Dermaplaning After Microneedling: When & Why for Best Results | Cosmedic LaserMD

Learn the optimal timing, benefits, risks & post-care tips for radiant, smooth skin from the experts at Cosmedic LaserMD.

Many of you ask, “Can I get dermaplaning after microneedling?” It’s a great question! Combining treatments can sometimes yield even more impressive results, but understanding the how and when is absolutely critical for safety and effectiveness.

Understanding Microneedling: The Collagen Powerhouse

Before we talk about combining treatments, let’s refresh our understanding of what each one does, starting with the incredible rejuvenation power of microneedling.

What Exactly is Microneedling?

Often referred to as collagen induction therapy (CIT), microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to trigger your skin’s natural healing response. It sounds a bit technical, but the concept is quite elegant.

We use a specialized device equipped with dozens of tiny, sterile fine needles. These needles create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. Don’t let the word “injuries” alarm you! These perforations are minuscule and precisely controlled. Their purpose is to signal your body to jump into repair mode. This ‘SOS’ signal stimulates the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin – the essential proteins responsible for your skin’s firmness, elasticity, and youthful appearance.

Think of it like aerating a lawn; you’re creating tiny channels that allow for regeneration and revitalization from beneath the surface. This process is incredibly effective at addressing a variety of common skin concerns.

The Microneedling Process & What to Expect During Healing

During a microneedling session at Cosmedic LaserMD, your comfort and safety are paramount. We typically begin by cleansing your skin and applying a topical numbing cream to ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible. Once your skin is prepped, the microneedling device is gently moved across the targeted areas of your face or body. The whole procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Immediately after the treatment, it’s normal to experience some redness and mild swelling, similar to a moderate sunburn. Your skin may feel tight and sensitive to the touch. This initial inflammatory response is a positive sign that the healing process has begun!

Over the first few days (first days), the redness will gradually subside. Some people may experience slight peeling or flaking as the old skin cells turn over, revealing fresher skin underneath. This entire healing phase is crucial, as it’s when the magic of collagen production is really kicking into high gear deep within the dermal layer.

Key Benefits That Make Microneedling a Favorite

Why do so many people love microneedling? The results speak for themselves! By stimulating collagen, this treatment can significantly improve:

Skin Texture and Tone: Achieves a smoother, more even complexion.
Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Plumps the skin from within, softening those tell-tale signs of aging.
Acne Scars and Other Scarring: Helps break down old scar tissue and replace it with new, healthy tissue, reducing the appearance of scars.
Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage: Can help fade dark spots and create a more uniform skin tone.
Pore Appearance: While not technically shrinking pores, the boosted collagen can make them appear smaller and less noticeable.
Overall Radiance: Promotes a healthy, youthful glow.

It’s a versatile treatment that addresses concerns originating below the skin’s surface.

Unveiling Dermaplaning: The Ultimate Surface Refinement

Now, let’s shift our focus to the surface-level perfection offered by dermaplaning.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a method of physical exfoliation. Unlike chemical peels or granular scrubs, it involves using a sterile, surgical-grade scalpel held at a precise angle. Your trained esthetician or dermaplaning professional gently strokes the blade along your skin’s surface.

This meticulous process achieves two main things simultaneously:

It removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells. These dull, lifeless cells can accumulate, leading to a lackluster complexion and preventing skincare products from penetrating effectively.
It whisks away fine vellus hair – that soft, translucent hair often referred to as “peach fuzz.”

The result? Instantly smoother, brighter, and incredibly soft skin. It’s a non-invasive procedure with immediate gratification.

The Dermaplaning Experience: Gentle & Gratifying

If you’re having dermaplaning for the first time, you might be slightly apprehensive about the scalpel. However, rest assured that in skilled hands, the treatment is surprisingly relaxing and completely painless. Most clients describe the sensation as a light scraping or tickling feel.

There’s virtually no downtime associated with dermaplaning. You might see some mild redness immediately afterward, especially if you have sensitive skin, but this typically fades within a few hours. The best part? You’ll see and feel the difference right away. Your skin will look incredibly smooth and radiant, and your makeup will apply like a dream onto the perfected canvas.

Why Clients Adore Dermaplaning

The instant results and lack of downtime are major draws, but the benefits go deeper:

Superior Exfoliation: Provides a more thorough exfoliation than many at-home methods, revealing fresh, healthy cells.
Peach Fuzz Removal: Eliminates the fine facial hair that can trap excess oil, dirt, and makeup, contributing to clogged pores and a dull look.
Enhanced Product Penetration: By removing the barrier of dead cells and hair, your expensive skincare products can penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.
Flawless Makeup Application: Creates the ultimate smooth surface for foundation and other makeup.
Brightens Complexion: Removing dull buildup instantly reveals brighter, more luminous skin.
Generally Safe: Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin (when performed correctly), and even for pregnant or nursing clients who need to avoid certain chemical treatments.

Dermaplaning focuses on perfecting the outermost layer of the skin for immediate textural improvement and glow.

