Skin Rejuvenation
Dermaplaning in Clarks Summit and Scranton, PA - medical exfoliation, no downtime, immediate results.
Dermaplaning at The Summit Aesthetics is a physical exfoliation treatment that gently removes dead surface skin cells and vellus hair (the fine peach fuzz on the face) – using a sterile surgical-grade scalpel drawn across the skin at a specific angle. The result is immediately smoother, brighter skin, better skincare absorption, and dramatically improved makeup application. Every dermaplaning session at our Clarks Summit medical spa is personally performed by Lori Barone, our Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician with more than 5 years of experience in medical aesthetic skincare. The treatment takes 30 to 45 minutes, has no downtime, and produces immediately visible results. Most patients across Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, and the wider NEPA region schedule dermaplaning every 4 to 6 weeks – often paired with a chemical peel or Diamond Glow. And no – dermaplaning does NOT make hair grow back thicker.
Duration
15 minutes per area
Downtime
None
Results
Initial results appear quickly; maximum effect around 12 weeks
Sessions
Typically 1–2 sessions per area
Ready to begin
What dermaplaning actually is
Dermaplaning is manual physical exfoliation using a sterile surgical scalpel – usually a #10 or #14 blade held at a precise 45-degree angle. When performed correctly, the blade lifts away two things simultaneously: the accumulated layer of dead skin cells on the surface, and the fine, downy vellus hair (peach fuzz) that grows on most people’s faces.
The immediate results are visible before you leave the treatment table: skin looks brighter and more even in tone, feels dramatically smoother to the touch, and reflects light more evenly – which is why makeup applies so noticeably better after dermaplaning. Beyond the immediate cosmetic effect, dermaplaning also improves how well your skincare products penetrate. Serums and moisturizers absorb into freshly-exfoliated skin substantially better than they absorb into skin covered by a layer of dead cells.
This is fundamentally different from shaving with a razor, and it’s different from most other exfoliation methods. The blade type, the angle, the pressure, and the setting all matter.
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker or darker?
No. Full stop. This is one of the most persistent myths in aesthetic skincare, and it has zero scientific basis. Dermatologists universally reject it, controlled studies going back nearly a century have consistently found no thickness change, and the biology of how hair grows makes it physically impossible for dermaplaning to alter hair characteristics. Here’s the actual explanation.
Vellus hair vs. terminal hair – the crucial distinction
Your body grows two categories of hair. Vellus hair is the fine, light, tapered hair that covers most of your body – including most of the face in most women. Terminal hair is the thicker, darker, coarser hair on your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, and (for adults) certain other areas. In some women, terminal hair can also grow on the chin and jawline – often driven by hormonal factors.
Dermaplaning ONLY removes vellus hair (the peach fuzz). It should not be used on terminal hair. If you have terminal hair on your chin or jawline (thick dark hairs that are visibly coarser than the peach fuzz on your cheeks), those hairs are not appropriate targets for dermaplaning and require different treatments – laser hair removal →, electrolysis, or in some cases hormonal management.
Why vellus hair genuinely cannot come back thicker
Hair thickness is determined by the follicle, not by what happens at the surface. Vellus hair follicles are physiologically wired to produce fine, tapered hair – and they will keep producing exactly that same fine, tapered hair regardless of how many times the surface hair is removed. The follicle’s programming does not change because a blade passed over the skin. Cutting a vellus hair at its base does not – and cannot – turn its follicle into a terminal hair follicle.
(The only way vellus follicles convert to terminal follicles is through specific hormonal changes – puberty, pregnancy, PCOS, certain medications. None of those changes are triggered by dermaplaning.)
Why the myth persists – the actual explanation
- Blunt cross-section illusion. When vellus hair is cut, the first few days of regrowth show the blunt cut cross-section rather than the natural tapered tip. That blunt end feels rougher and looks slightly darker than the untouched tapered tip – but the hair itself hasn’t changed. Within 2 weeks, the tapered tip re-emerges and the appearance normalizes.
