4 weeks.

There are two types of hair that grow on our bodies:

1. Vellus hair is the thin, fine, soft hair that typically covers the entire body.

2. Terminal hair is the course hair that grows on the head, face in men, underarms, legs and pubic areas.

Dermaplaning, waxing, tweezing or any other depilatory form of hair removal, cannot alter the type of hair grown in any given area.

CAN DERMAPLANING CAUSE THE SKIN TO BLEED?

Not if done properly. If done improperly, excessive scraping, nicks and cuts can occur which can cause bleeding. This is why it is very important to complete a certified course, use only tools and supplies developed specifically for dermaplaning and have hands-on practice before performing this treatment on clients.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

Dermaplaning is performed on the face and sides of the neck. You should not dermaplane the eyelids, throat or chest.

HOW OFTEN CAN THIS PROCEDURE BE PERFORMED?

Dermaplaning can be performed every 3 to 4 weeks. Treating the skin in this manner actually removes about 2 to 3 weeks worth of dead skin cells. The technician should allow the skin to complete its normal skin cycle of approximately 28 days before repeating the treatment.

CAN DERMAPLANING BE PERFORMED WITH A CHEMICAL PEEL?

Yes. Dermaplaning is an excellent way to prepare the skin for a chemical peel.

DOES THE SKIN ACTUALLY PEEL FROM DERMAPLANING?

No. When dermaplaning is performed as a preparation for a chemical peel, the visible exfoliation that the client sees will be a result of the peel solution used in the treatment.

WHO CAN BE TREATED?

All skin types can benefit from dermaplaning. Typically, clients over 30 are the best candidates, and will return for regular treatments. It is highly addictive! Men can be dermaplaned on non-beard areas only, but they typically prefer microdermabrasion.

WHO CANNOT BE TREATED?

Clients with active acne outbreaks should not be treated until lesions are healed. Dermaplaning is great for diminishing acne scars but should not be performed during active outbreaks. Clients with bleeding disorders or difficulty clotting should not be treated. Clients with diabetes, not under control by diet or medication, should not be treated. Clients undergoing cancer treatment should not be treated. Clients with active cold sores will need to be rescheduled, and if prone to cold sores should begin to pre-medicate 24 hours prior to receiving a service. Clients with darker skin tones need 2-3 weeks pre-treatment with melanin suppressing home care products and sunscreen.

CAN I WAX AND DERMAPLANE ON THE SAME DAY?

Yes. We recommend waxing first. Then dermaplane right up to where you left off waxing. We do not dermaplane over newly waxed areas.

CAN I GET DERMAPLANED THE DAY OF MY WEDDING OR BIG EVENT?

We recommend dermaplaning several days before a big event - especially brides. If this is the first time you are being dermaplaned, this is even more important in case you have a reaction to either dermaplaning or a product we used on your skin during or following treatment.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

As with any procedure, proper client selection is essential. Be sure to complete the Medical History form. Timelines below are a guide, however, treatment may be further delayed if the your skin is inflamed, peeling, swollen, bruised, delayed in healing from another treatment or in any way distressed. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the following:

• Botox or Fillers - Wait 1 week after injection. It is ok to dermaplane prior to client receiving injections. Dermaplaning after injection can move the product causing an undesirable result.

• Retin-A - Stop using 5-days pre and post-treatment.

• Chemical peel - Dermaplaning my be done prior to a peel. Post-peel wait 14+ days depending upon strength and depth of the peel and condition of clients skin.

• Laser treatment - May be done prior to treatment. Post-laser wait 14(+) days depending upon treatment and condition of your skin.

• IPL - May be done prior to treatment. Post-IPL wait 10+ days depending upon treatment and condition of your skin.

Clients prone to PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) - Pre- and post-treat for at least 2 weeks prior to and following dermaplaning with appropriate home care which includes melanin suppressants.

• Diabetes - Must be under control by diet or medication

• Cancer - Not while undergoing treatment. Following conclusion of treatments doctor approval required.

• Accutane or Isotretinoin - Ok, after 12 months of non-use and with doctors approval

• Blood thinners or history of bleeding problems/delayed coagulation following injury - No

• Higher dosages or frequency of use of Aspirin - No

• Acne - Grade 3 or above - No

• Cold Sores - No, please reschedule

• Sunburn or windburned skin - No

POST INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION:

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is a concern for clients with darker skin tones. Preparing the skin ahead of time for treatments, whether individual or a series, is essential to insure best outcomes.

Any treatment that triggers an inflammatory response can stimulate this increased melanocyte activity.

When dermaplaning, gliding the blade too quickly, at an incorrect angle or with excessive pressure causes friction which results in heat and produces erythema. This causes melanocytes to go into overdrive. When this occurs, excessive melanin is “dropped” at the insult site. Reversing PIH can take as little as a few weeks or as much as a few months and in some cases the discoloration is permanent.

If you have any further questions please email us with your inquiries!