Dermaplaning Versus Microdermabrasion

If you are looking for a cosmetic procedure that will help you achieve smoother facial skin, have you considered chemical peels, dermaplaning or microdermabrasion? Each of these techniques are non-invasive and can provide excellent rejuvenating results. Patients wishing to avoid chemicals often wonder how to decide between dermaplaning and microderabrasion. It can be tricky to decide which option is best, so let’s see how they compare.

Dermaplaning

This is a form of dermabrasion, a medical procedure that has been used for many years to reduce scarring caused by acne, accidents, or surgery. It has also been used to remove keratoses (pre-cancerous growths) and diminish the appearance of fine lines around the mouth. As the word dermabrasion implies, treatment involves abrading or scrubbing the skin surface to remove the outer layer.

Dermaplaning takes a different approach to dermabrasion. Instead of vigorous scrubbing, cosmetic medical providers use a scalpel and very light, feathery movements to gently scrape away the epidermis. This process also removes facial vellus hair – the tiny hairs we sometimes call peach fuzz. This gives facial skin an especially smooth and silky appearance. Some women shy away from dermaplaning because they believe their vellus hair will grow back darker and thicker, but this is a myth.

This procedure is suitable for men and women with all skin types and it is safe, even if you have rosacea. It is a good choice for women with excessive vellus hair. And dermaplaning is also a good choice to treat deep acne scars. Some scarring may remain, but the overall result can be a tremendous improvement.

Microdermabrasion

This is a less aggressive form of dermabrasion. It uses tiny, natural diamond chips to exfoliate your skin. Microdermabrasion is also a good choice for men and women with any skin type. It is typically used to lessen the appearance of imperfections such as wrinkles and fine lines, sun damage, age spots or other discoloration and light scarring such as stretch marks.

This procedures can also remove blackheads and reduce or eliminate enlarged pores, leaving your skin looking smoother and refreshed. The process helps to thicken natural collagen, a protein your body produces less of as you age, causing skin to sag and appear uneven.

So which one is right for you?

Both dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are appropriate for all adults. Pregnant or nursing women can safely choose either procedure for skin refinishing, without needing to consider chemical use in some peels. 

As with all cosmetic enhancement procedures, the best results start with a personal consultation. You can discuss your expectations with your provider and decide together which is best to help achieve the aesthetic results you want. Your age, your skin type and color, allergies and other aspects of your medical history can all impact your doctor’s recommendation. For instance, certain treatments can cause permanent blotchiness or discoloration on some skin types. Flare-ups of cold sores or fever blisters are possible as well. Your skin may also be too sensitive, if you’ve been badly burned, had radiation treatments or an earlier chemical peel.

A consultation with one of our aestheticians can help you understand more about dermaplaning and microdermabrasion, to learn if one or the other is right for you, based on your individual skin. Click the link below to request your personal, private consultation.