We can provide cover for dermaplaning within your medical malpractice insurance policy.
If you are looking for insurance to cover dermaplaning, please contact the team on 0800 6343881 or email cosmeticsales@hamiltonfraser.co.uk.
Hamilton Fraser provides dermaplaning cover for doctors, nurses, dentists, beauticians (NVQ level three in general beauty or equivalent beauty qualification), dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, operating department practitioners and physiotherapists.
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive exfoliating hair removal treatment, whereby a sterile surgical scalpel is used to “shave” the skin’s surface. It removes the build-up of dead skin, along with fine hairs (vellus hair, also known as ‘peach fuzz’) from the face.
As well as removing unwanted hair, dermaplaning triggers cell regeneration, ridding the skin of any build-up of dead skin cells which can make skin look dull or uneven, resulting in a clear, more radiant and even-toned skin. It can be particularly effective for patients who may have a rough or dry skin texture and helps to minimise superficial acne scarring or uneven skin tone. Just like an exfoliation treatment, it removes any barriers which would stop skincare products from penetrating, with the result that products often work more effectively after a dermaplaning treatment.
Because dermaplaning triggers the cell regeneration process, it is used to treat a range of issues:
- Softening and smoothing the appearance of acne scarring
- Reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and sun damage
- Helping to maximise the absorption of skin peels, serums and moisturisers
- Enhancing the skin’s receptivity to other treatments and skincare products
- Diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
As with any procedure, the patient should always have a consultation with the practitioner prior to the start of treatment to take the patient’s medical history, manage expectations and talk through potential side effects and aftercare. If agreed that the procedure can go ahead, the patient should sign a consent form to confirm that they have understood any risks associated with dermaplaning. At Hamilton Fraser, we recommend that practitioners take photographs which can be used for a ‘before’ and ‘after’ comparison if needed at a later date.
Although dermaplaning treatments will vary, the concept is generally the same. The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove any makeup or other debris that could clog up the pores and lead to ingrown hairs and the skin is gently pulled tightly and lightly. The dermaplaning uses soft, short feathering strokes in an upward motion of a sharp No.10 surgical blade (a large fat surgical blade), held at a 45 degree angle to gently scrape the outer layer of skin to remove the hair and dull, dead skin cells. During dermaplaning the patient should not feel any pain, just a slightly cold, scraping sensation. Because dermaplaning enhances the skin’s absorption of other treatments, practitioners sometimes perform the treatment in combination with other procedures, such as skin peels, applying a light exfoliant to cleansed skin before gently ‘shaving’ the face of skin cells and fine hairs and finishing with a serum.
Results of dermaplaning are temporary lasting only three or four weeks. Repeat appointments are recommended every four to six weeks and patients usually need a series of up to six treatments to see a more lasting improvement in acne scars or fine lines.
Patients with extremely sensitive skin, active acne, a rosacea flare up, eczema, infection or cold sores in the areas to be treated should not undergo a dermaplaning procedure. This is because the process can cause bacteria or a virus to spread, leading to wider spread infection that can lead to inflammation, pigmentation and even scarring. There is also the risk that the sharp scalpel could nick existing pimples.
The treatment is also less effective on overly oily skin as the blade doesn’t catch the downy vellus hairs as well on this type of skin.
It’s also important to be aware that misuse can lead to potential worsening of the hair growth, for example patients with hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should avoid dermaplaning as it may worsen the situation.
Since the pandemic, sales of dermaplaning devices for use at home has risen dramatically. However, this treatment is best performed by skin professionals only. Although it is a minimally invasive low risk treatment, it is nonetheless important to ascertain whether there are any pre-existing medical conditions that may impact the treatment, as well as assessing if there is an underlying medical condition contributing to the symptoms.
Unlike some procedures, there is no downtime required after a dermaplaning procedure and any side effects are usually very minor. It is normal for patients’ skin to be a little bit red and dry for a few hours and the skin usually looks its best a few days after the procedure. Since the skin will be a little sensitive, it’s important to apply a high factor SPF to protect the skin.
Our guide to training in aesthetics contains more information on how to get the most out of training and the importance of making sure it meets the eligibility criteria required for the purposes of insurance.
As with any treatment, all known side effects must be explained to the patient in the consultation and the patient must sign a consent form which outlines that they understand the risks, prior to the procedure.
Although dermaplaning is a minimally invasive procedure, administering the treatment does involve specialist skills and equipment and, just like any other treatment, it is not totally free from risk. While most patients experience minimal side-effects, and these should all be explained and documented during the consultation, it only takes one patient to react more intensely and even experienced and skilled practitioners have off days.
An example claim scenario we might see is if a patient has come if for the treatment and all went well at the appointment. Once the patient was home, they started coming out in red blotches and the skin was very sore to touch. The patient went for a review, and it transpired that there was a cold score flare up. This happened because the patient had a history of cold sores, but this was not disclosed to the practitioner in the medical history. The patient had no cold sore at the time so did not think it was necessary to mention or confirm that they have previously had them. When a person has had cold sores in the past, they will need to take anti-viral medication prior to treatment, and the practitioner need to avoid the area. Even then, they still may not be suitable to this treatment so in a situation like this, the practitioner cannot be held responsible as the patient was not truthful at consultation stage. They will have a duty of care to assist the patient with medication to assist with the healing.
Claims top tip:
During the consultation, it is very important for practitioner to make it clear to patients that they need to be truthful and upfront about any medical conditions or medications that are on. Even supplements that are taken should be disclosed as some may interfere with treatment results
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