DERMAPLANING IS A FORM OF MANUAL EXFOILIATION USING AN ESTHETICIAN-GRADE STERILE BLADE TO STROKE ALONG THE SKIN AT AN ANGLE TO GENTLY "SHAVE OFF" DEAD SKIN CELLS FROM THE EPIDERMIS.
Dermaplaning is a form of manual exfoliation similar in theory to microdermabrasion but without the use of suction or abrasive crystals. An esthetician-grade, sterile blade is stroked along the skin at an angle to gently “shave off” dead skin cells from the epidermis. Dermaplaning also temporarily removes the fine vellus hair of the face, leaving a very smooth surface. As with any type of exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells allows home care products to be more effective, reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens skin tone and assists in reducing milia, closed and open comedones, and minor breakouts associated with congested pores. Dermaplaning can be an effective exfoliation method for clients that have couperose (tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin), sensitive skin or allergies that prevent the use of microdermabrasion or chemical peels. Due to the contours of the face, certain areas of the face (such as the eyelids and nose) are not treatable using this method.
Know What to Expect.
Your esthetician will perform a thorough skin analysis prior to your first Dermaplaning. If Dermaplaning is not appropriate, you will be informed during this session and an alternative treatment may be recommended instead.
If Dermaplaning is not contraindicated, maximum results are obtained by participating in a series of treatments plus following a home care regimen. We need to review your current daily regimen and skin care products and advise you on which products you should continue to use, and recommend any additional products or changes to your regimen to enhance your desired outcome.
We take every precaution to ensure that your skin is well-hydrated and calm following each session. However, you may experience excessive dryness or even some peeling between sessions, which may or may not be normal. Always contact us 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. Dermaplaning may cause minor superficial abrasions which may not appear until a day or two following your treatment. If this should occur, please contact us so that we can do a post-treatment follow-up with you.
After your treatment, SPF 30+ MUST be worn at all times. Tanning beds should never be used. You are making an investment in your skin: therefore, it is to your benefit to continue to protect it long after your series of treatments is completed.
Contraindications
Although it is impossible to list every potential risk and complication, the following conditions are recognized as contraindications for Dermaplaning treatment and must be disclosed prior to treatment.
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Active acne
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Active infection of any type, such as herpes simplex or flat warts.
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Any raised lesions
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Any recent chemical peel procedure
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Chemotherapy or radiation
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Eczema or dermatitis
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Family history of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation
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Hemophilia
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Hormonal therapy that produces thick pigmentation
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Oral blood thinner medications
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Pregnancy
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Recent use of topical agents such as glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids and Retin-A
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Rosacea
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Scleroderma
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Skin Cancer
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Sunburn
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Tattoos
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Telangiectasia/erythema may be worsened or brought out by exfoliation
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Thick, dark facial hair
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Uncontrolled diabetes
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Use of Accutane within the last year
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Vascular lesions
Pre-Treatment Instructions
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If you have a history of cold sores, it is recommended that all patients having dermaplaning treatments done around the mouth have an oral antiviral agent to prevent any cold sore virus getting into the treated areas. Valtrex 500 mg twice a day to start 1 day before treatment and continue on for 5 days post treatment (7 days total).
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Please discontinue any products containing active ingredients 7 days prior to treatment, such as: Retinol (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Vitamin A), Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids), LHAs (Lipo hydroxy acids) and Benzoyl Peroxide. Avoid hydroquinone for 3 days before your treatment. If you have any questions about your current skin care products, please call our office.
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Please show up to your treatment appointment with no makeup on.
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Avoid sun exposure (including tanning beds) for at least 14 days prior to treatment. Avoid sunless tanning creams or sprays on the treated area for 14 days prior.
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Do not wax or use depilatory creams on the treatment areas for 14 days prior to treatment.
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Avoid Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Fish Oils, Vitamin E, and other blood thinners 5-7 days before your treatment.
Post-Treatment Instructions
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​Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands and gentle patting motions. DO NOT rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or skin care brush such as a Clarisonic on the treated area.
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Aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity should be avoided until all redness has subsided.
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Direct sunlight exposure is to be completely avoided immediately following the treatment (including any strong UV light exposure or tanning beds). Although SPF 30+ should already be a part of your daily skincare, after Dermaplaning, SPF 30+ must be applied to the treated area for a minimum of two weeks.
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Moisturizer should be applied generously with clean hands over the treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. DO NOT apply any other products that were not instructed by your provider - eg. essential oils, coconut oil, etc.
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Avoid scratching and itching, as scarring and pigmentation complications can occur.​
THE WISE APPROACH.
We believe that less is more.
Dr. Wise believes that each individual face has its own unique characteristics and requires a close examination to determine the right approach for correct and natural results. This requires analyzing multiple areas and understanding the balance of the face. Understanding that this is a big decision for you, our free consultation will give you time to make sure all your questions are answered and you are comfortable to proceed.
ALL WE'VE GOT TO DO IS GET STARTED.