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Dermaplaning

What is dermaplaning and how does it work? 

Dermaplaning is a simple and safe clinical procedure that exfoliates the epidermis (top layer of the skin) and removes the vellus (peach fuzz) hairs.  The procedure has been around for more than 35 years and is completed by gently gliding a stainless-steel scalpel blade across the skin to remove keratinized cells (dead skin cells) and “peach fuzz”.  Removing the hairs and excess debris from the skin allows active ingredients to penetrate the skin better and with less product.  

Dermaplaning is great for those who want deep exfoliation but have contraindications to chemical skin peels. 

 

The benefits: 

Dermaplaning can help smooth scaring, reduce uneven skin tone, as well as minimise fine lines and wrinkles. 

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Dermaplaning procedure: 

The room will be sanitized before you arrive.  When you arrive, we will go through the procedure, the desired outcome and health and safety which would have been emailed to you beforehand.  You can ask as many questions as you want before the treatment takes place.  Age identification will be checked then you will read and sign the consent form and before photos will be taken.  You will then be asked to tie your hair back and to wear a hair net before laying on the treatment bed.  The treatment will start by the removal of all make-up and cleansing the area to be treated with a glycolic based cleanser followed by an alcohol wipe.  A one-time use pre-sanitized surgical stainless-steel blade will be opened in front of you.  The dermaplaning procedure will start from your forehead working around the face.  After the dermaplaning treatment has been completed the treated area will be cleansed and a face mask will be applied for ten minutes.  If you have decided you want the LED light therapy treatment added at an additional cost to the dermaplaning treatment this will then be performed. An after photo will be taken and all aftercare advice will be reiterated to you.  Please ask any questions you have. 

DERMAPLANING

Treatment frequency: 

Every 4 weeks 

 

Possible side effects: 

Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, redness may appear immediately after the process.  As the dermaplaning tool scrapes off the dead cells, the blood vessels can become slightly irritated. 

 

Unfortunately, those with the following can’t have the dermaplaning treatment: 

  • If you’re nervous or twitchy 

  • If you have active herpes 

  • Pregnant or breast feeding 

  • Have active acne 

  • Pustular rosacea 

  • Active infections of any type 

  • Any raised lesions 

  • Recent chemical peels (14 days) 

  • Chemotherapy or radiotherapy 

  • Eczema or dermatitis 

  • Family history or hypertrophic scarring or keloid scarring 

  • Hemophilia 

  • Allergies to nickel 

  • Facial rashes 

  • Moles 

  • Are on blood thinners 

  • Rosacea 

  • Skin Cancer 

  • Are sun burnt 

  • Thread veins or broken capillaries 

  • Uncontrolled diabetes 

  • Use of accutane within the last 12 months 

  • Vascular lesions 

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Aftercare: 

Do not touch your face immediately after the procedure. 

Do not wash your face or apply any additional products to the skin for 24 hours. 

Avoid any activity which can cause sweating for 24 hours after the treatment. 

All heat treatments including swimming, saunas, steam rooms or steamy hot showers should be avoided. 

Exposure to direct sunlight or UV tanning beds should be avoided for 2 weeks after the treatment.

Apply a minimum of SPF 30 every day.

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Frequently asked questions: 

Will Dermaplaning hurt? 

Just like shaving any other part of the body you will feel some light brushing on the skin but as dermaplaning does not cut or pierce the skin, or interfere with the roots of the hairs, there should be no bleeding or pain.  However, depending on your skin sensitivity and tenderness, some slight redness may appear.  Obviously, this may come with some mild discomfort but not pain.  At worst, you may experience sensitivity to direct sun.  At this point you may need to use some sunscreen to protect the newly exposed cells. 

 

Will the hair grow back thicker and darker after dermaplaning? 

When talking about dermaplaning side effects, this is one of the oldest myths.  In the first instance, shaving does not change the biological makeup of your hair, what actually happens is that the dermaplaning tool creates blunt tips of the hairs.  Mostly people will confuse these tips for thicker strands. 

Again, shaving hair on any part of the body does not change the colour or thickness of your hair. The action of dermaplaning tool does not interfere with the root of the hairs.  So, if are you planning on visiting a professional or using an at home dermaplaning tool, no need to worry; the peach fuzz will never grow back any thicker or darker. 

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