HydraFacial and Dermaplaning Explained

Disclaimer: I was a patient of Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD even before she opened her own practice, Modern Dermatology, in Westport, CT. I trust her work and her expertise inherently, which is why she has a lifelong client in me. I mention these points to reinforce my commitment and pledge my integrity to this little ol’ beauty blog of mine, keeping it 100% authentic. I would never work with a company, product, service I didn’t absolutely believe in.

I had been reading about the HydraFacial for a while now and was wondering what all the hoopla was about, so when Dr. Robinson invited me to come to her office and try it out with her practice's top aesthetician, Suzanne, I was thrilled. As a bonus, I was going to be adding on a service called Dermaplaning. Since that day, I have been living my life as a crusader for the Dermaplaning and HydraFacial combo. Read on below, where I detail my experience, while answering all the inquiries I’ve received regarding these transformative treatments.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a service in which a curved scalpel (yes, I said scalpel….) is used to shave all the hairs, peach fuzz etc. from your face. I’ve noticed as I’ve gotten older, more hormonal, slightly more bitchy, tired etc. that I’ve been the lucky recipient of patches of blonde hair popping up all over my face. These hairs are especially bothersome not only because a petite beard is never cute but also because every time I would put on my foundation, the liquid would stick to those fine hairs, making my grizzly appearance that much more noticeable. You turned on yet? THANK THE LORD for Dermaplaning. Now listen, some of my friends (who shall not be named) have been using at home razors for years because of this embarrassing issue and they report a pretty successful outcome. But I’m quite sure they can’t compete with an aesthetician with a plethora of experience slowly inspecting your face via a magnifier and shaving off every one of those damn little hairs. After Dermaplaning, expect your face to contend with any kid’s cherub cheeks you might see on the street….yup, it’s that effective. Dermaplaning is recommended to do in conjunction with a facial because it sloughs off dead skin cells which enhances the results of the HydraFacial.

What are your thoughts on Dermaplaning vs waxing?

Dermaplaning yields hair-free and exfoliated skin with much less irritation (if any at all), compared to waxing, and without the pain. It’s only $50 when added to any facial service at Modern Dermatology.

Does the hair grow back darker?

It won’t make it darker. Dark hairs are terminal hairs while thin hairs are villus hairs. Dermaplaning cannot make villus hairs change into terminal hairs.

Would you recommend pairing these two treatments together?

Dermaplaning is recommended to do in combination with a facial because it sloughs off dead skin cells which, in turn, makes the HydraFacial more effective.

What is a HydraFacial?

HydraFacial is a three step medical grade hydradermabrasion. What does any of this mean? The HydraFacial accomplishes much of what a traditional dermabrasion facial does but without the sandpapery, itchy, drying feel. It’s technology uses a sort of vacuum to first cleanse and peel the skin by using GENTLE exfoliation. Next, the device extracts any debris lodged in pores by way of suction and then hydrates using intense moisturizers. Lastly, the HydraFacial saturates the skin’s surface with different antioxidants and peptides to reveal a crowd-pleasing glow. Suzanne at MD adds a fourth step to the facial by applying either a blue or red LED light to the skin.

What does the LED treatment do at the end?

Depending on your skin’s needs, Suzanne at Modern Dermatology will choose to either use a red or blue LED light. The red (or infrared) light helps promote collagen production and reduce inflammation allowing for a new level of glow. The blue light may be used to kill acne causing bacteria underneath the skin. The blue light makes oil glands less active. An Aside: at this point in the facial I was so relaxed, someone could have blown a tuba in my ear and I wouldn't have flinched.

Any sensitivity during or after?

So, following my treatment, my skin immediately felt intensely plump and hydrated. It was somewhat of a weird sensation but a good one. Like my face had just undergone some kind of collagen synthesis on crack. For a few days after, I did have a slight peel where I had any pre-existing blemishes that were drying out etc. but LET ME ASSURE YOU… by day four or five, some bonafide unicorn sorcery happened. My face was transformed. I was still the thirty-something, tired mom of three crazy kids on the inside… but on the outside, a new woman emerged with soft, buffed, revived skin (and a peppier attitude).

How much does a HydraFacial cost?

HydraFacials start at $199 and are customized to each patient.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Most people I know feel time crunched and guilt ridden any time they're away from their day jobs or families. It seems like spa days with girlfriends are a thing of the past or reserved only for the morning-afters of celebrating brides-to-be with plastic, penis straws hanging out of our lip-glossed mouths but even then, the facials at most spas aren’t equipped with the breadth of technology afforded to a dermatology office. These in-spa facials can also be extremely expensive. I’ve smartened up and committed myself to a visit to Modern Dermatology every 5 to 6 weeks or so, where I know I’ll be satisfied with the results of the HydraFacial and Dermaplaning combo and best of all, this facial is done in a room that rivals most spas I’ve been to. There you go… one less decision to make regarding… screw it…. ONE LESS DECISION TO MAKE!!!

Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT

The Situation

ZZZZZZZ’s

The Fuzz

beard be gone!

Getting LIT

What Came Out of my Face via HydraFacial Suction

ok, this is awesome right?

It’s Glow Time!

instant results!

Post Treatment Day 4

the yankees lost