There is a particular kind of smooth you only get after dermaplaning. Makeup sits differently. Serums sink in instead of sitting on top. The light catches your skin rather than the fine hair on it.
At The Parker Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, dermaplaning is performed by our licensed estheticians in Beachwood, Westlake and Willoughby. It takes about 30 minutes, requires no downtime, and works on nearly every skin type — which is why it is one of the most requested treatments on our aesthetic menu.
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation treatment. Your esthetician holds the skin taut and passes a sterile surgical blade across the surface at a shallow angle, lifting away dead cells from the outermost layer of the epidermis along with vellus hair — the soft, fine hair most people call peach fuzz.
It is not a shave, and it is not a laser. Nothing penetrates the skin, nothing is heated, and nothing is injected. What comes off is the buildup that dulls your complexion: flaky cells, surface debris, and the fine hair that traps both.
The result is immediate. Most patients notice a brighter, more even-looking complexion the same day, and skin that feels noticeably softer to the touch.
What to expect during your dermaplaning appointment
Plan on roughly 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Cleanse and prep. Your esthetician removes makeup and oil, then thoroughly dries the skin. A dry surface is what allows the blade to glide correctly.
- The treatment itself. Working in small sections, your esthetician holds the skin taut and uses short, controlled strokes. Most patients describe the sensation as light scraping — comparable to shaving, with no pain and no numbing required.
- Finish and protect. The skin is soothed, hydrated, and finished with SPF. Because you have just removed a layer of dead cells, your skin is temporarily more sensitive to UV, so sunscreen is not optional here.
You can return to work, errands, or dinner plans straight from your appointment. Many patients book dermaplaning before a wedding, a photo session, or an event for exactly that reason.
Benefits of dermaplaning
- Smoother skin texture and a softer feel
- Removal of peach fuzz and fine facial hair
- A brighter, more even-looking complexion
- Makeup that applies more evenly and sits flat instead of catching on fine hair
- Better absorption of serums, moisturizers, and prescription skincare
- Softened appearance of fine lines and dullness caused by surface buildup
- No needles, no heat, no downtime
Is dermaplaning right for you?
Dermaplaning suits most skin types and tones, and it is one of the few exfoliating treatments that is generally safe during pregnancy. It tends to be a particularly good fit if you are dealing with:
- Dry, flaky, or dull-looking skin
- Noticeable peach fuzz, especially along the cheeks and jawline
- Makeup that looks patchy or clings to fine hair
- Uneven skin texture or the look of enlarged pores
- Skincare products that never seem to absorb
Dermaplaning is usually postponed if you have active inflammatory or cystic acne, an open lesion, an active cold sore, or a sunburn in the treatment area. Certain skin conditions and recent procedures also affect timing. Your esthetician will review your skin and your history at the start of your visit and will tell you plainly if something else would serve you better.
How often should you get dermaplaning?
Roughly every four weeks. That is the pace of your skin’s natural cell turnover cycle, and it is when the vellus hair becomes noticeable again.
And no — the hair does not grow back thicker, darker, or coarser. Vellus hair returns exactly as it was. The blunt edge left by cutting can feel slightly different for a day or two as it grows out, which is where that myth comes from, but the hair itself is unchanged.
Dermaplaning aftercare
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, and reapply. Your skin is more sun-sensitive for about a week.
- Skip retinoids, acids, and scrubs for three to five days.
- Hold off on heat — saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms — for 24 to 48 hours.
- Keep makeup off for the rest of the day if you can, to let freshly exfoliated skin settle.
- Mild pinkness or a little tightness for a few hours is normal.
Pairing dermaplaning with other treatments
Dermaplaning is excellent on its own and even better as a first step. With the surface layer cleared, whatever comes next reaches deeper.
- Chemical peels — the classic pairing, and the basis of our dermaplaning micropeel
- Diamond Glow or a custom facial for hydration and extraction
- Skintrinsiq for deeper product infusion
- Rejuvapen microneedling or laser resurfacing, scheduled with appropriate spacing
- Brow and lash services or event makeup in the same visit
Ask about our dermaplaning micropeel, a three-step treatment that combines dermaplaning with a customized chemical peel and cryogenic therapy.
How much does dermaplaning cost in Cleveland?
Dermaplaning is one of the most accessible treatments we offer, and pricing depends on whether you book it alone or as part of a facial, peel, or micropeel. Because it is a cosmetic treatment, it is not covered by insurance.
Our team will walk you through exact pricing when you book, and our current specials are always worth a look. Payment plans and CareCredit are available.
Book dermaplaning in Cleveland
Our licensed estheticians, Shane Rorrer and Kelly Hinkle, perform dermaplaning at all three Parker locations — Beachwood, Westlake, and Willoughby. Whether you are getting ready for an event or simply want your skin to feel like yours again, we would love to see you.
Dermaplaning FAQ
Does dermaplaning hurt?
No. There are no needles and no numbing cream. Most patients describe it as a light scraping sensation, similar to shaving, and many find it relaxing.
Will my facial hair grow back thicker or darker?
No. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair, which grows back at the same texture and color it was before. Cutting hair does not change the follicle.
How long do dermaplaning results last?
About three to four weeks, in line with your skin’s natural cell turnover. Monthly treatments keep the results consistent.
Is there any downtime after dermaplaning?
None. You may notice mild pinkness for a few hours. You can go back to your day immediately, with sunscreen on.
Can I wear makeup after dermaplaning?
We recommend waiting until the next day so freshly exfoliated skin can settle. When you do, you will likely find your makeup applies more smoothly than usual.
How is dermaplaning different from microdermabrasion?
Both exfoliate the surface of the skin. Dermaplaning uses a blade and also removes fine facial hair; microdermabrasion uses a mechanical device and does not. Dermaplaning is generally gentler and better suited to sensitive or dry skin.
Can I get dermaplaning if I am pregnant?
Generally yes. Dermaplaning is a manual treatment with no chemicals or heat, which makes it one of the few exfoliating options available during pregnancy. Let your esthetician know at your appointment.