The Big Question: Dermaplaning After Microneedling?

Now we arrive at the core question: can you, and should you, perform dermaplaning after a microneedling treatment?

The Short Answer: Yes, But Timing is EVERYTHING!

Yes, you absolutely can incorporate dermaplaning into your skincare routine even if you also get microneedling. However – and this is the most critical point – they should NEVER be performed back-to-back or too close together.

Attempting dermaplaning while your skin is still actively healing from microneedling is a recipe for irritation, damage, and potentially compromising your microneedling results. Timing is paramount to ensure the treatment is both safe and beneficial.

Why the Wait? Understanding the Post-Microneedling Healing Process

Let’s revisit what happens after microneedling. Your skin has undergone controlled micro-injuries. Although these are tiny, they signal a significant inflammatory and repair response. In the immediate hours and days following the procedure, your skin is:

Inflamed: Characterized by redness, swelling, and warmth.
Sensitive: More reactive to touch, products, and environmental factors.
Compromised Barrier: The tiny channels created by the needles temporarily disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier, making it more vulnerable.
Actively Healing: Busy regenerating tissue and producing that vital new collagen.

Now, consider what dermaplaning does: it physically exfoliates the top layer of skin. If you introduce this type of exfoliation while the skin is still in that delicate, inflamed, and actively healing state from microneedling, you risk:

Excessive Irritation: Causing severe redness, stinging, and discomfort.
Increased Risk of Infection: Introducing bacteria into the vulnerable micro-channels.
Potential Scarring: Over-traumatizing the skin can lead to improper healing and even scarring, particularly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), especially in darker skin tones.
Disrupting Collagen Production: Interfering with the delicate collagen remodeling process initiated by microneedling.
Prolonged Downtime: You could end up extending your recovery time significantly.

Essentially, you’d be adding trauma on top of trauma, preventing the skin from completing the crucial healing process initiated by the microneedling. This is why patience is truly a virtue here.

How Long Should You Wait? Expert Recommendations

So, what’s the magic number? While individual healing times vary, the general professional consensus is to wait at least two weeks after a microneedling treatment before undergoing dermaplaning.

Often, waiting 3 to 4 weeks is even better, providing ample time for the skin to fully recover and the initial collagen stimulation phase to progress undisturbed.

Several factors influence this waiting period:

Depth of Microneedling: Deeper needle penetration used for treating significant scarring or wrinkles will require a longer healing time compared to a lighter treatment focused on general rejuvenation.
Individual Healing Speed: Some people naturally heal faster than others.
Skin Sensitivity: If you have naturally sensitive skin, giving it extra time is always wise.
Visible Signs of Healing: Crucially, you should wait until all signs of redness, sensitivity, significant peeling, and inflammation from the microneedling have completely resolved. Your skin should look and feel back to normal before considering dermaplaning.
Practitioner’s Advice: Always follow the specific recommendations given by your medical aesthetic professional at Cosmedic LaserMD. We assess your skin’s response during follow-ups and can provide personalized guidance on timing.

The bottom line: Listen to your skin and err on the side of caution. Rushing the process will not yield better or faster results – it will likely do the opposite.

The Synergistic Benefits: Why Combine (at the Right Time)?

Okay, so we know we need to wait. Why bother combining them at all? When spaced correctly, microneedling followed by dermaplaning (after the appropriate interval) can offer synergistic benefits, enhancing the results of both treatments.

Enhanced Exfoliation Power

Microneedling inherently speeds up cell turnover as part of the healing process. This means older, damaged cells are pushed towards the surface more quickly. Waiting a few weeks allows this process to happen.

Then, following up with dermaplaning acts as the perfect finishing touch, efficiently removing that layer of accumulated dead skin cells revealed by the microneedling, leading to an exceptionally smooth and clear surface.

Amplified Smoothness and Radiance

Microneedling works from the inside out to improve texture by building collagen, addressing issues like fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. Dermaplaning works from the outside in, perfecting the immediate surface texture and removing dullness and peach fuzz.

When combined strategically, you tackle texture on multiple levels, resulting in remarkably smoother skin and a radiant glow that’s hard to achieve with just one treatment. The appearance is noticeably refined.

Improved Product Penetration Post-Healing

Once your skin has fully healed from microneedling (after that crucial waiting period), dermaplaning can further enhance the efficacy of your ongoing skincare routine.

By removing the outermost barrier of dead cells and peach fuzz, the skincare products you use – including any specialized serums recommended post-microneedling or your daily essentials – can penetrate more deeply and work more effectively. This means better hydration, better delivery of active ingredients, and ultimately, better long-term results.

Tackling Multiple Concerns Simultaneously

This strategic combination allows you to address a wider range of concerns. Microneedling targets deeper structural issues like volume loss, collagen depletion, significant scarring, and deeper wrinkles.

Dermaplaning, performed weeks later, addresses surface irregularities, dullness, peach fuzz, and enhances immediate luminosity. Together, they offer a more comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation for a truly polished look.

