You’ve probably heard by now about dermaplaning San Antonio, the popular skin rejuvenation treatment that also removes fine facial hairs. Maybe you’ve even tried it yourself. Patients love how radiant and soft this treatment leaves their skin, and we understand why they’re often eager to schedule repeat sessions. But when it comes to dermaplaning, it’s possible to have too much a good thing. At DrYoungForever, in San Antonio, TX, we encourage patients to wait a little between sessions to allow their skin cells to regenerate.
It’s easy to see the appeal of this easy, non-invasive treatment, which essentially involves a close shave of your face with a scalpel. Performed in less than hour with no downtime and no discomfort, this treatment minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne scars. Fine facial hairs are removed, leaving the surface of the skin sleeker. And the face overall appears fresher, younger, and more vibrant after treatment.
Why Should I Wait Between Sessions?
Although it’s best known for the fresh faces it leaves behind, this treatment is–at its core–an exfoliation treatment. A medical-grade scalpel is used to gently scrape the surface of the face, removing dead skin cells and fine facial hairs. Any type of skin exfoliation, whether it’s using a loofah sponge in the shower or a chemical peel, should follow a careful schedule. Exfoliating too aggressively or too often can leave your skin dry and irritated. Everyone’s skin is different, and over time, most of us get a sense of how regularly our bodies can handle exfoliation. Oily skin, for example, can be exfoliated more often.
The important thing is not to give up on exfoliation altogether because it’s good for the skin in many ways. Exfoliation keeps your pores clear, evens out your skin tone, stimulates collagen production, boosts circulation, and even fights acne.
How Long Should I Wait Between Dermaplaning Sessions?
Because this treatment thoroughly rids the skin of any dead cells that are hanging around, it’s best to allow the surface of your face to completely regenerate itself before returning for another session. This process of skin cell rejuvenation usually takes about a month, so we recommend that patients wait four or even six weeks between treatments. Once you start working with one of our estheticians on your treatments and she’s had a chance to assess your skin, she’ll be able to recommend a schedule that will best meet your needs.
It’s in your best interest to wait the recommended amount of time and allow the process of skin cell regeneration to take place, because that’s the very process that gives you such great results. By gently scraping away the top layer of skin cells, this treatment, which is sometimes fondly referred to as a scalpel facial, allows new skin to rise to the surface. That fresh, new skin is what gives you that glowing, dewy look. This treatment is ideal when it’s a regular component in a patient’s long-term anti-aging strategy.
If I Stick to the Right Treatment Schedule, What Results Will I See?
Patients who follow our recommendations regarding the amount of time between treatments see a number of benefits.
Radiant Skin
All of that skin cell regeneration will leave your face looking brighter and more radiant. This treatment will also even out your skin tone by smoothing away hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Your face will practically glow.
Fewer Lines and Wrinkles
The rejuvenating effect of this treatment will also ease the look of fine lines and wrinkles: a nice benefit for patients who are concerned about an aging appearance. Your pores will also become smaller and less obvious in appearance because they will have been cleared of excess oil and dirt.
Hairless Skin
This treatment whisks away the peach fuzz that can be so annoying. You’ll be amazed at how good your skin looks and feels when all of that fine facial hair is gone. Many patients who have had this treatment say their face feels as soft as a baby’s bottom afterward.
Easy Application of Cosmetics
Have you ever noticed how all of those fuzzy little hairs seem to stand out when you’re wearing foundation? Frustrating, isn’t it? That won’t be a problem once you’ve undergone a scalpel facial. It will be much easier to apply your makeup and get the look you want. You’ll also find that your morning cosmetics routine will be more efficient.
More Effective Skin Care
Scalpel facials are also a great way of boosting your at-home skincare regimen. Your clean, hairless skin and wide-open pores will soak up your moisturizers and serums. The week following your treatment is the best time to bring out your highest quality products and allow them to go to work on your skin. If topical acne medication is a part of your at-home routine, that medicine will also experience a boost in effectiveness for the same reason.
Fewer Breakouts
This treatment is not recommended for patients with broken or inflamed skin or active acne. But if you have a history of acne and are looking for steps you can take to keep your skin calm, this treatment might be especially good for you. By clearing away the fine hairs that trap oils close to the skin and getting rid of dirt and old skin cells, you make it less likely your skin will break out again. Some patients also find that a scalpel facial will ease some of the redness that lingers on their skin as a result of acne scarring.
Improved Efficacy of Other Services
Scalpel facials also support the efficacy of other cosmetic appointments, like facials. This treatment opens the skin up and makes it more receptive to nourishing cosmetic services.
How Treatment Works
For a treatment that offers so much in the way of skin revitalization, a scalpel facial is a decidedly easy and convenient treatment. It can be done in our office and usually takes no more than an hour. Some of our patients have even come to think of it as a lunchtime facial.
Here’s What to Expect
We’ll begin by cleansing your face and gently rubbing it with a liquid solution designed to open up your pores. Holding your skin tight as we work, we’ll then position the scalpel at a 45-degree angle while gliding it quickly and gently across your face. You’ll feel a gentle stroking sensation as we work, and you might even hear a light scraping sound as the blade crosses your dry skin, but you’ll feel no discomfort. This is a completely non-invasive treatment and your skin won’t be poked or stressed in any way. Many patients find the treatment to be very relaxing.
After Treatment
There is no recovery period associated with this treatment, so after your appointment, you’ll be able to get right back to your regular schedule. Your skin may appear a little flushed from the treatment, but this will subside within an hour. You’ll be able to reapply your cosmetics as soon as you wish, although some patients like to enjoy the fresh-faced feeling of open pores for a few hours.
