Dermaplaning in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland

Dermaplaning (also known as the Scalpel Facial) is a noninvasive exfoliating skincare treatment that removes about 3-4 weeks of dead skin and peach fuzz (superficial facial hair), brightens skin, allows for better product penetration, and reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Before Dermaplaning: Peach fuzz – What is it?

Peach fuzz (Vellus hair) are fine hairs that coat most of the face and body. They act as a protective covering for the skin. Vellus hairs contribute to the dull looking appearance of skin and also inhibit product penetration. Removing vellus hairs helps brighten the skin and allows for your products to penetrate better.) Dermaplaning will remove vellus hair by gently scraping across the skin with a surgical scalpel and effectively removing 3-4 weeks of hair growth and dead skin build up.

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Ideal Candidate for Dermaplaning

Unlike laser and light treatments, which cannot be performed on every skin type, dermaplaning is safe on all the Fitzpatrick skin types. 

Good candidates for dermaplaning

• Have superficial facial hair or “peach fuzz”
• Have dry or dull skin
• Want to exfoliate their skin to allow for better penetration of medical grade skincare products, improved efficacy of light treatments
• Have large pores
• Have superficial lines and wrinkles
• Have blackheads

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Dermaplaning Technique

Dermaplaning uses a surgical scalpel to gently scrape away dead skin build up and “peach fuzz”. The blade can be a carbon fiber or stainless steel – At The Naderi Center we prefer to use the stainless steel blades because they give a better result. Medical grade dermaplaning cannot be compared with at home models typically sold online because of the sharpness of the blade. At home dermaplaning kits will leave micro cuts and scratches on your skin. Medical grade dermaplaning ensures smooth removal of unwanted debris from the face.

The dermaplaning process starts with cleansing your skin and applying a degreaser. Next your skin will be held taught and the blade will gently scrape back and forth across your skin at a 45 degree angle until all the dead skin and hair is removed. There is no pain associated with the treatment and most patients fall asleep during the procedure. After, serums and sunscreen will be applied to hydrate and improve texture. You may return to your normal regimen directly after the treatment, but keep in mind that you will probably be a little more sensitive to the products you are using since they will penetrate much quicker.

A typical dermaplaning treatment will take around 30 minutes. If you are planning on having a facial, light chemical peel, or even a BBL treatment, you should plan 45 minutes to an hour for the treatment.

Dermaplaning vs Microdermabrasion

	Dermaplaning	Microdermabrasion
Mechanical Exfoliation	Yes	Yes
Removes Peach Fuzz	Yes	No
Removes Black Heads	No	Yes
Good For Oily/Acne Skin	No	No
Good For Rosacea Skin	Yes	No
Good For Patients With Coarse Hair	No	Yes

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Cost of Dermaplaning Treatment

Dermaplaning can range anywhere from $75-$150 per treatment. At The Naderi Center, dermaplaning is $150 as a stand alone treatment and $75 if you would like to use it as an add on treatment to another procedure.

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Preparation for Dermaplaning

To prepare for your dermaplaning procedure, we ask that you come to your appointment with a cleansed face. Patients that have active acne or are on medications that sensitize the skin should advise our aesthetician prior to their service.

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Recovery after Dermaplaning

After a dermaplaning treatment, your skin will be smooth, have a nice glow, and may be slightly pink. There is typically no downtime associated with dermaplaning, but some people may feel a little sensitivity depending on how the skin tolerates the treatment. You may apply makeup after the treatment, but it is typically recommended to wait a few hours before makeup application.

How often should I Dermaplane?

If you are using dermaplaning to treat superficial facial hair, you can perform it every 3-4 weeks, depending on soon the hair grows back. For dead skin cell exfoliation, dermaplaning is performed about every four weeks which corresponds to the rate at which skin cells turnover (28-30 days).

What Treatments Can Be Paired With Dermaplaning?

Your dermaplaning treatment can be combined with a variety of facials and light treatments.
HydraFacial –  A high tech device that uses different levels of mechanical exfoliation, glycolic/salycilic acid, suctions out pores, and infuses different serums with antioxidants into the skin.
ZO Glow Facial – Which uses Lactic, Citric, and Glycolic acids to brighten and reduce inflammation in your skin.
Hydrating Facial – Which uses B5, papaya enzyme, and hyaluronic acid to brighten your skin and infuse your skin cells with extra hydration.
BBL Corrective and BBL Forever Young – BBL (Broadband Light) treats specific targets e.g. reds (capillaries/rosacea) and browns (hyperpigmentation) in the skin. Dermaplaning before this treatment removes dead skin build up which could be hindering the BBL’s ability to target the specific chromophores. To learn more about BBL click here. 

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Risk, Safety, and Potential Complications from Dermaplaning.

Typically dermaplaning is performed by a licensed aesthetician. Sometimes you may see a dermatologist performing dermaplaning, but it depends on each state’s regulations. Please make sure your provider is experienced with this procedure. The blade used in this procedure is very sharp and without proper experience and care, there is always risk of cutting the skin which can lead to scarring.

Will shaving my face at home be the same as dermaplaning in the office

NO! The blades purchased for at home use are nowhere near as sharp as the blades used in a medical setting. You also risk cutting yourself and causing scarring. Please see a professional if you would like to have a dermaplane treatment. (You can see the ridges in these at home blades – they cause micro cuts and tears in your skin!)

Patients with Active Acne Should NOT Dermaplane

Patients with oily, acne, or cystic breakouts are not good candidates for the treatment. If you have pustules (puss filled breakouts) then it is a good idea to postpone the appointment. If you have cystic acne, you can still proceed with the dermaplaning treatment but you would need to make sure your provider is experienced enough because the surface of the skin will not be smooth. (Dermaplaning with cystic acne is beneficial because it allows for any treatment products to penetrate deeper into your skin.)

Myth: Hair grows back thicker after Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning doesn’t affect the structure of your hair. It will not stimulate more hair growth. Hair grows like a blade of grass. It is sharper on the end and thickens as you go down the hair shaft. If you cut the hair it makes it seem as if you have caused the hair to be thicker, but all you have done is removed the pointed end. Your hair will grow back exactly how it was growing before. How fast your hair grows, quantity, and quality of your hair all depends on your genetics.

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Dermaplaning Specialist and Master Aesthetician, Ava

At The Naderi Center, our Master Aesthetician, Ava, is highly trained and experienced in the dermaplaning technique and can combine your treatment with a customizable skincare service to help rejuvenate your skin.

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Schedule your Dermaplaning Consultation

Do you still have questions about the dermaplaning procedure? To find out more, contact The Naderi Center’s Reston, Virginia office at 703-481-0002 or the Chevy Chase, Maryland office at 301-222-2020. Virtual consultations with our master aesthetician are available for those patients traveling from outside of the immediate area.

Dermaplaning FAQs