What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation technique performed with a sterile, single-use surgical-grade scalpel. The blade is held at a precise angle and gently guided across the skin surface in short, feathering strokes. This removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells along with the soft, fine facial hair that can trap dirt, product residue, and dead skin. The result is a dramatically smoother skin surface that is more luminous and more responsive to serums, moisturizers, and makeup. Dermaplaning is not shaving. It is a controlled exfoliation performed by a trained provider.

How Dermaplaning Works

Your provider will begin by thoroughly cleansing the skin. The dermaplaning tool, a sterile, medical-grade scalpel, is then used to gently exfoliate the skin surface at a precise 45-degree angle. The treatment covers the full face, taking care to avoid sensitive areas such as active breakouts. The entire session takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is comfortable and painless for most patients. There is no downtime, and most patients notice immediately brighter, smoother skin when they leave the treatment room.

Following the treatment, a calming serum and SPF are applied to protect the freshly treated skin. Your provider will give you specific aftercare guidance to maintain your results.

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Benefits of Dermaplaning

The benefits of dermaplaning are immediate and multifaceted. In a single session, patients typically notice smoother skin texture, improved skin brightness, and a noticeable reduction in the appearance of surface-level dullness and fine lines. Additionally, because the fine vellus hair and outer layer of dead cells have been removed, skin care products penetrate more effectively following treatment, which enhances the results of your daily regimen. Makeup also applies more smoothly after dermaplaning, creating a naturally flawless finish. The treatment is appropriate for most skin types, including sensitive skin, and involves no chemicals, no heat, and no downtime.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is suitable for most skin types, including dry, sensitive, and mature skin. It is a particularly good option if you have a dull complexion, visible fine facial hair, or rough texture from dead skin buildup. It is not recommended for patients with active acne or inflamed skin. Dermaplaning is safe during pregnancy and is one of the few aesthetic skin treatments appropriate for expectant patients.

Dermaplaning Pricing

Single session: $150

Three-session package: $324

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Why Choose StudioMD for Dermaplaning?

At StudioMD, dermaplaning is performed by skilled, trained providers who understand that proper technique and a careful pre-treatment skin assessment make the difference between good results and great ones. Our team evaluates your skin before each session to confirm the approach is right for your skin on that day. StudioMD has been serving the New York aesthetic community since 2008, with a medspa team committed to consistent, high-quality care across every service we offer.

Meet Your Providers In aesthetics, provider quality & experience mean everything.

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Dr. Ali Khan, MD

Physician

Dr. Ali Khan, with 18+ years in aesthetics, is a Smartlipo pioneer with 5,000+ procedures performed. He specializes in liposuction, injectables, hair restoration, and minor surgical treatments.

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Dr. Anni Wong, MD

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Anni Wong is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training from the University of Pennsylvania and a residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai. She specializes in rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, lip lift, and a comprehensive range of surgical and nonsurgical facial procedures. A New Jersey native and Alpha Omega Alpha honoree, Dr. Wong is known for her precise technique and commitment to natural, balanced results.

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Dr. Sadaf Qazi, DO

Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. Sadaf Qazi is a skilled cosmetic surgeon specializing in body contouring, facial procedures, and injectables. Her expertise spans tummy tucks, BBL, liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, and advanced dermal filler techniques.

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Dr. Amar Singh, MD

Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Amar Singh is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Trained in multiple fellowships, he specializes in facial plastic surgery, liposuction, injectables, and advanced laser treatments, while actively teaching future surgeons.

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Dr. Sanja Kolarov, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Sanja Kolarov, a board-certified physician with 17+ years of experience, specializes in injectables, laser treatments, liposuction, hair restoration, and regenerative therapies, providing patients with advanced, medically guided aesthetic care and natural results.

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Dr. Kathryn Alcarez, MD

Physician

Dr. Kathryn Alcarez is an experienced Primary Care Physician with 13+ years of experience and specializes in dermal fillers, wellness, and skin rejuvenation treatments. Her caring approach to her patients is to provide the best preventative care modalities and evidence based medicine possible to maintain their long term health and wellness.

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Dr. Meredith Corson, DO

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Meredith Corson is a seasoned Primary Care Physician specializing in anti-aging medicine, promoting both internal and external wellness. With over 16 years of experience, she has honed skills in toxins applications, biostimulator fillers, and wellness treatments, earning a solid reputation in facial aesthetics.

