Dermaplaning Treatment

No. This is the most common myth about dermaplaning and it is simply not true. Vellus hair is not terminal hair, and cutting it does not alter the follicle, its diameter or its pigment. It regrows exactly as it was, over 3–4 weeks. What some patients notice is the blunt cut end of the existing hair feeling slightly coarse — that is the same hair, not a new one.

No. No anaesthetic is needed. Most patients describe a light scraping or brushing sensation and find it relaxing. Because the blade removes only dead surface cells and fine hair, there is nothing to cause pain.

Yes — and it is one of the few clinic treatments that remains available throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, when chemical peels, injectables and most active ingredients are contraindicated. Nothing is absorbed and nothing is injected. Tell your practitioner that you are pregnant so post-treatment products are chosen appropriately.

Not while it is active. Active inflammatory or cystic acne, pustules, open lesions or an active cold sore rule dermaplaning out in the affected area — a blade drawn across inflamed skin can spread bacteria and worsen the breakout. Once acne is controlled, dermaplaning can be very useful for the residual texture. Dr. Bangalee will assess and advise the right sequence.

Every four weeks suits most patients, matching the skin's natural cell turnover cycle. More frequent treatment does not improve the result and risks over-exfoliating and compromising the skin barrier.

No. Dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical blade held at a specific shallow angle on dry, taut skin, and its purpose is to remove the stratum corneum — the dead cell layer. Hair removal is a by-product, not the goal. A razor is designed to cut hair at the skin surface and does not exfoliate in the same controlled way. The technique, the blade and the intent are all different.

Yes, and it works well as a preparatory step. It is commonly performed immediately before a chemical peel or a hydrating mask, because removing the dead cell layer allows the following treatment to penetrate evenly. Dr. Bangalee will advise on appropriate combinations for your skin — some pairings are excellent, others over-exfoliate.

Only superficially. Dermaplaning improves texture, brightness and product absorption, which can make pigmentation look slightly less obvious, but it works at the surface and does not reach the depth where pigmentation or scarring actually sits. Those concerns need Dermapen microneedling, chemical peels or targeted pigmentation treatment.

Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and physical scrubs for 3–5 days, and saunas, steam rooms and swimming pools for 24 hours. Most importantly, wear broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily — freshly exfoliated skin is more UV-sensitive, and in Durban sun that is not a theoretical risk.

Yes. Because dermaplaning is purely physical exfoliation with no heat, light or chemical agent, it carries a low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is generally suitable across Fitzpatrick skin types — a real advantage for patients who have had to be cautious with lasers and stronger peels.