I always thought to myself, what is dermaplaning? Until I consulted my clinician. Dermaplaning is not the same as dermabrasion, which involves exfoliating the skin with a high-speed spinning brush by an aesthetician or doctor. Dermaplaning is done using a scalpel or equipment known as a dermatome. The dermatome, which resembles an electric razor, is moved back and forth by the aesthetician to scratch off the upper surface of dead skin. Your skin will be brighter and smoother after exfoliation and hair removal.