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Dermaplaning in Covington, KYGentle Exfoliation for Instantly Smoother Skin

Treatment Time:
30 minutes
Downtime:
None
Results Visible:
Same day
Results Last:
3 to 4 weeks
Patient receiving a gentle dermaplaning treatment with a sterile blade at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa in Covington, KY

Expert Skin Care

Smoother Skin in One Dermaplaning Visit

Dermaplaning in Covington, KY is a manual exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile surgical blade to lift away dead surface cells and the fine vellus hair most people call peach fuzz. Patients from Kenton County, Newport, Bellevue and Edgewood choose it when they want visibly smoother skin the same day, with nothing to recover from.

Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa was founded in July 2024 by Dr. Barry Applegate, DMD, a Cincinnati Magazine Top Dentist who has cared for faces in the Covington area since 1993. Your dermaplaning session is performed by Elizabeth Taylor, APRN, who brings a background in acute care medicine and advanced aesthetic training to every treatment she performs.

Close view of smooth, bright facial skin after a dermaplaning exfoliation treatment at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa

The Challenge

When Dull, Rough Skin Calls for Dermaplaning

Understanding Surface Buildup

You wash, you moisturize, you use good products, and your skin still looks flat in photographs. Foundation clings to dry patches instead of blending. Fine facial hair catches the light across the cheeks and jaw, which reads as a soft haze in selfies and under office lighting. Pores look larger than they are because debris sits in them. Nothing is wrong exactly, but your reflection looks tired and a little grey, and the expensive serum on your bathroom shelf does not seem to be doing much.
Dermaplaning addresses all of that at the surface, in about half an hour. Clearing the dead cell layer lets light reflect evenly again, so skin looks brighter the moment you sit up. Removing vellus hair takes away the haze and gives makeup a smooth plane to sit on. Pores look finer once debris is gone, which helps with large pores and rough texture, and dull, dehydrated skin regains the light it lost.

Understanding Your Treatment

What Is Dermaplaning?

The Science of Manual Exfoliation

Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation treatment in which a sterile surgical blade is drawn across taut skin at a shallow angle to lift away the outermost layer of dead cells along with fine vellus hair, the soft peach fuzz that sits along the cheeks, jaw and upper lip. It targets dullness and rough surface texture rather than deeper lines or pigment.

Healthy skin sheds cells roughly every 28 days, and that turnover slows with age, so spent cells collect on the surface and scatter light. Clearing them in one 30 minute visit restores an even surface and opens the path for the SkinCeuticals serums you use at home. No needles, no heat, no peeling afterward.

Treatment Timeline:

First Signs:
Immediately after your session
Full Effect:
Same day (once redness settles)
Treatment Time:
30 minutes (per session)
Recovery:
None (resume your day at once)

Your Experience

What Happens During Dermaplaning Treatment

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Skin Review

    Elizabeth examines your skin under bright light and checks products, medications and recent sun exposure.

  2. Cleanse and Dry

    She double cleanses the face and dries it fully, since the blade only glides safely on dry skin.

  3. Exfoliation

    Holding the skin taut, Elizabeth draws a sterile blade in short strokes at a shallow angle, zone by zone.

  4. Finish and Protect

    She applies a calming serum and broad spectrum SPF, then walks you through the next three days.

Treatment Areas

Dermaplaning Treatment Areas

Comprehensive Facial Exfoliation

Soft abstract gradient background in warm magenta and cream tones representing smooth, freshly exfoliated facial skin

  • Dull Skin

    Clears the spent cell layer that flattens how skin reflects light

  • Peach Fuzz

    Lifts fine vellus hair from the cheeks, jawline and upper lip

  • Rough Texture

    Smooths flaking and uneven patches across the forehead and cheeks

  • Congested Pores

    Removes surface debris so pores look cleaner and finer

  • Makeup Application

    Creates an even canvas so foundation sits flat and blends

  • Product Absorption

    Helps serums and moisturizers reach skin instead of sitting on it

Benefits of Dermaplaning Treatment

Smoother skin the same day

Immediate ResultsSkin looks and feels smoother the moment your session endsNeedle FreeNo injections, no heat and no numbing cream requiredBetter AbsorptionSerums reach clean skin instead of a layer of dead cellsFlawless MakeupFoundation blends evenly with no fuzz catching the lightEvent ReadySafe to book a day or two before a big event

Dermaplaning vs. Other Exfoliation

Exfoliation methods differ in depth, downtime and what they actually change. Here is how dermaplaning compares.