- Comparing “nothing” to “something.” Immediately after dermaplaning, you have no visible surface hair. A few days later, you have some visible surface hair. That transition creates the perception of increased hair – when in fact you’re just returning to your normal baseline.
- Confusion with unrelated hormonal changes. Some women develop terminal chin hair in their 30s or 40s due to hormonal shifts. If they had also been dermaplaning during that time, they may attribute the terminal hair growth to the dermaplaning – when in fact the hormonal shift caused it and would have caused it either way.
- Applied incorrectly from body hair. Body hair on legs, armpits, and other areas is often terminal hair – and the general belief that “shaving makes hair grow back thicker” (which is also technically not true, but the illusion is stronger) got applied incorrectly to the vellus hair on the face.
What dermaplaning treats
Dermaplaning addresses a specific set of surface skin concerns particularly well:
01
Dullness and rough texture
by removing the accumulated dead cell layer, skin looks brighter and feels smoother immediately
02
Vellus hair on the face
particularly relevant for patients whose peach fuzz shows in photos or under makeup
03
Improved makeup application
foundation and powder sit evenly on freshly-dermaplaned skin rather than catching on hair and dead cells
04
Enhanced skincare product absorption
serums and moisturizers penetrate substantially better on freshly-exfoliated skin
05
Blackhead precursor buildup
removing the surface debris helps prevent the surface component of pore congestion
06
Uneven skin surface / rough patches
particularly across the forehead, cheeks, and jawline
07
Pre-event prep
the go-to treatment 3 to 5 days before a wedding, photograph, or special event
What dermaplaning doesn't do
Being clear about the limits helps you decide whether it’s the right treatment for your goals:
It does not treat wrinkles or firmness.
Dermaplaning is surface-only. For wrinkle and firmness concerns, RF microneedling, Botox, or filler are appropriate.
It does not remove terminal hair.
Coarse, dark chin or jawline hair (terminal hair) needs a different approach - laser hair removal or electrolysis.
It does not treat acne breakouts.
Dermaplaning is generally not done during active acne outbreaks because the blade can spread bacteria across the skin.
It does not treat hyperpigmentation.
While dermaplaning brightens skin briefly, it doesn't treat sun damage, brown spots, or melasma. Those concerns benefit from chemical peels or IPL.
It does not replace comprehensive skincare.
Dermaplaning is a complement to a consistent skincare routine - not a substitute for one.
Dermaplaning vs. at-home shaving - is there really a difference?
Fair question. Both involve a blade removing hair from your face. The differences that actually matter for the result and safety:
Details
Medical Dermaplaning
At-Home Shaving
Blade type
Sterile surgical scalpel (#10 or #14)
Multi-blade razor with lubricating strip
Blade angle
Precise 45° angle
Perpendicular to skin (varies)
Skin preparation
Cleansed and stretched taut section by section
Wet with lubricating cream or gel
Exfoliation effect
Removes dead skin cells + vellus hair
Removes hair primarily; minimal exfoliation
Skincare penetration benefit
Substantial – fresh surface for absorption
Minimal – lubricating gel/cream residue can block absorption
Environment
Sterile medical spa setting
Bathroom, non-sterile
Risk of nicks or irritation
Very low with trained provider
Higher – particularly on the face where skin is thinner
Frequency
Every 4 to 6 weeks
Daily or every few days if pursued
Provider
Trained aesthetics professional
You
The honest bottom line: If your only goal is removing peach fuzz, at-home shaving with a proper facial razor can work for many patients (contrary to the myth, it doesn’t make hair thicker). But shaving does not provide the exfoliation benefit that makes dermaplaning genuinely useful – the brighter, smoother, more even skin surface that improves makeup application and skincare absorption. That’s where dermaplaning delivers value that shaving doesn’t.
Dermaplaning combined with other treatments
Dermaplaning is genuinely useful as a standalone treatment, but its clinical value increases when paired with other treatments on the same day. By removing the surface layer of dead cells and vellus hair, dermaplaning creates a cleaner canvas for other treatments to work – deeper penetration, more even application, better results.
