HydraFacial vs Dermaplaning
HydraFacial is a machine-led facial that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates in one session, booked for congestion, blackheads and dehydrated skin. Dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical blade to remove dead skin and peach fuzz, booked for rough texture, dullness and smoother makeup. At our South Yarra and Ivanhoe clinics, HydraFacial starts at $230 and our dermaplaning Reveal Facial is $220.
- HydraFacial
- from $230
- Dermaplaning
- $220
- Where
- South Yarra & Ivanhoe
Both are exfoliating facials with no downtime, and both start with a short conversation about your skin. The difference is how the exfoliation happens. A HydraFacial uses a handpiece with gentle suction to cleanse, exfoliate and draw out congestion, then infuses hydrating serums chosen for your skin. Dermaplaning is done by hand: a sterile surgical blade lifts away dead skin cells and the fine vellus hair known as peach fuzz.
So they tend to be booked for different things. HydraFacial is the one for blocked pores, blackheads and skin that feels dull or dehydrated. Dermaplaning is the one for rough texture, a dull surface and peach fuzz that catches makeup. Our dermaplaning treatment, the Reveal Facial, also includes a double cleanse, a hot towel and a gel based peel. Both are on the menu at South Yarra and Ivanhoe.
Choose HydraFacial if
- Congested pores and blackheads are your main concern
- Your skin feels tight, dull or dehydrated
- You have breakouts and want extractions as part of the treatment
Choose dermaplaning if
- Peach fuzz or dry, flaky patches make your makeup sit unevenly
- Your skin feels rough and you want a smooth, polished surface
- You have no active breakouts on the areas to be treated
HydraFacial vs dermaplaning at a glance.
| Compare | HydraFacial | Dermaplaning |
| What it is | A machine-led facial using suction and serums | Manual exfoliation with a sterile surgical blade |
| How it works | Cleanses, exfoliates, extracts impurities and infuses hydrating serums in one pass | The blade glides across the skin, lifting dead skin cells and fine vellus hair |
| Booked for | Congested pores, blackheads, dull and dehydrated skin | Rough texture, dullness and peach fuzz that catches makeup |
| Extractions | Yes, part of every HydraFacial | No |
| Peach fuzz | Not removed | Removed |
| Breakouts | Suits most skin types, including congested skin | Not performed over active acne |
| Feels like | Cool, gentle suction | A light glide across the skin |
| Downtime | None. Makeup straight away | None |
| Session | 30 minutes (Signature) to 1 hour (Platinum) | 45 minutes (Reveal Facial, with a gel based peel) |
| At Akmē | From $230 at South Yarra & Ivanhoe | $220 at South Yarra & Ivanhoe |
HydraFacial or dermaplaning for your concern?
For blackheads, congestion and breakouts
HydraFacial. Extractions are built into every treatment. We do not dermaplane over active acne, so when your skin is breaking out we book a HydraFacial or one of our chemical peels instead. See all our options for acne.
For peach fuzz and smoother makeup
Dermaplaning. It is the only one of the two that removes fine facial hair, so foundation and powder sit flat on the skin afterwards. Skin feels very soft, and your skincare absorbs better on the freshly exfoliated surface.
For dull, dehydrated skin
Both brighten. HydraFacial adds hydration as it exfoliates, which suits skin that feels tight or looks tired. Dermaplaning gives a smoother, more even surface, and the gel based peel in our Reveal Facial adds a second layer of exfoliation. If you are unsure, a 45 minute skin consultation is $89, and the $89 comes off your first treatment or product.
Before an event
Either works, because neither has downtime. Choose HydraFacial for a hydrated, fresh look and dermaplaning when you want makeup to sit perfectly.
Which HydraFacial to book.
The Signature HydraFacial is the core treatment: 30 minutes of deep exfoliation, extractions and hydration. The Deluxe keeps every Signature step and adds HydraFacial boosters chosen for your skin concern, finishing with LED light therapy, in 45 minutes. The Platinum adds lymphatic drainage to the Signature steps and runs for an hour.