Won’t My Hair Grow Back Thicker?
This is one of the most frequent questions we get, and the answer is no. An old wives’ tale suggests that hair will come back thicker and darker after it’s been shaved. Rest assured that this won’t happen after a scalpel facial. This treatment doesn’t influence your hair follicles or how fast your facial hair grows.
Can This Treatment Be Used Elsewhere on the Body?
This treatment can only be performed on the face.
Can I Perform This Treatment at Home?
Most of us are comfortable shaving with a manual razor, but a surgical scalpel is a whole different ballgame and one that’s best left to a medical professional. Trying this treatment on yourself at home runs the risk of nicks, ingrown hair, and other injuries.
Is This Treatment Really Better Than Other Hair Removal Methods?
A scalpel facial certainly isn’t the only way to remove unwanted hair and exfoliate the face. Waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal are all options as well. The scalpel facial is unique in that it not only removes hair, but it exfoliates the face in a way that triggers the rejuvenation that comes with new skin cell growth. Here’s how the various hair removal methods compare to dermaplaning.
Waxing
Waxing is a widely available spa service in which soft, warm wax is applied to the face and used to lift off unwanted air. It is, first and foremost, a hair removal treatment, although it does remove some dead skill cells in the process. As a result, waxing does less to stimulate new skin cell development and doesn’t necessarily improve the overall look and health of the skin.
Shaving
Shaving is another method that effectively removes unwanted hair, but it does little to stimulate and rejuvenate the skin. The shave offered by a manual razor provides a less intense exfoliation than the shave a scalpel facial offers. A manual razor isn’t able to remove that top layer of skin cells and spur the development of new skin.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses light-based energy to damage hair follicles, which stops hair from growing. Multiple treatments are usually required to fully stop the hair from growing. Laser hair removal is yet another technique that effectively gets rid of unwanted hair, but it does less to stimulate skin cell renewal. Laser hair removal also is not effective for all patients. Gray and blonde hair are not as responsive to laser treatments.
How Does this Compare to Other Skin Rejuvenation Treatments?
Patients are increasingly seeking out treatments that keep their facial skin looking refreshed and youthful. Here’s how dermaplaning San Antonio compares with four other cosmetic services out practice offers:
Chemical Peels
Both dermaplaning San Antonio and chemical peels work to trigger skin rejuvenation through an aggressive exfoliation, but the two treatments accomplish that in different ways. While dermaplaning San Antonio relies on a scalpel to slough away dead skin cells, chemical peels rely on an acidic mask. That mask is applied to the face and used to smooth rough patches and get rid of dead skin cells. Both treatments result in more youthful, vibrant skin.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botulinum toxin injections like Botox and Dysport are used to target specific lines and wrinkles and minimize their appearance. These injections work by preventing the underlying facial muscles from fully contracting to make the expressions that cause wrinkles. While a scalpel facial subtlely minimizes the look of lines all over the face, a botulinum injection targets very specific lines that the patient is bothered by and works aggressively to wipe them away.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers like Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane are injectable gels that are used to add volume to parts of the face that have begun to sag with age. The goal of dermal fillers is slightly different than a scalpel facial. While dermal fillers work to restore lost facial volume and contour, a scalpel facial focuses more on smoothing the surface of the skin and restoring a youthful radiance.
Facelifts
A facelift completely rejuvenates the face, eliminating wrinkles and tightening up sagging skin. A facelift is frequently turned to by patients who are looking for anti-aging solutions. While dermaplaning San Antonio and chemical peels brighten and energize the face, a facelift is used to produce more dramatic and long-term results. Facelifts are surgical procedures that involve anesthesia, a period of recovery, and a larger commitment by the patient.
Is This Treatment Right for Me?
Dermaplaning San Antonio is a safe and effective treatment that can be used on all skin tones and types, including on patients with sensitive skin or rosacea. You may be an especially good candidate if you have stable skin, you want a gentle treatment, and you prefer an anti-aging treatment that also incorporates hair removal.
Your Skin Is Stable and Healthy
If your skin is healthy and you haven’t had dermal fillers or botulinum injections in the past week, you should be in a good position to undergo a scalpel facial. This treatment is not recommended for patients with facial lesions or active acne.
You Want a Gentle, Non-Invasive Treatment
One of the great things about this treatment is that it’s gentle and non-invasive. There’s no poking or tugging on the skin and no harsh chemicals are involved. It’s a really very enjoyable experience. If you want a quick pick-me-up treatment that will offer noticeable results without putting you through a lot of hassle, this is a great option.
You Can’t Take Advantage of Other Treatments
Some patients can’t take advantage of other skin rejuvenation treatments because they’re pregnant, have sensitive skin, or need to avoid the chemicals found in some other cosmetic services. For these patients, a scalpel facial is often an option.
You Want More Than Hair Removal
This treatment is ideal for patients who are interested in getting rid of unwanted facial hair but who also want a treatment that will give them a refreshed, glowing appearance.
Why Not Give It a Try?
It’s popular among celebrities as a pre-Red Carpet tuneup, and it’s become one of the most requested treatments in spas across the country. Maybe it’s time you gave the scalpel facial a try. This effective treatment can restore your youthful glow, and our practice can help you establish an appointment schedule that offers the best results. Call DrYoungForever, in San Antonio, TX and schedule a dermaplaning San Antonio session today.
