Clinical Protocol: Dermaplaning
Pre-Treatment Safety, Expectations & Aftercare.
Realistic Expectations
Smoothness, Not Correction
Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation.
The Goal: The primary goal is to remove the dead stratum corneum (top layer of skin) and vellus hair. This results in an immediate "glow" and smoother texture.
What it won't do: It will not remove deep wrinkles, pigmentation, or deep acne scars. It is a surface refining treatment, not a structural one.
The Stubble Myth: Your hair will feel blunt when it first starts to grow back (around week 2), simply because it has been cut straight across rather than having a tapered natural end. This softness returns quickly. It will not become stubble.
Immediate Side Effects
Redness: Because we are physically scraping the skin, you will look pink immediately after treatment. This usually subsides within 1-2 hours.
Sensitivity: Your skin is "naked." We have removed its protective blanket of dead cells. It will feel very sensitive to wind, heat, and active products for 48 hours.
Dryness: You may experience mild dryness a few days later as the skin adjusts.
Adverse Reactions
Nicks and Cuts: While I am highly trained, using a surgical blade carries a small risk of superficial nicks. These heal very quickly, usually within 24 hours, and leave no scars.
Windburn: If you spend a lot of time outdoors immediately after treatment without protection, your skin can become red and sore (windburn) because the barrier is temporarily reduced.
Breakouts: In rare cases, removing the vellus hair can trigger a small breakout as the follicles are stimulated.
The Aftercare Rulebook
Your skin has no dead layer to protect it. You must protect it yourself.
SPF 50 IS MANDATORY. Your skin is extremely vulnerable to sun damage for 7 days.
Do NOT use exfoliating scrubs or acids (AHAs/BHAs) for 7 days. You have already been exfoliated.
Do NOT apply heavy makeup for 12-24 hours (let the pores breathe).
Do NOT use spray tans for 48 hours (it will settle into the open pores and look uneven).
Do NOT touch your face. Your hands carry bacteria that can cause infection.