Professional Dermaplaning for Smoother, Brighter-Looking Skin
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive cosmetic exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile surgical blade to gently remove dead surface skin cells and fine vellus hair, commonly called "peach fuzz."
By removing this buildup from the surface of the skin, dermaplaning can leave the complexion feeling smoother and looking brighter and more refreshed.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., dermaplaning is provided as part of our professional MedSpa skincare services. Treatment is personalized according to your skin type, concerns, sensitivity, and skincare goals.
Dermaplaning is a professional exfoliation treatment that gently removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells along with fine vellus hair from the surface of the skin.
A sterile surgical blade is held at a controlled angle and moved across the skin using gentle, feathering strokes.
Unlike shaving at home, professional dermaplaning is performed as a cosmetic skin treatment with the goal of improving the surface texture and appearance of the skin.
The treatment does not permanently remove facial hair or change the way hair grows.
Dermaplaning may be considered for patients who want to improve the appearance of:
Removing surface buildup can create a smoother canvas and may help skincare products spread more evenly across the skin.
Dermaplaning can also be incorporated into a broader skincare or aesthetic treatment plan when appropriate.
One of the reasons patients choose dermaplaning is to remove fine facial hair.
This soft, fine hair is known as vellus hair and is completely normal.
Dermaplaning temporarily removes the hair at the surface of the skin.
It does not cause facial hair to grow back thicker, darker, or coarser.
As the hair naturally grows back, it returns according to the individual's normal hair-growth pattern.
Yes.
Dermaplaning provides mechanical exfoliation by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
This can help improve the appearance of:
Because dermaplaning removes surface buildup, your skin may feel noticeably smoother immediately after treatment.
Dermaplaning creates a smoother skin surface by removing dead skin cells and fine vellus hair.
This can allow skincare products to spread more evenly across the skin.
However, freshly exfoliated skin can also be more sensitive to certain active ingredients.
Your provider may recommend temporarily avoiding irritating products immediately following treatment, particularly strong exfoliants or other products that could increase irritation.
Before treatment, your skin is cleansed and evaluated.
A sterile surgical blade is then used to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin using controlled strokes.
The treatment is generally well tolerated.
You may feel a light scraping sensation as the blade moves across the skin, but dermaplaning typically does not require anesthesia.
Treatment time depends on the area being treated.
After treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink or feel more sensitive than usual.
Dermaplaning is generally considered a comfortable treatment.
Most patients describe the sensation as gentle scraping or shaving rather than pain.
Because the procedure does not involve deep penetration into the skin, anesthesia is generally not necessary.
If you have particularly sensitive or irritated skin, your provider will determine whether dermaplaning is appropriate.
Dermaplaning generally requires little to no downtime.
You may experience temporary:
These effects typically resolve as the skin returns to its normal state.
Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions based on your skin.
Many patients notice that their skin feels smoother immediately following treatment.
The complexion may also appear:
Dermaplaning does not permanently change the skin, so maintenance treatments may be recommended depending on your goals and skincare routine.
The appropriate frequency depends on your skin condition and how quickly your skin recovers from exfoliation.
Dermaplaning should not be performed too frequently because the skin needs time to recover between exfoliating treatments.
Your provider can recommend an appropriate treatment schedule based on your skin and whether you combine dermaplaning with other services.
Both dermaplaning and microdermabrasion provide superficial exfoliation, but they use different techniques.
Dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical blade to remove dead surface skin cells and fine vellus hair.
Microdermabrasion uses a specialized device to mechanically exfoliate the skin.
Neither treatment is automatically better for every patient.
Your provider can help determine which treatment is more appropriate based on your skin type, concerns, and goals.
Learn more about Microdermabrasion →
Dermaplaning and chemical peels both exfoliate the skin, but they work differently.
Dermaplaning uses mechanical exfoliation to remove surface skin cells and fine facial hair.
Chemical peels use a professionally selected chemical solution to exfoliate the skin.
Depending on your concerns, one treatment may be recommended over another, or different treatments may be incorporated into an overall skincare plan.
Learn more about Chemical Peels in Washington, DC →
Dermaplaning may be incorporated into a broader aesthetic skincare plan when appropriate.
Depending on your skin and treatment goals, your provider may discuss other services such as:
Not every combination is appropriate for every patient.
The timing between treatments should be determined by your provider to avoid unnecessary irritation or over-exfoliation.
Dermaplaning may be appropriate for adults who want to improve the appearance of:
A consultation is important because dermaplaning is not appropriate for every skin condition.
Patients with active inflammation, significant acne, open skin, or certain skin conditions may need to postpone treatment or consider another approach.
Dermaplaning may not be appropriate if you currently have:
Patients with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea may also need individualized evaluation before treatment.
If you are using prescription acne treatments or strong exfoliating products, tell your provider before your appointment.
Dermaplaning is generally well tolerated, but temporary side effects may include:
More significant complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed appropriately.
Your provider will discuss any relevant risks based on your skin and medical history.
After treatment, your skin may be more sensitive than usual.
You may be instructed to:
Sun protection is particularly important after exfoliation.
Dermaplaning can be performed on a variety of skin tones.
However, individual skin characteristics and pigmentation history should always be considered when choosing an exfoliation treatment.
Patients who are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may require a more individualized approach, particularly if their skin is currently irritated or inflamed.
Your provider will evaluate your skin before treatment and determine whether dermaplaning is appropriate.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Click on a question to reveal the answer:
Professional Skin Care Environment
Dermaplaning is performed as part of a professional MedSpa and dermatology practice.
Personalized Treatment
Your skin type, sensitivity, concerns, and treatment goals are considered before treatment.
Medical Dermatology Expertise
YHMD is led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes, providing medical dermatology expertise when a skin condition requires physician evaluation.
Experience With Skin of Color
Skin tone and pigmentation history are considered when selecting appropriate aesthetic treatments.
Comprehensive Skin Care Options
Dermaplaning can be considered alongside other professional skincare services when appropriate.
Convenient Washington, DC Location
1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC
Hanna Mitchell is a Master Aesthetician and Certified Laser Specialist with more than 25 years of experience.
She provides professional aesthetic treatments at Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., including MedSpa skincare services.
Hanna takes an individualized approach to aesthetic skincare, considering each patient's skin characteristics, concerns, and treatment goals when recommending appropriate treatments.
Learn more about Hanna Mitchell →
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care for patients with a wide range of skin concerns.
As the physician leading the practice, Dr. Holmes provides medical dermatology expertise when a patient's skin concern requires medical evaluation.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you want smoother, brighter-looking skin or are interested in professional removal of fine facial hair and surface skin buildup, dermaplaning may be an appropriate addition to your skincare routine. A consultation can help determine whether dermaplaning is right for your skin and whether another treatment may better address your concerns.
Schedule a Dermaplaning Consultation in Washington, DC