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Vanessa Sanchez, NP

Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner

Vanessa Sanchez, a board-certified nurse practitioner with 8+ years of experience, specializes in women’s health, injectables, and advanced anti-aging. She also provides personalized weight loss treatments designed to support long-term aesthetic and wellness goals.

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Dr. Afnan Talat, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Afnan Talat, a board-certified physician with 9+ years of experience, specializes in aesthetics, weight loss, and sexual health. Her background in skincare science informs her expertise in botox, fillers, and anti-aging medicine.

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Dr. Jeena Zachariah, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Jeena Zachariah is a board-certified physician with over five years experience in aesthetic medicine. She excels in facial optimization through the use of neuromodulators and dermal fillers, performs radiosurgeries, body contouring injections and hair restoration surgeries, demonstrating a keen eye for detail in every procedure.

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Maria Rivera, RN

Clinical & Operations Director for Hair Restoration

Maria Rivera has over twenty years of experience in the medical field and hair restoration and is a leading expert in FUE, FUT, hair injections and everything else about hair loss treatments and procedures.

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Niki Ioannou, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Niki Ioannou specializes in advanced injectables including Botox, Fillers, Sculptra, and Radiesse, as well as non-surgical weight loss treatments. Known for her precision and personalized care, Niki combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of facial anatomy to help patients look and feel their best.

makartian

Dr. Lena Makartian, MD

Physician

Dr. Lena Makartian is a board‑certified Primary Care Physician with over five years of clinical experience. She specializes in injectables, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, hair restoration, wellness and weight-management therapies, offering patients comprehensive, medically guided aesthetic care.

Dr. Sarah Margolskee, MD

Physician

Dr. Sarah Margolskee is a board-certified physician with over 5 years of experience specializing in wellness, injectables, and aesthetic medicine. Her clinical background informs her precise approach to skin lesions, mole removal, and personalized weight loss treatments designed to support long-term health and confidence.

Dr. Louis Mariotti, DO

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Mariotti is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, specialist in Hair Restoration Medicine and Surgery. With over 30 years of experience and a strong background in facial plastic surgery and hair restoration, he has trained and instructed other surgeons at leading conferences and has been actively involved in advancing techniques within the field.

Madisyn Ferone, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Madisyn Ferone is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. She specializes in advanced injectables including Botox, Fillers, Sculptra, and Radiesse. Madisyn brings a patient-centered aesthetic care, and evidence-based beauty enhancements. Passionate about helping patients feel confident through natural-looking results while combining advanced clinical expertise with personalized treatment planning.

What to Expect After Dermaplaning

Immediately following dermaplaning, your skin will feel noticeably softer and look more luminous. Some mild pinkness may be present for a few hours, which resolves quickly. You can return to your regular activities immediately. For the first few days following your session, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, avoid active exfoliating ingredients such as retinoids or acids, and apply SPF every day to protect the freshly treated skin surface.

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FAQs Dermaplaning

Will my hair grow back thicker or darker after dermaplaning?

No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about dermaplaning. The fine vellus hair on the face is not the same as terminal hair, and removing it with a blade does not change its color, thickness, or growth pattern. Hair will grow back at the same fine, soft texture as before.

How often should I get dermaplaning?

Most providers recommend dermaplaning every three to four weeks, which aligns with the natural skin cell turnover cycle. The 3-session package at StudioMD is a cost-effective way to maintain consistent results.

Can dermaplaning be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Dermaplaning pairs well with chemical peels, hydrating facials, and other skin treatments because the fresh, exfoliated skin surface is more receptive to the products and technologies used in those treatments.

Does dermaplaning hurt?

No. The treatment is generally comfortable and painless. Most patients find it relaxing. The blade is feather-light against the skin and does not penetrate below the surface.

Is dermaplaning safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, dermaplaning is one of the gentler exfoliation options available and is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin types. Your StudioMD provider will assess your skin before the session and adjust their technique if needed.

Can I wear makeup after dermaplaning?

Most patients prefer to let the skin breathe for a few hours following treatment. If needed, makeup can typically be applied the same day. Because the skin surface is so smooth after dermaplaning, many patients find that makeup sits and blends more beautifully than usual.

Start Your Journey Today

Dermaplaning at StudioMD delivers visible results from your very first session. Schedule a consultation or book your first session today and experience the difference that expert skin care in a professional environment makes.

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