Post-Treatment Care: Nurturing Your Skin After Each Procedure

Proper post-care is non-negotiable after any advanced skincare treatment, and it’s especially important when dealing with procedures like microneedling and dermaplaning.

Immediate Post-Microneedling Care (First 24-72 Hours)

The first few days after microneedling are critical for healing. Your focus should be on:

Hydration & Calming: Use gentle, hydrating products, often recommended by your provider (like hyaluronic acid serums). Avoid anything harsh or potentially irritating.
Strict Sun Protection: Your skin is highly susceptible to sun damage. Avoid direct sun exposure completely for the first 24-48 hours. After that, apply a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen (mineral-based options are often preferred for sensitive, post-procedure skin) diligently, even if indoors.
No Makeup (Initially): Avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours, or longer if possible, to prevent clogging the micro-channels and allow the skin to breathe and heal.
Avoid Harsh Actives: Steer clear of retinoids, vitamin C serums, AHAs/BHAs (glycolic acid, salicylic acid), and scrubs for several days to a week, as advised by your practitioner.
Minimize Heat & Sweat: Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and very hot showers for the first 24-48 hours, as heat can increase inflammation.
Gentle Cleansing: Use only a mild, gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry gently; don’t rub.

Post-Dermaplaning Care

While dermaplaning doesn’t have the same downtime as microneedling, your freshly exfoliated skin still requires some TLC:

Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: Your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays after the removal of the top layer of dead cells. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
Gentle Skincare: Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers for a few days.
Avoid Other Exfoliation: Don’t use scrubs, chemical exfoliants, or retinoids for 3-5 days afterward to avoid over-exfoliating and irritating the skin.
Hydrate: Keep your skin well-moisturized.

Long-Term Skincare Strategy for Lasting Results

Maintaining the beautiful results from microneedling and dermaplaning requires a consistent home care routine using high-quality skincare products suited to your skin type and concerns.

Following the treatment schedule recommended by your Cosmedic LaserMD professional is also key to sustaining improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. Remember, these treatments help, but ongoing care is essential.

Are You a Candidate? Safety and Considerations

While combining microneedling and dermaplaning (with proper timing) can be fantastic, it’s not suitable for everyone.

Ideal Candidates for Combined Treatment

You might be a great candidate if you:

Are generally healthy with healthy skin.
Are looking to improve overall skin texture, tone, and radiance.
Have concerns like fine lines, mild acne scarring, uneven pigmentation, or dullness.
Want exceptionally smooth skin and flawless makeup application.
Have realistic expectations about the results.
Are committed to following proper post-care instructions, especially sun protection.

Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid This Combination?

It’s best to avoid or postpone these treatments if you have:

Active Acne: Especially inflammatory or cystic acne. Both procedures can potentially spread bacteria and worsen breakouts. We need to get acne under control first.
Active Skin Infections: Including cold sores (herpes simplex), warts, or fungal infections in the treatment area.
Very Sensitive Skin Conditions: Such as active rosacea flare-ups, eczema, or psoriasis on the face. While dermaplaning can sometimes be done carefully on sensitive skin, microneedling might be too stimulating during a flare-up.
Recent Sunburn: Tanned or sunburned skin should not be treated.
Certain Medications: Use of Accutane (isotretinoin) within the last 6-12 months is typically a contraindication for microneedling. Inform your provider of all medications and supplements you take.
History of Keloid Scarring: Requires careful evaluation, as there’s a potential risk of abnormal scar formation, particularly with microneedling.

The Undeniable Importance of a Professional Consultation

Before going on any advanced skincare treatment journey, especially when considering combining procedures, a thorough consultation with a qualified professional is absolutely crucial. Here at Cosmedic LaserMD:

We assess your unique skin type, concerns, and medical history.
We discuss your goals and expectations.
We determine if you are a safe candidate for each procedure.
We create a personalized treatment plan, including the optimal timing for combining microneedling and dermaplaning if appropriate for you.
We answer all your questions and ensure you feel fully informed and comfortable.

This consultation is the cornerstone of achieving safe, effective, and satisfying results. Don’t guess – get expert advice tailored to your skin.

Wrapping Up: Your Path to Radiant, Smooth Skin

So, can you get dermaplaning after microneedling? Absolutely! The key takeaway is that timing is essential for safety and optimal results. By allowing your skin ample time to fully heal from microneedling – typically two to four weeks – before enjoying the surface-refining benefits of dermaplaning, you can harness the power of both treatments.

This strategic pairing can lead to significantly smoother texture, improved appearance of fine lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation, enhanced product absorption, and an overall radiant complexion. Remember that diligent post-care, especially sunscreen use, and professional guidance are your best allies in this journey.

Ready to explore how microneedling and dermaplaning can transform your skin? We invite you to experience the expertise and personalized care at Cosmedic LaserMD. Let us help you design the perfect treatment plan to achieve the healthy, glowing, smooth skin you deserve.