Dermaplaning is all the rage these days, and even if you’re not a huge trend follower, you’ve likely heard of it. Dermaplaning is similar in theory to microdermabrasion in that it is a physical form of exfoliation. The procedure entails a cosmetic surgeon or skincare expert using a sterile surgical scalpel to gently shave the top layer of dead skin and fine vellus hair from the skin’s surface.
Basically, people (mostly women) undergo the procedure to rid their faces of peach fuzz. So, what’s the big deal?
There are several benefits to dermaplaning, actually. For one, it results in an immediately improved appearance. The process of removing peach fuzz and dead skin cells helps to reduce the appearance of scarring and hyperpigmentation, thereby evening out the complexion. It also leaves the skin feeling much softer and silkier. The greatest benefit of dermaplaning, however, is the fact that it triggers the cell regeneration process, meaning it encourages the growth of newer, healthier skin cells in place of dull, dead ones.
That said, like any surgical or cosmetic procedure, you must ask yourself, do the pros outweigh the cons? Because there are drawbacks to dermaplaning. To help you decide if the procedure is worth the (sizeable) investment, we’ve put together this list of pros and cons of dermaplaning.
The Pros of Dermaplaning
For many people, dermaplaning yields more benefits than it does drawbacks. The benefits of the procedure may include one, several or all of the following:
- The process is painless and triggers almost immediate cellular turnover.
- It’s often a precursor to other beauty treatments, such as microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, facials and chemical peels, as it prepares the skin for deeper penetration.
- Patients can undergo frequent treatments will little to no side-effects.
- Dermaplaning creates a smooth foundation on which makeup can be more evenly applied.
- For many, it helps to significantly reduce the appearance of post-inflammatory scars from acne.
The Cons of Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is not for everyone. Some cons of which to be aware before undergoing treatment include the following:
- The process is expensive and costs significantly more than other hair removal treatments.
- The results are not the same for everyone. Skin sensitivity levels and hair-growth cycles may dictate how well the treatment works as well as how long the results last.
- Though more expensive than other hair removal methods, the results are not as long lasting, as dermaplaning does not remove the hair from the root.
- For some individuals with specific skin conditions, dermaplaning is simply not an option.
Women who live with excessive facial hair should be especially wary of dermaplaning. Though a fuzz-free face may seem appealing to this demographic, one woman’s story is enough to make many think twice. Per the woman’s report, the procedure left her skin feeling raw and looking unnervingly red for up to 48 hours afterward. Once the pain and swelling did subside, she enjoyed a brief period of baby-smooth skin. After that, however, her hair grew back—not thicker, as the old wives tale would have it, but “pricklier.” The blunt ends of the new hairs, she claims, were “coarse,” and she found she constantly had to dig out ingrown hairs post-procedure. To add insult to injury, after months of using DIY shaving techniques similar to those used in dermaplaning, she said she developed a “dark shadow” beneath the skin that no amount of makeup could hide.
Is Dermaplaning for You?
Of course, the one woman’s dermaplaning horror story is the exception, not the rule. For many women, dermaplaning yields and continues to yield outstanding results. However, the best way to decide whether the trending treatment is right for you is to discuss your unique skin health concerns with your dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. Armed with the right information, you can make a decision with which you will be happy for years to come.
