Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning has an excellent safety profile when performed correctly by a trained clinician. Understanding the real risks — and the myths — helps you make an informed decision.

The Hair Growth Myth

Dermaplaning does not cause hair to grow back thicker, darker, or faster. This is one of the most persistent misconceptions about the treatment, and it is not supported by biology. As confirmed by WebMD and the Cleveland Clinic, the procedure removes vellus hair from the skin's surface but does not affect the hair follicle, the bulb, or the growth cycle. Regrowth is soft and fine — identical to what was there before.

The perception of coarser regrowth is a tactile illusion: a blunt-cut tip feels stubbly compared to the naturally tapered tip of uncut vellus hair. The hair itself is biologically unchanged.

When to Avoid Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning should not be performed during:

• Active acne breakouts — the blade can spread bacteria across the skin surface, potentially worsening the breakout and causing new lesions in unaffected areas
• Active rosacea flares — inflamed, sensitized skin is more susceptible to irritation, redness, and post-treatment discomfort during a flare
• Active cold sore outbreaks — the blade can mechanically spread the herpes simplex virus across the treatment area
• Open wounds, cuts, or sunburned skin — any compromise to the skin barrier is a contraindication

Important: If you have active acne, a rosacea flare, or any open skin lesions, please inform your clinician before your appointment. We will reschedule your dermaplaning session and may recommend an alternative treatment in the interim. Your safety is always the priority.

Real Risks

When performed on appropriate candidates by a trained clinician, side effects are minimal. Potential risks include:

• Temporary redness or sensitivity (typically resolves within a few hours)
• Minor nicks if the patient moves unexpectedly (rare with proper technique)
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with very dark skin tones who do not follow sun protection aftercare instructions

Clinical bottom line: Dermaplaning is considered safe for most Fitzpatrick skin types I–V when performed by a credentialed clinician using a sterile, single-use blade. Patients with Fitzpatrick VI skin or active inflammatory skin conditions should consult with our team before booking.

Patients often ask how dermaplaning compares to other exfoliation and hair-removal options. The right choice depends on your skin goals, skin type, and tolerance for downtime.

Dermaplaning vs. Microdermabrasion

Dermaplaning uses a blade to physically remove dead cells and vellus hair in a single pass — no suction, no crystals, no abrasive particles. Microdermabrasion uses mechanical abrasion (crystals or a diamond tip) with vacuum suction to exfoliate the stratum corneum, but does not remove vellus hair. Dermaplaning generally produces a smoother immediate result and is better tolerated by sensitive skin. Microdermabrasion may be preferred for patients with oily or acne-prone skin in remission. Both are surface-level treatments with no downtime. The two procedures address the same keyword cluster — dermaplaning vs microdermabrasion — but serve different patient profiles.

Dermaplaning vs. Chemical Peels

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation that works on the skin's surface. Chemical peels use acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, penetrating to varying depths depending on peel strength. The two treatments are highly complementary: dermaplaning first removes the physical barrier of dead cells, allowing a chemical peel to penetrate more evenly and effectively. At Maison Zolara, chemical peels are available as a dedicated service — see our chemical peels page for full details on the VI Peel and other medical-grade options we offer.

Dermaplaning is one of the most broadly accessible skin treatments available — suitable for nearly all skin types and tones. The following guide helps you assess your candidacy at a glance.

Good Candidates

• Adults with dull, dry, or uneven skin texture
• Patients bothered by peach fuzz or fine facial hair
• Anyone seeking a pre-event glow treatment
• Patients with fine lines or superficial sun damage
• Those wanting to enhance skincare product absorption
• Patients who cannot tolerate chemical exfoliants
• Pregnant patients (dermaplaning avoids chemical exposure)

Not a Good Fit

• Active acne breakouts or cystic acne
• Active rosacea flare or severe rosacea
• Active cold sore outbreak
• Open wounds, cuts, or sunburned skin
• Patients currently using isotretinoin (Accutane) — discuss with your clinician
• Patients with keloidal scarring tendencies
• Active eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area

If you're unsure whether dermaplaning is right for your skin, our licensed RN clinicians offer a complimentary consultation to assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment path. Patients from DeWitt, Mason, and Williamston are welcome — we serve the full greater Lansing area.

Dermaplaning is a form of manual physical exfoliation performed with a sterile, single-use surgical-grade blade. The clinician holds the blade at a precise 45-degree angle and uses short, feathering strokes across the skin's surface. This technique simultaneously removes:

1. Vellus hair (peach fuzz) — the fine, soft facial hair that traps oils, dead cells, and makeup residue
2. Stratum corneum buildup — the outermost layer of dead skin cells that accumulates over 2–3 weeks of normal skin cycling

The result is an immediate improvement in skin texture and tone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dermaplaning can make skin feel smoother and allow for better makeup application, and is classified primarily as an exfoliation treatment. Because the blade only contacts the epidermis — not the dermis — there is no wound, no bleeding, and no meaningful downtime.

