What is Epidermal Leveling?

Epidermal Leveling exfoliates the top layer of the skin, polishing the surface and correcting flaws caused by acne scars, darkened pigmentation, or aging. As the skin’s upper surface is removed during this process, the fine hairs on the face are also removed. With this treatment, the skin’s surface looks smoother, polished, and refined. This is an alternative to treatments such as laser resurfacing and harsh chemical peels.

How does Epidermal Leveling work?

This non-invasive technique works by sanding down the skin’s top layer in or to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance. Epidermal Leveling not only removes dead skin cells, but it also eliminates fine facial hair and stimulates new cell growth.

What areas of the body does Epidermal Leveling treat?

Epidermal Leveling is performed on the skin of the face. The practitioner will not perform epidermal leveling on the nose, neck, eyelids, or chest. Epidermal Leveling is not appropriate as a method of hair removal on the legs.

What are the advantages of Epidermal Leveling over other similar treatments?

Although other scrubs and chemical peels exfoliate well, few of them remove the vellous hairs on the face. The risk of scarring is significantly less with Epidermal Leveling than with laser treatments. Epidermal Leveling is also more cost effective than chemical peels or laser treatments.

Who is a candidate for Epidermal Leveling?

Epidermal Leveling can be used on male and female facial skin. It is appropriate for all races and skin tones. Patients with active acne may want to consider another method of exfoliation because Epidermal Leveling removes the vellous hairs, and these act as pathways for oil to reach the surface of the skin where it can be washed away. Destroying these fine hairs may leave oil trapped below the skin and exacerbate acne problems. Because no chemicals are involved in Epidermal Leveling, this treatment is appropriate for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

How is Epidermal Leveling performed?

A clinician begins this procedure by thoroughly cleaning the face. Then, a steel surgical blade called an epi-blade is drawn across the face much as if one is being shaved. The practitioner stretches the skin of the face as he or she uses the blade at a forty-five degree angle to scrape skin cells from the surface. The whole procedure takes about forty-five minutes. Sometimes this treatment is immediately followed by a light chemical peel.

What is the recovery like?

Patients can immediately return to normal activities after Epidermal Leveling though the skin will have some redness for a while. Some peeling may occur if the treatment has been followed by an exfoliating peel. If there is any discomfort or burning sensations during recovery, these can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

What will the results be like?

Epidermal Leveling will leave the skin tone more evenly balanced. The skin will feel smooth and energized. Lines and wrinkles will appear much less noticeable. Scars left from previous acne flare-ups may also be diminished, and the redness associated with rosacea is sometimes lightened. Epidermal Leveling may also undo some of the damage caused by sun exposure.

What are the risks?

When a sharp blade is used, a slight risk of a nick or cut is always present, but this is as rare when Epidermal Leveling is performed as it is with shaving. Slight skin irritation may result in temporary redness.

Is Epidermal Leveling approved for use in the U.S.?

Epidermal Leveling may only be done in a doctor’s office by the dermatologist or a clinician trained in this technique.

What is the average price of Epidermal Leveling?

The cost for Epidermal Leveling can range from one hundred to two hundred dollars per session, depending on whether a chemical peel is included in the service, the geographic region in which the clinic is located, and the experience of the provider.

Is Epidermal Leveling covered by insurance companies?

Epidermal Leveling is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by the majority of insurance companies.

By SkinCareGuide.com Staff
Updated: November 24, 2009