Dermaplaning + Chemical Peel
One of our most-requested combinations. Dermaplaning first removes the dead surface layer, then the VI Peel → penetrates more evenly and reaches deeper skin cells directly. Popular for patients addressing tone, texture, and pigment concerns simultaneously.
Dermaplaning + Diamond Glow Facial
Dermaplaning as the pre-step to Diamond Glow → adds another layer of exfoliation and enhances Pro-Infusion serum absorption. Popular for maintenance-focused patients wanting the deepest possible skin renewal in a single visit.
Dermaplaning before Laser Genesis
A cleaner treatment surface for Laser Genesis →. Some patients specifically prefer this pairing before events where they want maximum brightness and glow.
Dermaplaning during your injectable visit
For patients on a monthly maintenance rhythm, some choose to schedule dermaplaning during their Botox or filler maintenance visit – bundling two visits into one. Coordinate with our team when scheduling.
What to expect at your dermaplaning appointment
Consultation (first visit): For dermaplaning specifically, a brief 15-minute consultation covers the basics – your skin, any concerns, whether combined treatments make sense. If you’re coming in for a combined treatment, more time is scheduled.
The treatment: You lie back on the treatment table. Lori cleanses your skin, applies a light setting powder for grip, and works section by section – stretching each area of skin taut with one hand while drawing the sterile blade across at the correct angle with the other. Most patients describe the sensation as gentle scraping – not painful. You may feel it more on some areas (upper lip, forehead) than others.
Session length: 30 to 45 minutes for a standalone dermaplaning. Longer for combined treatments (add 30-45 minutes for a chemical peel or Diamond Glow).
Immediately after: A hydrating serum is applied. Skin looks brighter, feels dramatically smoother, and glows. No makeup is applied at the spa – you’re welcome to apply your own on the way out. Most patients find their makeup goes on so much better that they choose not to bother with much.
Follow-up: Most patients schedule their next dermaplaning 4 to 6 weeks later – aligning with the vellus hair growth cycle.
How often can I get dermaplaning?
Every 4 to 6 weeks is the standard schedule, and it aligns with two things: the natural growth cycle of vellus hair (approximately 4 to 6 weeks to return to full growth), and the skin cell turnover cycle (approximately 4 to 6 weeks). Going more frequently than every 3 weeks isn’t clinically necessary and can be mildly irritating for some skin types.
Dermaplaning aftercare
Aftercare is minimal but not zero. Your skin is temporarily more receptive to both good things (sunlight, active skincare) and bad things (sunlight, active skincare). Handle it accordingly.
For the first 24 to 48 hours
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ every day (skin is more sensitive to sun immediately after)
- Skip retinoids, glycolic acid, and other strong exfoliating actives
- Skip aggressive scrubs and physical exfoliation
- Continue gentle skincare – hyaluronic acid and gentle moisturizers are ideal
- Avoid direct sun exposure (extra hat outdoors)
For the first week
- Continue diligent sunscreen
- Reintroduce your normal skincare gradually
- Enjoy how much better your products absorb
Between visits
- Do not dermaplane at home between visits. The technique matters, and improvised at-home dermaplaning is where nicks and irritation happen.
- Regular gentle exfoliation with acids (not blades) is fine between visits
Why "provider-consistent care" matters for dermaplaning
Dermaplaning looks simple. The technique isn’t. Blade angle, pressure, direction, section selection, and how the skin is stretched all affect both the quality of the exfoliation and the safety of the treatment. Provider skill is genuinely the difference between an outstanding dermaplaning result and a routine one.
Every dermaplaning at The Summit Aesthetics is personally performed by Lori Barone. The same experienced provider you see for injectables consultations, Diamond Glow, laser treatments, and chemical peels is the same person performing your dermaplaning. Not a rotating esthetician. Not delegated to a junior technician. That continuity is why our regular dermaplaning patients get such consistent results – Lori knows their skin, their sensitivities, and their preferences across visits.
