What is dermapen micro-needling?

Dermapen micro-needling uses a small dermatology treatment device (the dermapen), for a micro-needling procedure which has the capability to effectively address skin problems such as ageing, fine lines, stretch marks and acne scars.

GuideBy Dr Adil Sarwar MBBS, BSc, MRCGP15 March 20193 min read

GMC Registered Doctor — GMC No. 7085079

How does dermapen micro-needling work?

The dermapen derives its name from the word ‘dermatology’ and a ‘pen’, which it resembles in appearance. The dermapen micro-needling treatment is able to achieve skin which is tighter, brighter and refreshed. Dermapen is now favoured by cosmetic experts around the world, after having proved its efficiency and effectiveness, as well as flexibility in how it is used.

In this blog, we take a look at how dermapen micro-needling works, ask who is suitable for the procedure, and answer frequently asked questions about the treatment.

Like traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, dermapen micro-needling works by puncturing the top layer of skin to promote healing. Unlike acupuncture, the aim of micro-needling is to improve the appearance of skin, rather than reduce any pain.

A dermapen consists of 12 needles which are used to pierce the skin. The pen is held vertically over the skin and once the pen is in the right position, a small motor will be turned on inside the pen which causes the needles to penetrate the skin by moving back and forth rapidly. Due to their special design, the needles slightly rotate and effectively open up pores and puncture the top layer of skin.

It is important that the pen pierces the skin as this is what triggers skin rejuvenation. When an individual cuts or hurts themselves, the skin will repair itself by generating collagen and elastin, which stimulates growth. Applying this same principle to dermapen micro-needling, the skin will increase elastin and collagen production to treat the pierced skin. To a certain extent, micro-needling tricks the skin into healing itself, leaving the skin refreshed and rejuvenated.

What is dermapen micro-needling able to treat?

Dermapen micro-needling is most commonly used on the face to reduce fine lines and wrinkles but can also be used to treat common skin problems such as stretch marks and scars on different areas of the body. Let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons to get a dermapen treatment:

• To reduce the appearance of a scar: After the skin heals a wound and forms a scar, the body acts as though the area has been returned to normal. Dermapen micro-needling can puncture the scar tissue and stimulate the skin to replace the damaged skin with new, unscarred skin.

• To reduce the appearance of stretch marks: Like scarring, the body does not treat stretch marks as something that needs to be healed. Dermapen micro-needling over stretch marks can initiate healing and promote the growth of new skin.

• To minimise fine lines and wrinkles: The elastin and collagen induction, caused by wounding the skin with a dermapen causes skin to tighten and thicken, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermapen micro-needling can, therefore, be considered an anti-aging treatment.

What are the benefits of dermapen micro-needling?

Aside from its anti-aging and scar reducing benefits, dermapen micro-needling has many other benefits including:

• Minimizing enlarged pores • Tightening the skin • Treating hair loss problems such as alopecia • Helps the skin to absorb products more efficiently, ensuring the most benefits can be received from skin care products

Who is an ideal candidate for dermapen micro-needling?

Dermapen micro-needling is a minimally invasive treatment and therefore is considered suitable for most people, providing they are in good general health. However, individuals on acne medication should consult with their GP to check the treatment is suitable for them. Pregnant women are similarly advised not to receive dermapen treatment.

Dermapen micro-needling has no severe side effects and is therefore suitable for individuals who wish to maintain their busy lifestyle. After the treatment, some mild bruising may occur and it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight for a week and wearing suncream is advised. After three days any bruises or redness should fade.

Frequently asked questions

A topical anaesthetic will be administered prior to treatment, usually 30 minutes before, to ensure the treatment is painless. A numbing cream may also be used if a patient has particularly sensitive skin.

The dermapen is able to create 1,300 micro punctures per second, this number of punctures stimulates the skin to produce collagen and elastin without compromising normal skin functions.

Drinking lots of water and trying to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables in the week before your treatment will help prepare your skin for the treatment. Maintaining a good skin care routine is also advisable and it is recommended you exfoliate your skin 2-3 days before your treatment.

Dermapen treatment is generally considered to be superior to a dermaroller as it is less painful and a dermapen treatment has less recovery time.

Skin rejuvenation can be achieved with one treatment, however, for more extensive problems such as acne scarring, multiple treatments may be required. Ready to learn more about dermapen micro-needling? Call the expert team at the Skin Science Clinic today on 020 7971 77 64 and we will be happy to help.

TopicsMicroneedlingDermapen