Dermaplaning & 4 Other Amazing MediSpa Treatments

At Thaxton Plastic Surgery, we are proud to say we were recently voted “BEST MEDISPA IN THE KANAWHA VALLEY” for 2020! We offer many surgical procedures for our clients, but that’s not all we do. Our team can provide you with a myriad of medical spa treatments, including dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, SkinPen®, and more. Here’s a quick look at some of our most popular spa treatments.

Dermaplaning

Sometimes you’ll see this written as “derma planning,” but dermaplaning is the proper term for this procedure, which exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells as well as those fine vellus hairs, known as peach fuzz. The result is a smoother, brighter complexion, and removing those dead cells will help your skincare products work more efficiently.

While you hear a lot of talk about do-it-yourself dermaplaning kits, these are not a great option. Because a sharp scalpel is used to gently remove the skin cells and vellus hair, it’s better to leave this procedure to a professional. Not only will our aesthetician do a more thorough job, but it’s also just safer to let a pro handle this task.

Dermaplaning can be a good option for most people, although if you have very sensitive skin or conditions such as rosacea, dermaplaning is probably not advisable. We may be able to provide you with other facial treatments that are better suited to your more sensitive skin.

Microdermabrasion

Dermaplaning can provide you with a more youthful glow, but that’s not your only option. Microdermabrasion also can help restore a more youthful appearance. This is a great option for people with enlarged or clogged pores, those with fine lines, oily skin, a dull complexion or for people with mild complexion problems. This procedure also can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, such as those age spots we all love so much.

With this procedure, we spray the skin with an exfoliant and basically sand or buff your face with an electrical device, removing the top layer of skin. This is similar to dermaplaning in general, as both procedures remove a layer of skin cells. However, microdermabrasion can be a better option for some people. We can discuss both of these options and choose the process that best suits your skin type and skin issues.

SkinPen® Micro-Needling Facials

Acne scars can take their toll on your self-esteem, but with SkinPen® treatments, we can reduce much of this scarring and greatly improve the appearance of your skin. This treatment also can help reduce pore size and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

For this procedure, we use a microneedle device to poke very tiny holes into your skin. These punctures stimulate collagen production and trigger our body’s natural inclination to heal wounds. This helps your skin regenerate and you’ll enjoy a smoother, more youthful look.

This procedure is suitable for our clients that are 22 or older, and it is not recommended if you are pregnant, have had keloids or currently are experiencing an acne breakout. It’s important to note that it does take several treatments to achieve the desired results, typically at least three treatments are needed and sometimes more.

As with dermaplaning and microdermabrasion, the results of these procedures are temporary and additional treatments will be needed to maintain your desired look. It’s difficult to say how many treatments will be needed each year, as every person’s skin is different. Some people will need treatments every three or four months, while others might be fine waiting six months between SkinPen® procedures.

Skin Resurfacing

This is another option that can reduce fine lines and sun damage as well as acne and hyperpigmentation. This also can remove hair and result in permanent hair reduction. For this process, we use Intense Pulse Light, or IPL, to heat skin cells and then the body eliminates these cells naturally.

In general, it takes several IPL treatments to achieve the desired results. Some patients did find the procedure to be quite uncomfortable, while others felt only mild discomfort. Typically, the first procedure is more uncomfortable than follow-up procedures.

While the results of IPL can be well worth the discomfort (beauty is pain, as they say), IPL is not an ideal treatment for every client. If you have a recent sunburn, for instance, or are having an acne breakout, you’ll need to delay IPL treatments. IPL generally works best on lighter skin tones, and it is not suitable for people who are taking Accutane.

Chemical Peels

There are several levels of chemical peels, and Dr. Thaxton can determine which type is the best option for your skin. In general, a light peel will improve issues such as dryness, uneven pigment, acne, and fine lines, while a medium peel can help reduce the appearance of some acne scars and deeper wrinkles and help even out the skin color.

A deep chemical peel is the longest-lasting chemical peel option and the results can last for up to 10 years. Deep chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of age spots and freckles, as well as the issues above.

A deep chemical peel provides long-lasting results, but it also has a longer recovery time. Peels will make your skin red for some time. With a light peel, this might be just a few days. With a medium peel, it can take up to two weeks and there may be both redness and swelling and the after-care is more involved, including daily soaks and the use of ointment and avoiding the sun.

With the deep peel, it can take up to three weeks for the redness and swelling to abate, and the treated areas will be bandaged. Several daily soaks followed by the application of medicated ointment will be needed, and you’ll need to avoid sun exposure for at least three months, if not longer. Of course, while the recovery process is more involved, the results do last for many years, which is why some of our clients opt for the deep peel.

General Skin Care Tips

Everyone’s skin is unique and what products work for one person, might not work for others. In general, though, we have four tips that can help everyone enjoy healthier, youthful skin, including:
• Drink Water – Hydrated skin is healthier skin!
• Cleanse & Moisturize – A twice-daily skincare routine can improve the look and health of your skin
• Use Sunscreen – Either apply sunscreen or use cosmetics that include broad-spectrum sun protection.
• Get A Good Night’s Rest – A solid seven or eight-hour night’s sleep can help maintain healthy skin, lower stress levels, and improve your overall health.

These days, with all the stress of a global pandemic, it’s more important than ever to take some time out from the difficulties of life and remember to pamper ourselves. Spa treatments can be a great way to liven up your look and give you a more positive outlook. We also have some minimally-invasive procedures, such as Juvederm, CoolSclupting, Botox, and more. If you are interested in dermaplaning, SkinPen®, or another of our treatments, give us a call and book an appointment at any time.