Specifically for dermaplaning, this matters because:
- Blade technique is not intuitive. Correct angle, pressure, and direction across different facial zones require training and practice. Lori’s 5+ years of aesthetic skincare experience shows in the result.
- Skin history knowledge. Which areas of your face were sensitive last time, where you tend to have clogged pores, whether you’ve had reactions to certain products – Lori remembers this session to session.
- Real-time skin assessment. If your skin looks compromised, congested, or showing early acne on the day of a scheduled dermaplaning, an experienced provider recognizes this and can adjust the plan (delay, modify, or reschedule) rather than automatically proceeding.
Is dermaplaning safe? Who should not be treated?
Dermaplaning is one of the safest treatments in medical aesthetics when performed by a trained provider on appropriate candidates. Complications are rare and generally minor.
Common, minor, and expected
- Very mild pinkness or sensitivity for a few hours
- Slightly increased sun sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours
Uncommon
- Small superficial nicks (rare in trained hands; heal within hours)
- Mild irritation or breakout in the day or two after (uncommon; typically resolves on its own)
- Temporary mild dryness
Who should not get dermaplaning
- Anyone with active acne outbreak, cystic acne, or open pimples in the treatment area (the blade can spread bacteria)
- Anyone with active herpes outbreak, cold sore, or infection in the treatment area
- Anyone with active severe eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis in the treatment area
- Anyone with a recent sunburn
- Anyone with a recent chemical peel or laser treatment (wait period per Lori’s protocol)
- Anyone currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) – wait 6 months after finishing
- Anyone with visible terminal chin or jawline hair – dermaplaning is not the right treatment for these hairs, laser hair removal or electrolysis is
Dermaplaning is generally safe during pregnancy – it’s one of the few in-office aesthetic treatments most pregnant patients can enjoy without concern.
Frequently asked questions
Questions our patients ask most
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker or darker?
No. This is one of the most persistent myths in aesthetic skincare and it has no scientific basis. Hair thickness is determined by the follicle, not what happens at the surface. Vellus hair follicles are physiologically wired to produce fine, tapered hair – they will keep producing that same fine, tapered hair regardless of how many times the surface hair is removed. The temporary “thicker” appearance in the first few days after treatment is the blunt cross-section of the cut hair before the tapered tip re-emerges. Within 2 weeks, appearance returns to baseline. Multiple studies and every major dermatology society confirm this.
How much does dermaplaning cost in Clarks Summit, PA?
Dermaplaning is one of our most accessible treatments in terms of investment level. Cost varies slightly based on whether you’re doing standalone dermaplaning or combining with another treatment like a chemical peel or Diamond Glow. Lori will provide specific pricing at your appointment. Call (570) 585-0201 to schedule.
How often should I get dermaplaning?
Every 4 to 6 weeks is the standard schedule for ongoing skin maintenance. This aligns with the natural vellus hair growth cycle (approximately 4-6 weeks to return to full growth) and the skin cell turnover cycle. More frequent than every 3 weeks isn’t clinically necessary and can be mildly irritating for some skin types.
Does dermaplaning hurt?
No. Most patients describe the sensation as gentle scraping – similar to running a butter knife across skin, without any true sharpness. Not painful. Some areas (upper lip, forehead) may feel it more than others. No numbing is needed.
What's the difference between medical dermaplaning and at-home shaving?
The blade type (sterile surgical scalpel vs. multi-blade razor), the angle (precise 45 degrees vs. perpendicular), the setting (sterile medical spa vs. bathroom), and – most importantly – the exfoliation effect. Dermaplaning removes both hair AND the dead surface skin cell layer, producing brighter skin and better product absorption. Shaving primarily removes hair without significant exfoliation. If your only goal is removing peach fuzz, home shaving can work; if you want the exfoliation benefits, dermaplaning delivers what shaving doesn’t.
Can I dermaplane at home?
