Dermaplaning: Can You Really Do It at Home?

Skin resurfacing is a common method of improving various issues, like uneven skin tone, highly visible wrinkles, and prominent scars. There are many ways to resurface the smoother layer of skin underneath. Examples of such methods are laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light or IPL. But, did you know that you can also improve skin imperfections with a blade? This is a procedure called dermaplaning. What can you expect when you dermaplane your skin? Find out here. 

What Is Dermaplaning?

To set your expectations, you need to know what dermaplaning is first. 

Dermaplaning uses a handheld tool called dermatome, which looks like  a scalpel  or an electric razor with a turning blade that moves back and forth for even skimming. 

Simply put, when you dermaplane your skin, you literally “scrape” the imperfections away with a blade. That’s why it’s also called blading or microplaning. 

Of course, dermaplaning doesn’t remove all scars and flaws; it’s also NOT an anti-aging treatment. 

Due to how delicate the procedure is, only trained professionals should perform it. You can derae a small area or the whole face. Likewise, it can be used alone or with other skincare treatment. 

Who Can Benefit from Dermaplaning?

Men and women can both benefit from dermaplaning provided the doctor ascertains that it is the right procedure for them. Some of the factors to take into account are:

What To Expect During the Procedure

If you want to dermaplane an area of your skin or your whole face, note that it generally doesn’t involve any preparation. 

When you arrive at the clinic, the staff may clean your face with a gentle cleanser with ingredients that help loosen dead skin cells (alpha or beta hydroxy acid). Once the skin area is dry, the professional will hold the dermatome at a 45-degree angle, pull the skin tight, and gently scrape against the grain of hair using short motions. 

After, they might apply a gentle moisturizer, serum, or sunscreen on the treated skin before giving you further instructions for aftercare. Usually, there’s no downtime after dermaplaning. In fact, some squeeze the procedure into their lunch break. 

Does It Require Anesthesia?

Reports say the procedure is not painful and some might even fall asleep during. But those who want to dermaplane their skin might have local anesthesia with sedation that allows them to relax but remain awake. Likewise, the doctor might opt to use a numbing spray instead. Sometimes, too, general anesthesia may be recommended. 

Of course, the use of anesthesia would mean there might be a downtime. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor first so you can prepare accordingly. 

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

Dermaplaning takes about a few minutes to an hour or more depending on the size of the area involved. You can dermaplane skin every 2 to 4 weeks. 

Disadvantages, Risks, and Side-Effects

For some, it results in a more youthful appearance, with less visible wrinkles and scars. For others, though, it may not be as successful. 

After you dermaplane the skin, you might experience:

• Red and swollen skin, as if they were scraped
• Swelling and scabbing 
• Aching and burning sensation
• Eating and speaking difficulty for a few days

Is Home Dermaplaning Safe?

In case you want to dermaplane your skin, you probably learned that online stores are selling dermaplaning tools. And while that may give you the impression that it’s safe to dermaplane at home, please refrain from doing so. 

Remember that you need to know first if dermaplaning is for you, and that requires a consultation with a dermatologist. Second, your hands cannot compare to the skilled hands of professionals. You might end up injuring yourself. 

Hence, while you can buy tools online, it’s best to do it in a clinic. 

Learn more about Skin Health here.