So you're thinking about trying dermaplaning? Smart move. I remember my first time – equal parts excited and nervous scrolling through those dramatic before and after dermaplaning photos online. Did mine turn out like those airbrushed Instagram shots? Heck no. But was it worth it? Absolutely. Let's cut through the hype and talk real talk about what happens before, during, and after dermaplaning.

What Actually Happens When You Shave Your Face?

Dermaplaning's basically a fancy term for gently scraping off dead skin and peach fuzz with a surgical scalpel. No magic, just physics. My aesthetician Sarah puts it bluntly: "It's controlled exfoliation with a side of hair removal." Results? Baby-smooth skin that drinks up skincare like a sponge. But skip the salon videos showing chunks of dead skin flying off – reality's far less dramatic.

Prepping Like a Pro: Your Before Dermaplaning Game Plan

Rushing into this unprepared? Bad idea. I learned this the hard way when I got dermaplaned right after a beach vacation. Big mistake. Here's what actually matters:

Timeline Matters More Than You Think

• 1 Month Before: Stop retinoids (yes, even your precious Retin-A). That stuff thins your skin and increases bleeding risk. Trust me, tiny nicks sting with acid products.
• 1 Week Before: Ditch all exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, scrubs). Your skin needs to chill. Also cancel spray tans – they lift unevenly.
• 48 Hours Before: No waxing, threading, or laser near treatment areas. Irritated skin + scalpel = ouch.
• Day Of Appointment: Show up makeup-free with clean skin. Eat something light – fainting happens when people lock their knees during facial treatments.

Consultation Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

Ask these questions or walk out:

• "Show me your autoclave sterilization equipment" (If they pull out a UV light box instead, run)
• "What's your protocol if you nick me?" (Proper answer: pressure + antiseptic, NOT alcohol)
• "Can I see your state certification?" (Unlicensed techs = illegal in most states)

My cousin learned this lesson painfully – she got sliced by an untrained "esthetician" using expired blades. Took 3 weeks for the scar to fade.

The Actual Scoop: What Goes Down During Treatment

Here's the play-by-play from my last session:

10:00 AM: Sarah cleanses my face with a gentle milk cleanser. No tingling – good sign.
10:10 AM: She stretches my skin taut near my jawline. "Little scrape now," she warns. Feels like a kitten's tongue.
10:25 AM: Cheeks done. Weird observation: the scraping sound is louder over bony areas.
10:40 AM: Nose and forehead. Hold absolutely still here – blades love creases.
10:55 AM: Soothing aloe gel applied. Skin feels...weirdly breezy?

Total cost? $85-$150 depending on location. Takes 45-60 minutes. Pain level? 1/10 if done right. If it hurts, speak up immediately – pressure should be feather-light.

The Critical 72 Hours: Your After Dermaplaning Survival Kit

This is where people mess up. Your skin's essentially a newborn baby post-treatment. Treat it like one.

Hour-by-Hour Aftercare

Post-Dermaplaning Product Hall of Fame

These saved my skin after over-exfoliation last summer:

• Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating (no stinging!)
• Moisturizer: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel ($18 drugstore gem)
• SPF: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (won't clog pores)
• Emergency SOS: Pure aloe vera gel (keep refrigerated)

The Good, The Bad, and The Itchy: Real Results

Let's crush some myths with cold, hard facts:

What Actually Changes

• 24 Hours Later: Hello, disco ball glow! Makeup applies like Photoshop.
• 3 Days Later: Peach fuzz starts reappearing (yes, already). Feels spiky.
• 1 Week Later: Peak smoothness fades. Products absorb normally again.
• 4 Weeks Later: Back to baseline. Time for another session if you want maintenance.

That viral TikTok claiming results last 3 months? Total nonsense. Lasting changes require 4-6 sessions.

Before and after dermaplaning differences seem huge initially because: 1) Instant exfoliation = instant brightness, 2) Hair removal = optical smoothness. But permanent change? Nope.

Annoying Side Effects Nobody Talks About

My personal grievances:

• Breakouts Day 3-5: Not acne - it's clogged pores from overproduced oil. Solution: clay mask spot treatment.
• Weird Pilling: Skincare balls up on ultra-smooth skin. Fix: thinner layers.
• Wind Burn Sensitivity: First winter walk post-dermaplaning felt like razor blades. Wear a scarf!

DIY vs Pro: Why I Won't Touch Home Kits Anymore

Tried three popular at-home tools so you don't have to:

After giving myself a 1-inch scratch near my eyebrow with a "beginner-friendly" tool? Never again. Professional dermaplaning before and after results consistently outperform home attempts.

Your Burning Questions Answered

Does hair grow back thicker?

Zero scientific evidence. Vellus hair (peach fuzz) lacks the structure to grow thicker. What happens: blunt tips feel coarser initially as they emerge. It's an illusion.

Can I dermaplane with acne?

Active breakouts = hard no. Scalpels spread bacteria faster than a college dorm. Wait until cysts subside. For hormonal chin acne? Game-changer once inflammation calms.

How often is too often?

Every 4 weeks max. I pushed it to 3 weeks once – hello, sandpaper skin! Signs you're overdoing it: persistent redness, stinging with moisturizer, visible flaking.

• "Is dermaplaning before and after photos misleading?" Often yes. Lighting changes, makeup, and filters exaggerate. Realistic expectation: subtle radiance boost.
• "Can men do dermaplaning?" Absolutely – but coarse beard hair requires different technique. Find someone experienced with male facial contours.
• "Best season for dermaplaning?" Fall/Winter. Summer humidity + fresh skin = sweat nightmare.

Dermaplaning or Chemical Peel?

Depends on your goals:

My compromise? Alternate monthly between dermaplaning and peels. Best of both worlds.

Final Reality Check

Dermaplaning isn't witchcraft. Manage expectations: you'll get temporary smoothness and glow, not permanent transformation. Worth it for special events? 100%. As a long-term strategy? Only if you commit to monthly sessions.

That being said... seeing my foundation glide on like silk post-treatment? Chef's kiss. Just skip the DIY route and find a certified pro who doesn't overpromise. Your face will thank you.

Obsessing over those before and after dermaplaning transformations? Remember: consistency beats perfection here. Three sessions yielded better results for me than one "miracle" treatment. Stay patient, prep properly, and baby that skin afterward.