TreatmentMechanismTimeResultsDurationDowntimeBest For
DermaplaningManual blade exfoliation30 minutesSmoother the same day3 to 4 weeksNoneDull skin and peach fuzz
Chemical PeelsAcid based exfoliation30 to 45 minutesVisible in 3 to 7 days4 to 6 weeks2 to 5 days flakingTone, pigment and clarity
MicrodermabrasionAbrasive crystal or tip30 minutesMild immediate polish2 to 4 weeksBrief rednessLight surface smoothing
At Home ExfoliationScrubs or acid pads2 to 5 minutesGradual over weeksA few daysNoneRoutine maintenance
Skin Resurfacing with Exion Clear RFSmart RF microablation45 minutesBuilds over 4 to 6 weeksSeveral months1 to 3 days rednessPores, texture and active acne

Is This Right for You

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermaplaning?

Finding Your Smoothest Skin

Dermaplaning suits almost anyone who wants a smoother, brighter surface without heat, needles or recovery time, which is why it is one of the most requested treatments before a wedding, a reunion or a photo session in Covington.

Ideal Candidates for Dermaplaning

  • Adults whose skin looks flat, tired or rough despite a consistent skincare routine
  • Anyone bothered by visible peach fuzz that catches light or traps foundation
  • Patients who want a visible result the same day with no downtime at all
  • People whose serums and moisturizers seem to sit on the skin instead of absorbing
  • Makeup wearers who want a smoother canvas for foundation and powder
  • Patients in good general health with realistic expectations about surface level change

Who Should Wait or Avoid Dermaplaning

  • Active inflammatory or cystic acne, since the blade cannot pass safely over raised lesions
  • Open cold sores, eczema flares, psoriasis plaques or sunburn in the treatment area
  • Skin treated with isotretinoin in the past six months, or freshly peeled or lasered skin
  • A history of keloid scarring or very reactive, easily abraded skin
  • Terminal hair on the face, which is coarse and pigmented and needs laser hair removal instead

Mechanical exfoliation is safe in trained hands but unforgiving when it is overdone. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends matching exfoliation method and frequency to your skin type rather than exfoliating on a fixed schedule. Elizabeth reviews your history, medications and current products at every visit and will reschedule you rather than treat compromised skin. If active breakouts are the main issue, she will usually point you toward a medical grade chemical peel or an Exion Clear RF session first.

Risks and Side Effects

What to Know

The Applegate Difference

Why Choose Applegate MedSpa for Dermaplaning in Covington

Northern Kentucky's trusted team

Elizabeth Taylor, APRN built her career in acute care medicine and trained in aesthetics before joining Dr. Barry Applegate, DMD in Covington. She reads skin before she touches it, adjusting blade angle and pressure by zone, which is how a simple exfoliation stays comfortable and controlled.

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  • Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner

    Elizabeth Taylor, APRN brings an acute care clinical background

  • Dentist-Founded Practice

    Facial anatomy expertise from a Top Dentist with 30 years in Covington

  • Single Use Blades

    Every blade is sterile, opened in front of you and discarded after

  • Honest Guidance

    We will tell you when a peel or laser suits your skin better

  • Flat $100 Visits

    One price per treatment, no package to commit to and nothing to use up

  • Home Care Ready

    Cleared skin lets your SkinCeuticals serums absorb, and SPF goes on before you leave

Investment

Dermaplaning Cost in Covington, KY

Pricing and Payment Options

How Much Does Dermaplaning Cost in Covington?

Dermaplaning at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa is a flat $100 per treatment. It is priced as a single visit rather than a package, so there is nothing to commit to and nothing to use up. Nationally, professional dermaplaning typically runs between $75 and $200 per session depending on the market and whether it is bundled into a facial.

Price TypePer Treatment
Dermaplane, single treatment$100

Many patients book dermaplaning on its own between other services, and some schedule it just before a chemical peel or a skin tightening session with Exion so the active ingredients and the energy meet clean skin. Elizabeth will tell you honestly whether pairing treatments makes sense for you or whether one visit is enough.

Flexible Payment Options

We want the plan to fit your budget, not the other way around.

  • Cherry Financing - monthly payment plans with a quick approval process and options for a range of credit profiles.
  • Major credit cards - accepted for a single session or a full series.
  • HSA and FSA - health spending account funds are accepted where your plan administrator allows the treatment, so check your plan first.

Dermaplaning is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by medical insurance.

Promotional pricing available at consultation. Call to schedule a free consult.

Patient receiving a chemical peel application at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa in Covington, KY

Related Treatment

Chemical Peels

Two depths, one clear plan

  1. Two Depths
  2. Quick Sessions
  3. More Than Face
Learn More

Related Treatment

Skin Resurfacing with Exion Clear RF

Smart microablation that refines tone, texture, pore size and clarity.

  1. Broad Skin Improvement
  2. Short Recovery
  3. No Needles
Learn More

Related Treatment

RF Microneedling with Exion

Fractional radiofrequency delivered through fine needles to firm skin, refine pores and smooth texture.

