Dermaplaning

The top layer of your skin is in a constant state of renewal, with cells sloughing off the surface every day and cells in the uppermost epidermis going through a two-week lifecycle. However, simply because the cells renew does not mean that your skin is exactly how you’d like it to be.

Dermaplaning is an optimal solution for improving the appearance of superficial skin. It can also be effectively combined with a host of facial peels and skin care products to rejuvenate the face.

Please contact Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle by calling (206) 402-4797 to schedule your appointment. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Greene and his team of estheticians and other professionals provide a wide variety of premium skin care treatments for patients in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and nearby areas of Washington.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Just as a carpenter uses a planing tool to smooth and shape a plank of wood, dermaplaning involves smoothing the skin to improve its texture and appearance. Specifically, our esthetician or one of our certified medical assistants will gently run an instrument with a fine blade (similar to a scalpel) across the surface of the skin.

The dermaplaning process improves skin by doing the following:

• Removes dead skin cells
• Removes vellus hairs (the fine hairs on the skin’s surface)
• Smoothes areas of rough skin
• Eliminates irritants that can prematurely age the skin

Dermaplaning helps to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, giving you a brighter tone and smoother complexion. With dead skin cells removed, the process of generating new cells begins, which also improves the look and feel of your skin.

What Should I Expect During Dermaplaning Treatment?

You may have heard dermaplaning referred to as a “scalpel facial.” While that nickname is true in some respects, it is very important to understand that the bladed instrument is not used the way a surgeon would use it.

The motion your esthetician employs during a dermaplaning session is similar to a shave at a barbershop. For men, this may be a familiar sensation, but women may be alarmed at the prospect. However, rest assured that dermaplaning is non-invasive; you are not going “under the knife.”

Many patients report that the sensation is not unlike a professional shave. You should feel little to no discomfort, and you can generally return to your normal routine immediately after dermaplaning treatment.

Depending on your goals, dermaplaning may be combined with another service or premium skincare product. The dermaplaning process opens up the skin, allowing better absorption of the rejuvenating ingredients in facials, peels, and other applications.

Is Dermaplaning Right for Me?

Many women are attracted to dermaplaning because of its efficacy in removing “peach fuzz” (vellus) hairs. However, dermaplaning is also beneficial for the skin, and both male and female patients can enjoy improvements to the skin through this facial treatment.

Most patients are suitable candidates for dermaplaning, especially those who experience adverse reactions from chemical-based treatments. However, you may want to consider another option if you:

• Have coarse, dark hair on your face (note that these are not vellus hairs; dermaplaning will not cause these hairs to grow back thicker or faster)
• Have acne or acne scars
• Have discolored areas or pigmented lesions on your face (hyperpigmentation)

Our team will assess your skin health and complexion at your initial consultation. You may be a candidate for dermaplaning, or we can discuss other options to rejuvenate your skin.

Contact Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle Today

Our board-certified dermatologist and his team have extensive experience with a wide range of cosmetic and medical therapies for issues affecting the skin. Dermaplaning may be an effective solution for improving your skin and removing unwanted tiny hairs, or it could be an effective component of a facial peel or product treatment.

We look forward to meeting with you to find your optimal skin care solution. Please call (206) 402-4797 today to schedule your consultation at our office in Seattle serving Kirkland, Bellevue, and nearby areas of Washington.