Clinical note: A 2023 peer-reviewed study published in AAPS PharmSciTech by researchers at East Tennessee State University found that dermaplaning measurably reduces the skin barrier, significantly enhancing topical absorption — confirming why skincare products applied immediately after treatment penetrate more effectively. ↗

Here is a clear picture of what your dermaplaning appointment at Maison Zolara looks like from start to finish.

Before Your Treatment

Your clinician will review your skin history, current medications, and any active skin conditions during a brief pre-treatment consultation. Arrive with clean skin — no heavy makeup, retinol, or active exfoliants for 24–48 hours prior. If you have a history of cold sores, let us know in advance so we can discuss prophylactic options. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least one week before your session.

During Treatment

You'll be comfortably reclined in our treatment suite. Your clinician cleanses and preps the skin, then uses the Surgical-Grade Dermaplaning Blade in short, controlled strokes across the forehead, cheeks, chin, upper lip, and jawline. Most patients describe the sensation as a gentle scraping — similar to shaving, but lighter. The treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. There is no numbing required.

After Treatment

Immediately post-treatment, your clinician applies a medical-grade serum and broad-spectrum SPF to protect the freshly exfoliated skin. Your skin will look brighter and feel noticeably smoother right away. Mild pinkness may be present for a few hours. You can return to normal activities immediately — this is a true zero-downtime treatment.

Proper aftercare protects your results and minimizes the small risk of post-treatment sensitivity. The first 24–48 hours are the most important window.

The following split summarizes what to do and what to avoid after your session.

Do

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning — sun protection is essential on freshly exfoliated skin
• Use gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer for the first 48 hours
• Apply medical-grade hyaluronic acid or peptide serums to maximize the absorption window
• Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged heat exposure (saunas, hot yoga) for 24 hours
• Book your next session in 3–4 weeks to maintain results

Avoid

• Active exfoliants (retinol, AHAs, BHAs) for at least 48–72 hours post-treatment
• Makeup for the first 24 hours if possible — let the skin breathe
• Direct sun exposure without SPF — the new epidermis is more UV-sensitive
• Picking or touching the face unnecessarily in the first 24 hours
• Waxing or laser treatments on the same area within 2 weeks

Dermaplaning at Maison Zolara is priced transparently. There are no hidden fees, and your final pricing is confirmed at your complimentary consultation.

Maison Circle members receive member pricing on dermaplaning and can track their treatment journey in the Zolara Care app (available on the App Store).

Final pricing is confirmed at your free consultation and may vary based on treatment area and any add-on services selected.

Whether you're coming in from Holt, Okemos, or right here in Lansing, this treatment delivers an immediate, noticeable result — the kind that makes your makeup glide on effortlessly and your skincare actually penetrate where it needs to go.

Not all dermaplaning is equal. The quality of the blade, the sterility protocol, and the skill of the clinician determine both the safety and the outcome of the treatment.

At Maison Zolara, every dermaplaning session is performed with a Surgical-Grade Dermaplaning Blade — a single-use, sterile instrument designed specifically for professional facial exfoliation. Key distinctions from consumer-grade tools:

Single-Use Sterility

Each blade is used once and discarded. There is no risk of cross-contamination, blade degradation, or bacterial transfer between sessions. This is a non-negotiable clinical standard that consumer dermaplaning tools cannot replicate.

Precision Edge Geometry

Surgical-grade blades are manufactured to exacting tolerances that allow the clinician to maintain consistent pressure and angle across contoured facial anatomy — cheekbones, jawline, upper lip — without nicking or uneven exfoliation.

RN-Performed Protocol

Our licensed RN clinicians are trained in proper blade angle, stroke technique, and contraindication screening. The treatment is performed under the clinical oversight of our on-staff Medical Director, ensuring the same safety standards applied to all medical aesthetic procedures at our practice.

Immediate Skin Prep

Immediately following exfoliation, we apply medical-grade serums and SPF to the freshly revealed skin surface — maximizing the absorption window and protecting the new epidermis from UV exposure before you leave the studio.

Maison Zolara is located at 4820 W Saginaw Hwy in west Lansing, MI 48917 — conveniently accessible from across the greater Lansing region. We welcome patients from East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Mason, Charlotte, St. Johns, and Williamston, as well as the surrounding mid-Michigan communities within our 30-mile service radius.

Our studio is open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Free consultations are available — book online or call us directly to schedule your dermaplaning appointment.

1. Tijani AO, Frempong D, Kaur J, et al. Dermaplaning for Transdermal Drug Permeation Enhancement: A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment. AAPS PharmSciTech. 2023;24(2):54. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36725790/
2. Cleveland Clinic. Dermaplaning. Updated 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22680-dermaplaning
3. WebMD. What Is Dermaplaning? Medically reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD. Updated October 2025. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-is-dermaplaning
4. American Academy of Dermatology. Microdermabrasion FAQs. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/microdermabrasion-faqs

Page Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical references are sourced from peer-reviewed research and named institutions as cited below. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.

The Medical Director provides clinical oversight of treatments performed at this practice. The Medical Director does not author, review, or endorse website content.