What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a perfect treatment for individuals with extremely sensitive skin who want to improve their facial appearance without surgery. This is a physical exfoliation using a scalpel to scrape off the outer most epidermal layers of the skin to improve the texture by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to removing unwanted facial hair.

Patients could benefit from this procedure who want to treat acne prone skin, hyper-pigmentation, sun damage and shrink large pores. Chemical peels may be incorporated in addition to achieve optimal results depending on your skins specific needs.

Julie Holesh, PA

Physician assistant Julie Holesh is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. With both an artistic eye and medical expertise, she can help you achieve optimal skin quality with injectables, laser treatments, and other med spa services.

Julie Holesh, PA-C
  • Exfoliates the skin naturally, without any chemicals or products
  • Removes dead skin cells & promotes healthy cell turnover
  • Removes vellus hair for smooth skin and flawless makeup application
  • Prepares the skin for further treatments, such as chemical peels

Dermaplaning: An exfoliating treatment that removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the face, providing a smoother and brighter complexion.

Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, which is primarily targeted during dermaplaning.

Vellus Hair: The fine, translucent hair found on the face, commonly referred to as ‘peach fuzz’.

Exfoliation: The process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Manual Exfoliation: A form of exfoliation that is performed using tools or physical agents instead of chemicals.

Esthetician: A licensed professional who specializes in skincare treatments and services.

Scalpel: A small, sharp knife used in dermaplaning to gently scrape off the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair.

Cell Turnover: The process by which the skin produces new cells to replace the ones shed.

Collagen: A protein in the skin that provides structure and elasticity.

Keratin: A protective protein found in the skin, hair, and nails.

Hyperkeratosis: An excessive buildup of keratin on the skin’s surface, often addressed through exfoliating treatments like dermaplaning.

Contraindication: Conditions or factors that serve as reasons to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm it could cause to the patient.

Hypopigmentation: Lightening of the skin that might occur due to various reasons, sometimes as a result of a skincare procedure.

Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of the skin which can be affected or exacerbated by some skincare treatments.

Retinoids: A class of synthetic and naturally occurring Vitamin A compounds and derivatives that are used in skin care to improve the appearance of aged and sun-damaged skin.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): A type of hyperpigmentation that occurs after an inflammatory process on the skin, like acne or a wound, has healed.

Who is a candidate for dermaplaning?

Candidates for dermaplaning can have any skin type, and want to see a transformation in their texture and pores. Patients should have realistic goals before having any facial procedures performed. Any additional questions about the procedure can be asked to Dr. Claytor.

What can dermaplaning treat?

At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery, we use dermaplaning on all skin tones. The treatment is performed on the face to exfoliate and address various skin issues. Here are skin conditions we treat with dermaplaning:

  • Large pores
  • Fine lines
  • Uneven texture
  • Acne

How does dermaplaning compare to microneedling?

Dermaplaning and microneedling both provide dramatic results to the skin, but in different ways. Microneedling creates microscopic punctures in the skin to create an immediate response in the skin to heal; RF microneedling has the added benefit of radiofrequency heat. This produces new skin and collagen which enhances the patients facial appearance. On the other hand, the dermaplaning procedure is a surface procedure that exfoliates dead skin and “peach fuzz”.

Dr. Claytor and Jess explain and demonstrate the potential of microneedling to treat scarring.
Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Dr. Claytor. Hi, I’m Jess. We’re here at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery, and we’re here today to talk to you about the SkinPen that we’re using for microneedling for a clinical study that we’re doing, looking at maximizing healing of acute scars. What’s an acute scar? It’s a fresh wound, a freshly closed scar, and we are using the clinical study with SkinPen to look at maximizing wound healing.

In The Aesthetic Society news, I wrote an article about microneedling where I discussed the potential for organic skin rejuvenation. The mechanical stimulation of the skin with the stainless steel needles reciprocating back-and-forth releases the collagen induction therapy. Some hypertrophic scarring at her umbilicus. I’m gonna start out at 1.5 millimeters, and so we’re just going to go around until we see some punctate bleeding. This isn’t causing any discomfort whatsoever.

Benefits of dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation procedure. It requires the use of a sterile, surgical scalpel to gently “shave” the skin’s surface, removing the top-most layer of dead skin along with fine, vellus hair. Exfoliation helps your skincare products penetrate the skin and improves their results. Dermaplaning removes excess fine hairs which are known for trapping the dirt, oil and dead skin cells in your pores that are the main cause of acne and blemishes. The dermaplaning is safe for all skin types. You can also combine dermaplaning with a customized HydraFacial for a highly effective treatment for all of your skin concerns.

  • Exfoliation of dead skin
  • Removes trapped dirt and oil
  • May prevent formation of acne

Will I need to stay out of the sun after dermaplaning?

You may be exposed to sunlight, but it is always best to wear SPF 30 or higher every day and remember to reapply and wear a hat if you will be exposed to sun for a long period of time.

My experience with Dr. Claytor was fantastic from beginning to end. The appointments all started right on time. The nurses and staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. On the day of my procedure Dr. Claytor and his staff put me at ease.

—Lynanne

How soon after treatment can I wear makeup?

After a Dermaplaning treatment it is best to not wear makeup the rest of the day (24 hours if possible).Avoid products containing any exfoliating agents (retinoic acid, retinol, tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, astringents, etc.) for 24 hours after treatment. You may resume your regular skin care routine 24 hours after treatment.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about dermaplaning or to schedule a consultation call (610) 527-4833 today! Our practice serves patients from Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Main Line and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania.


Portrait of Dr. Claytor smiling

Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Feb 20, 2024