We don’t recommend it. The technique matters more than most people realize – blade angle, direction, pressure, and skin stretching all affect both the result and the risk of nicks or irritation. At-home dermaplaning is where most self-inflicted facial injuries in the aesthetic category happen. Between professional visits, we recommend gentle chemical exfoliation with acids (glycolic, lactic) rather than blade-based approaches.
Can dermaplaning cause breakouts?
Rarely and mildly, in the day or two after – usually as pores clear and skin adjusts. This is uncommon and typically resolves on its own. Dermaplaning should not be performed during an active acne breakout, though, because the blade can spread bacteria across the skin. If you’re prone to breakouts, Lori will assess before treatment and may recommend rescheduling if your skin is currently active.
When should I schedule dermaplaning before an event?
Three to five days before is ideal. Long enough for any minor sensitivity to fully resolve, close enough that your skin still looks its best on the day. Do not book dermaplaning the day of an event – the same-day pinkness (rare but possible) can be difficult to work around if you’re taking wedding photos in 4 hours.
Can I do dermaplaning combined with a chemical peel or Diamond Glow?
Yes – in fact, these are our most-requested combinations. Dermaplaning first removes the dead surface layer and vellus hair; the chemical peel or Diamond Glow then penetrates more evenly and reaches deeper skin cells directly. Combined treatments typically take 60 to 90 minutes total.
Ready to begin
Book your dermaplaning appointment
Dermaplaning can be booked as a standalone maintenance treatment or combined with a chemical peel, Diamond Glow, or Laser Genesis. First-time dermaplaning patients receive a brief 15-minute consultation before treatment; returning patients can book directly.
Investment
Custom pricing at consult
Financing
From ~$25/mo · Cherry 0% APR
Member savings
Save 10–20% →
The Summit Aesthetics
116 North State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 | Serving Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, and the wider NEPA region
Explore More
Treatments
Explore our services, learn about available treatments, and take the next step toward better care.
Featured
TruSculpt iD Body Sculpting
Learn More →
Featured
TetraPRO CO2 Laser
Learn More →
Featured
Virtue RF Microneedling
Learn More →
Verified before-and-after case studies of our own patients are shared privately in-office during your consultation, with each patient’s written consent.
Patient Voices
Words from our members.
“The most sophisticated medspa experience I’ve had. The results feel entirely mine — just refreshed.”
Sarah M.
Member since 2022
“Dr. Chen’s approach is quietly revolutionary. Bespoke, science-backed, deeply personal.”
Alexandra L.
Patient
“The consultation alone changed how I think about skin longevity. Everything since has been extraordinary.”
Priya R.
Member
Meet Your Provider
Physician-led. Artistry-first.
Every TruSculpt iD Body Sculpting plan at The Summit Aesthetics is designed and delivered by board-certified providers with advanced training in facial anatomy, laser medicine, and aesthetic technique. No rotating techs. No sales pressure. Just expertise.
✦
“The right injector isn’t the one with the biggest menu — it’s the one with the steadiest hand and the sharpest eye.”
Learn More
From the education library
8 min read
Apply or Ingest Vitamins for Skin Health? Skincare + Science
With endless vitamins that assist our body with skin health, come different types of applications. There are two main ways of absorbing vitamins…
5 min read
What Causes Wrinkles? The Truth & Treatment of Face Lines
As we age, we start to notice fine lines forming around our eyes, mouth, forehead, neck, and other body areas.
3 min read
How Can I Remove Acne Scars? Stubborn Scars Made Simple
After experiencing a bout or even years of acne scarring, you may ask yourself, how can I remove acne…
Visit Us
The Summit Aesthetics
Serving Clarks Summit, Scranton, Kingston, and Northeastern Pennsylvania with physician-led aesthetic care in a calm, elevated setting.
Address
116 North State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Hours
Mon–Thu 10a–6p · Wed to 7p · Fri 10a–2p
Phone
(570) 585-0201
Now Accepting New Patients
Begin your botanical journey.
Reserve a complimentary 45 – minute consultation with our board-certified team. No card required,
no obligation, no upsell – just a real conversation and a written plan you take home.