  1. Your Own Collagen
  2. Multiple Concerns
  3. Short Recovery
Learn More

Related Treatment

Skin Tightening with Exion

Needle free radiofrequency and ultrasound that firms and rehydrates skin.

  1. No Needles
  2. Zero Downtime
  3. Natural Hydration
Learn More

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Dermaplaning

How much does dermaplaning cost in Covington, KY?
Dermaplaning is $100 per treatment at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa. It is priced as a single visit rather than a package, so you are never committing to a series you may not need. Cherry Financing is available if you are combining dermaplaning with other treatments, and we accept HSA and FSA cards at the front desk.
Will my hair grow back thicker or darker after dermaplaning?
No. Cutting hair at the surface cannot change the follicle beneath it, so vellus hair returns exactly as fine and as pale as it was. Research going back decades has confirmed that shaving does not alter growth rate, coarseness or density. Regrowth can feel briefly blunt because the tapered tip was cut flat, which is what fuels the myth.
Does dermaplaning hurt?
Dermaplaning is painless for nearly everyone and needs no numbing cream. Most patients describe it as a light scraping or brushing sensation across taut skin, similar to a soft eraser. There are no needles and no heat. If a zone feels sensitive, tell Elizabeth and she will lighten pressure or skip that area entirely.
When will I see results from dermaplaning?
Immediately. Dermaplaning is one of the few treatments where you see the change before you leave. Skin looks brighter and feels noticeably smoother as soon as you sit up, because the dull layer is physically gone rather than being encouraged to shed over time. Any faint pinkness usually settles within an hour.
How often should I get dermaplaning?
Most patients come in every four to six weeks, which tracks the natural skin cell turnover cycle. Going more often than every four weeks gives the barrier too little time to recover and can leave skin sensitive. Elizabeth will suggest a rhythm based on your skin type, your age and the other treatments in your plan.
What is the difference between dermaplaning and a chemical peel?
Dermaplaning removes dead cells and hair mechanically with a blade, while a peel dissolves the bonds between cells chemically. Dermaplaning works only at the very surface and has no downtime. Our chemical peels in Covington reach deeper and address tone and pigment, but usually bring a few days of flaking.
Can men get dermaplaning?
Yes, though the treatment is limited to areas without terminal beard hair. Men book dermaplaning for the forehead, cheekbones, nose and neck to smooth rough texture and clear buildup before skincare. Coarse pigmented beard hair is not a dermaplaning target. If beard hair is the concern, laser hair reduction is the appropriate treatment.
Can I wear makeup after dermaplaning?
Wait a few hours, then apply makeup as normal. Most patients find that foundation blends better after dermaplaning than at any other time, since it now sits on a flat surface with no fuzz to catch. Use clean brushes for the first application, and always layer broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher underneath.
Is dermaplaning safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Sensitive skin usually tolerates dermaplaning well, but active inflammatory or cystic acne does not. A blade cannot pass safely over raised, inflamed lesions and can spread bacteria across the face. If you are breaking out, Elizabeth will recommend an Exion treatment or a peel first, then bring dermaplaning back once skin has calmed.
Can dermaplaning be combined with other treatments?
Yes, and pairing it well is where the real value sits. Clearing the surface first helps peels work more evenly and helps serums absorb, which is why we often schedule it alongside other skin treatments in Covington. Elizabeth will map the right order and spacing so nothing overlaps or irritates your barrier.
How long does a dermaplaning appointment take?
Plan on about 30 minutes in the room. The exfoliation itself takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes, with the remainder spent on your skin review, cleansing and the calming serum and sunscreen at the end. First visits run slightly longer because Elizabeth takes a full history before touching your skin.
Location322 Greenup StCovington, KY, 41011Phone(859) 365-3300Emailinfo@applegatemedspa.com

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References

  1. Pryor et al., Aesthetic Plast Surg. (2011). Systematic review of dermaplaning as a safe office based facial exfoliation method. PMID: 21533984.
  2. Tijani et al., AAPS PharmSciTech. (2023). Dermaplaning increased permeation of topically applied compounds versus untreated skin. PMID: 36725790.
  3. Lynfield et al., J Invest Dermatol. (1970). Shaving did not increase hair growth rate, coarseness or density. PMID: 5459955.
  4. Karimipour et al., Plast Reconstr Surg. (2010). Evidence based review of microdermabrasion found modest superficial texture change. PMID: 20048628.
  5. Lee et al., J Am Acad Dermatol. (2019). Clinical review of superficial and medium depth chemical peeling and patient selection. PMID: 30550830.
  6. American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Guidance on matching exfoliation method and frequency to skin type.
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