We also offer a Back Signature HydraFacial for the back, a Lip & Eye HydraFacial at Ivanhoe, and Hydra-Genesis, which pairs a Deluxe HydraFacial with Laser Genesis. Comparing light treatments as well? Read Laser Genesis vs IPL.
| Signature HydraFacial | 30 mins | $230 |
| Deluxe HydraFacial (boosters and LED) | 45 mins | $315 |
| Platinum HydraFacial (adds lymphatic drainage) | 1 hour | $345 |
| Lip & Eye HydraFacial (Ivanhoe) | 20 mins | $99 |
| Back Signature | 30 mins | $250 |
| Hydra-Genesis (Deluxe HydraFacial plus Laser Genesis) | 1 hr 15 mins | $499 |
South Yarra & Ivanhoe unless marked. Hydra-Genesis is not performed during pregnancy.
The Reveal Facial.
Our dermaplaning treatment starts with a double cleanse and a hot towel. Your clinician then glides a sterile surgical blade across the skin to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz, applies a gel based peel to take the exfoliation further, and finishes with products chosen for your skin. It takes 45 minutes and is $220 at either clinic.
We check your skin on the day, and we do not dermaplane over active acne or certain skin conditions. Find both clinics on our visit page, or see every skin treatment we offer.
| Reveal Facial (dermaplaning, double cleanse, hot towel, gel based peel) | 45 mins | $220 |
| Skin consultation | 45 mins | $89 |
Prices as listed in our online booking menu. South Yarra & Ivanhoe.
How your visit runs.
- 01
We talk first
We look at your skin, your history and your goals, and recommend HydraFacial, dermaplaning or another option.
- 02
Your treatment
Between 30 minutes and an hour in a calm, private room, depending on the treatment you choose.
- 03
Aftercare and a plan
Clear aftercare before you leave, including sun protection, and a plan for when to come back.
HydraFacial and dermaplaning FAQ.
What is the difference between HydraFacial and dermaplaning?
HydraFacial is a machine-led facial that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates the skin in one session, using suction and serums. Dermaplaning is manual exfoliation: a sterile surgical blade is glided across the skin to remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz). HydraFacial is booked for congestion, blackheads and dehydration; dermaplaning for rough texture, dullness and peach fuzz.
Which is better for blackheads and breakouts?
HydraFacial, because extractions are part of every treatment and it suits most skin types. We do not dermaplane over active acne, so if you are breaking out, HydraFacial or one of our peels is usually the better fit. Your clinician checks your skin on the day.
Which is better for peach fuzz and makeup?
Dermaplaning. It is the only one of the two that removes peach fuzz, which is why makeup sits more smoothly afterwards. HydraFacial leaves skin hydrated and fresh, and you can wear makeup straight away, but it does not remove facial hair.
Does HydraFacial or dermaplaning hurt?
Neither should hurt. HydraFacial feels like a cool, gentle suction across the skin. Dermaplaning is painless: you feel the blade glide lightly over the skin, a little like a soft brush.
Is there downtime after HydraFacial or dermaplaning?
No. You can go back to your day straight after either treatment, and you can wear makeup immediately after a HydraFacial. Wear sunscreen after any exfoliating treatment.
What is the difference between the Signature, Deluxe and Platinum HydraFacial?
The Signature HydraFacial ($230, 30 minutes) is the core treatment: deep exfoliation, extractions and hydration. The Deluxe ($315, 45 minutes) adds boosters chosen for your skin concern and LED light therapy. The Platinum ($345, 1 hour) adds lymphatic drainage to the Signature steps. All three are available at South Yarra and Ivanhoe.
Can I have HydraFacial and dermaplaning together?
They are separate treatments on our menu. If you would like both, mention it when you book or at your consultation and we will plan which to do first and how to space them for your skin.
How much do HydraFacial and dermaplaning cost at Akmē?
HydraFacial is $230 (Signature, 30 minutes), $315 (Deluxe, 45 minutes) or $345 (Platinum, 1 hour). Our dermaplaning treatment, the Reveal Facial, is $220 for 45 minutes and includes a gel based peel. Prices are the same at South Yarra and Ivanhoe. A 45 minute skin consultation is $89, and the $89 comes off your first treatment or product.
Explore each one.
HydraFacial
from $230Cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate in one painless session. Signature, Deluxe or Platinum.
Dermaplaning
$220Dead skin and peach fuzz gently removed, with a gel based peel to finish.
Chemical Peels
from $150Dermaceutic, Circadia and BioRePeel peels for acne, pigmentation, dullness and fine lines.
Not sure which facial suits you?
Book an $89 skin consultation at South Yarra or Ivanhoe, or go straight to a HydraFacial from $230 or dermaplaning at $220.
Book an appointment