Dermaplaning is a gentle facial exfoliation with results you can see right away. The effects are temporary, downtime is minimal, and your provider can recommend a schedule based on your skin. Dermaplaning is offered at our San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria offices.
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a gentle exfoliation of the outermost layer of the skin. Your provider uses a sterile surgical blade, held at an angle, to glide lightly across the skin and lift away dead surface cells and fine facial hair.
By removing dead skin cells and fine facial hair, dermaplaning can leave skin feeling smoother and looking brighter. It also creates a smoother surface for applying makeup and skincare products.
Dermaplaning treats the top layer of the skin only, and it does not change the way your facial hair grows.
Benefits of dermaplaning
Dermaplaning can help you:
- Gently remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin
- Remove fine facial hair, commonly called peach fuzz
- Improve the appearance of dull, uneven skin texture
- Leave skin feeling smoother and softer
- Create a smoother surface for makeup application
- Enjoy immediate results with minimal downtime
How dermaplaning works
Prepare
Your provider cleanses your skin and evaluates whether dermaplaning is appropriate for your skin that day.
Exfoliate
A sterile surgical blade glides across the skin in light strokes, lifting away dead skin cells and fine facial hair.
Protect
After treatment, soothing skincare products may be applied, and your provider reviews sun protection and aftercare with you.
What to expect
Your visit begins with a conversation about your skin, your skincare routine and your goals. Please come with clean, makeup-free skin if you can, and tell us about any prescription medications, recent treatments and skin conditions.
During treatment, your provider treats the areas of the face you have chosen together. You may feel a light scraping sensation as the blade moves across your skin, and your provider will explain what to expect before beginning. Treatment time varies depending on the areas treated, and your provider will let you know how long to plan for.
Afterward, your skin may look slightly pink or feel a little sensitive for a short time. Most people return to their usual activities, and your provider will review aftercare with you.
Results are immediate and temporary. Skin renews itself on its own schedule, so your provider will recommend how often dermaplaning is right for you.
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Caring for your skin after treatment
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, and limit direct sun while your skin recovers
- Use a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer
- Pause scrubs, peels and exfoliating or retinoid products until your provider says it is okay to restart them
- Skip at-home blades and other exfoliating tools on the treated skin unless your provider recommends them
- Contact our office if you notice bleeding, blistering, signs of infection, or redness or swelling that does not settle
Learn more from the American Academy of Dermatology about how to apply sunscreen.
Is dermaplaning right for you?
Dermaplaning may be a good option if you want smoother, brighter-looking skin or would like to remove fine facial hair. It is generally best suited for skin without active inflammation, irritation or infection.
It is a surface treatment. Dermaplaning does not tighten skin or treat deeper concerns, so if you are looking for those results, your provider will talk with you about other options.
We may recommend waiting, or a different treatment, if you have:
- Active acne or inflamed breakouts in the treatment area
- A cold sore outbreak or another active infection
- Eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis or another active skin condition in the area
- Open wounds, a sunburn or skin that is already irritated
Please let us know if you currently take or recently took isotretinoin, use prescription retinoids, or have had another skin treatment recently. Please also tell us if you have a history of scarring or keloids, or if your skin changes color after irritation.
Looking for more ways to care for your skin? Explore our other facials, peels and skin care services.
Possible side effects
Dermaplaning is generally considered safe when it is performed by a trained professional. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary redness, tenderness or sensitivity
- Increased sensitivity to the sun while your skin recovers
- Small nicks or irritation
- In rare cases, infection, scarring, or temporary or persistent changes in skin pigmentation
Contact our office if anything about your recovery concerns you.
Dermaplaning frequently asked questions
Offered at
Ready to start? Request your consultation
To schedule an appointment, please complete the form below, book online in Santa Maria (opens online scheduler), or call our office.
Cosmetic Services: No referral is required.
Medical Dermatology in San Luis Obispo: We are accepting new patients with a referral from your primary care physician. Please have your primary care physician send your referral to our office, then complete the form below to request an appointment.
Medical Dermatology in Santa Maria: PPO patients may schedule appointments without a referral. For HMO patients, we are in-network with Santa Maria Physician's Choice.
A consultation fee of $125 is due at the time of booking.
Medical references
Cleveland Clinic: Dermaplaning · Dermaplaning at home
American Academy of Dermatology Association: How to apply sunscreen
This page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Dermaplaning is a cosmetic exfoliation treatment. Individual results vary and are temporary. Side effects are possible, and not everyone is a candidate. Tell us about your skin conditions, medications and recent treatments before your appointment.