Dermaplaning

At some point in time, all of us have struggled with skin issues stemming from a variety of factors. In some cases, acne can leave significant scarring, even after the acne itself has been managed with treatments. In other cases, the skin might become pitted in appearance. Dermaplaning is an option for people looking to address skin issues with a minimally invasive method to walk away feeling confident and energized.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning makes use of a specialized medical instrument used to take away the outermost layers of the skin. This procedure is minimally invasive, making it more accessible for many patients than surgical options. Dermaplaning is designed to target imperfections in the skin by removing previously damaged skin to make way for newer, healthier, more uniform tissue. It can make the skin look more youthful and even. This technique is usually used to address areas of concern on the face, but, in some cases, it can be used on other areas of the body, as well.

Who Is a Candidate for Dermaplaning?

Because this procedure is minimally invasive, more people are likely to be ideal candidates for this technique. Candidates for this procedure are people who are experiencing discomfort or dissatisfaction due to a number of issues, including: scarring from acne, keratosis (scaly patches of the skin), skin that is dry or dull in appearance, sun damaged skin, and wrinkles. People who have acne that has not been managed, frequent cold sores, eczema, various types of skin growths, burns, and consistent rashes might not be good candidates for this procedure. During your consultation, we’ll talk to you about your skin, your medical history, and your expectations to help you decide if this procedure is the right next step for you.

What to Expect During a Dermaplaning Procedure

In many cases, we’ll take pictures of the skin before the procedure starts so you have a “before” and “after” comparison. We’ll talk to you during your consultation about how you should prepare for this procedure. In general, try to stop smoking for a few weeks before the procedure if you smoke. This will help the healing process. Also try to avoid medications that can keep your blood from clotting properly.

We’ll apply a numbing cream to the treatment area so you’re as comfortable as possible while the procedure is taking place. You might feel a scratching sensation, but pain isn’t typical for this treatment. We’ll use a dermatome, a tool that resembles a razor, to remove damaged skin cells by moving it across the skin. After the skin is removed, we’ll apply a salve or ointment to help with redness and irritation. This procedure is usually finished in under 2 hours.

Dermaplaning Aftercare

It’s normal to experience redness, swelling, and tenderness after this procedure, and they should go away on their own after a week. Try to avoid shaving the skin that’s been treated. Scabs might form after a couple of weeks, but try to avoid picking or itching to make sure your skin is healing properly. By the two week mark, you should be able to go back to work, but you should still avoid excessive exercise. You can resume strenuous activities after four weeks, but you should try to limit sun exposure until the area that’s been treated has gone back to its original color. Our team will go over a care plan with you so you know how to take charge of the healing process and enjoy the results as quickly as possible.

Schedule a Consultation

At Modern Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we are devoted to providing the best solutions for every skin type. What works for one person might not work for another. We are experts at helping patients understand their own skin so they can receive the best treatments possible. Schedule a consultation with us today to talk about dermaplaning.