Epidermal Leveling, also known as derma planing, is a relatively new cosmetic treatment designed to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin and remove unwanted body hair. It involves the use of a special surgical blade called an ‘Epi-blade,’ which is drawn over the skin, removing the outer epidermal layer and any unwanted hair. It can be used by both men and women of all skin types and tones. The treatment will stimulate new cell growth and the production of collagen and elastin by removing dead skin cells and keeping pores clean and free of blockages.
As it is a fairly new type of procedure, there are some myths and misconceptions about epidermal leveling which patients considering the treatment should be aware of.
Myth: Epidermal Leveling Is Not Safe
Fact: When performed by a trained and licensed practitioner, epidermal leveling is very similar to shaving and just as safe. Obviously when using a sharp blade on the skin, there is a small risk of cutting and bleeding, which is why patients are advised to seek the procedure only from those who have been properly trained and qualified to administer it.
Myth: Epidermal Leveling Treatments Are Painful
Fact: As a non invasive cosmetic procedure, epidermal leveling treatments are not painful, and are a quick and easy means of exfoliating the skin and removing unwanted body hair.
Myth: Epidermal Leveling Is Like Microdermabrasion
Fact: While both epidermal leveling and microdermabrasion procedures scrape the outer layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells, epidermal leveling will actually remove more skin than microdemabrasion, and will also remove undesired hair, which microdemabrasion is not designed do to.
Myth: The Entire Body Can Be Treated with Epidermal Leveling
Fact: Epidermal leveling treatments are specifically designed for the face, back and forearms and are not recommended for other parts of the body, such as the neck or chest.
Myth: Epidermal Leveling Is Permanent
Fact: Because the skin continually sheds dead cells and hair continually grows on the body, epidermal leveling is not a permanent process, and repeated treatments are necessary to achieve lasting results. Typically patients can expect to undergo the procedure at intervals of between 3 to 4 weeks, allowing for the skin’s natural growth cycle of 30 days. Each epidermal leveling treatment removes approximately 2 to 3 weeks worth of skin cells.
Myth: Epidermal Leveling Is Effective on All Types of Hair
Fact: The human body produces two distinct types of hair, one of which is coarse and dark, the other lighter and softer. Coarse human hair is called ‘Terminal,’ and is found on the legs, eyebrows, underarms, groin and, in men, on the neck and face. When they are cut or removed, they will always grow back as coarse, dark hairs. The lighter, softer hairs are called ‘Vellous,’ and are found on the face and neck (primarily in women), and on the back and forearms. These hairs when cut or removed will not grow back coarser or darker. Epidermal leveling is designed to treat Vellous hair and not Terminal hair.
