Dermaplaning uses a surgical-grade scalpel to gently remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the surface of your skin. Microdermabrasion uses a device with a textured tip or fine crystals to buff away the outer layer of skin. Both are exfoliating treatments. The difference is in the method, the texture they leave behind, and which skin types benefit most.
During dermaplaning, I hold your skin taut and use short, precise strokes with a sterile blade. There's no downtime and no redness for most people. The treatment removes two to three weeks of surface buildup in a single session, and it also removes peach fuzz at the same time.
The result is a very smooth surface, which means your makeup sits differently and skincare products absorb more easily. Clients with dry, sensitive, or dull skin often respond well to dermaplaning. It's also one of the few exfoliating treatments that works during pregnancy, since it's entirely physical with no chemical ingredients.
One thing I want to be honest about: if you have active acne breakouts or inflamed skin, dermaplaning is not the right choice right now. A blade over active breakouts can spread bacteria and irritate already-reactive skin. We'd look at a different approach first.
Microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tip or crystal-based handpiece to physically exfoliate the outer layers of skin. The device also uses suction, which helps stimulate circulation and remove the loosened skin cells at the same time. Sessions typically take about 30 minutes.
This treatment tends to work well for uneven texture, minor sun damage, and congested pores. The suction component can be helpful for clients whose skin needs a little more stimulation. Microdermabrasion can also be used on the neck and chest, which makes it a good option when you want to treat more than just the face.
If your skin is on the thinner or more sensitive side, we'd start with a lower intensity setting and go from there. Microdermabrasion is adjustable, which I appreciate because it means I can meet your skin where it is rather than applying the same pressure to everyone.
In my experience, the right choice comes down to your skin concern, your skin type, and what you're preparing for.
If peach fuzz is bothering you, or you want the smoothest possible canvas for makeup, dermaplaning is likely the better fit. If you're dealing with congested pores, texture from sun damage, or want to treat your neck and chest alongside your face, microdermabrasion is worth considering. Some clients rotate between both depending on the season or what their skin needs at a given time. That's completely reasonable and something I can help you plan for.
Neither treatment is better than the other in some absolute sense. They're different tools for different goals. For a deeper side-by-side breakdown, see our page on microdermabrasion vs dermaplaning.
Pricing for both dermaplaning and microdermabrasion varies depending on the provider, the area being treated, the length of the session, and whether the treatment is combined with a facial or additional steps like a mask or serum application. At SASS SRQ, I can walk you through exactly what's included and what fits your budget when you call or come in.
No. This is one of the most common myths I hear. Vellus hair, which is the fine, soft peach fuzz on the face, has no pigment and no thickness. Removing it at the surface does not change the follicle. When the hair grows back, it grows back the same as before.
Most clients describe it as a mild scratching or suction sensation. It's not painful for the majority of people. If your skin is particularly sensitive, I'll adjust the intensity so it stays comfortable throughout the treatment.
I don't recommend combining both in the same session. Each is already an exfoliating treatment, and layering them would be too much for the skin barrier in one visit. If you want both, we space them out.
A general guideline is every four to six weeks, which aligns with your skin's natural cell turnover cycle. That said, the right frequency depends on your skin and your goals. Some clients come in monthly, others every couple of months. We figure out what makes sense for you specifically.
It depends on what's going on. If you have non-inflamed congestion or closed comedones, microdermabrasion may help. Active breakouts are a different situation, and neither treatment is ideal until the inflammation settles. I'd want to look at your skin before making a recommendation either way.
Both can support an improvement in skin tone over time by removing surface buildup. For more significant hyperpigmentation, I'd often suggest pairing either treatment with something like a chemical peel or a targeted brightening approach, depending on your skin. Exploring the full menu of facials can help you find the right combination. One treatment rarely does the whole job on its own.
If you're still on the fence about dermaplaning vs microdermabrasion, the easiest thing to do is call me and we'll talk it through. I'd rather spend five minutes helping you choose correctly than have you book something that isn't the right fit. Give us a call at (941) 354-9099 and I'll tell you honestly what makes sense for your skin and your goals.
SASS SRQ is located at 101 S Pineapple Ave, Suite 107, Sarasota, FL 34236. We're open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday we're closed.
Lynn is the founder and lead aesthetician at SASS SRQ Sarasota. Her approach: she listens before she recommends anything, and she'll tell you if something isn't worth your money.
Lynn has worked in aesthetics for over ten years and opened SASS SRQ downtown so clients could get focused, one-on-one skin care without the upsell pressure of a big salon.
She's trained in microneedling, chemical peels, and advanced waxing techniques, and she takes the time to explain what she's doing and why it fits your skin.
Before recommending anything, Lynn asks about your skin history, lifestyle, and what's bothering you most - then builds from there.
