Dermapen
Dermapen is a microneedling treatment used to improve skin texture and reduce certain scars, including acne scars. It stimulates skin renewal processes, and the result develops gradually. The plan, number of sessions and recovery depend on the indication, region, depth of treatment and individual response.
Dermapen – in brief
| What is being treated | Acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and pigmentation marks |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Anaesthetic cream |
| Duration of treatment | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Number of treatments | The number of sessions, intervals and the need for maintenance are determined individually |
| Result | Gradual improvement; the result and time to visible change are individual. |
| Recovery | Redness and sensitivity for several days; reactions may last longer |
| Season | The appointment is scheduled according to the skin condition and the possibility of sun protection |
What is a dermapen?
Dermapen is a pen-shaped device with an attachment containing thin micro-needles. The operating depth is adjusted to the region, skin condition, and the goal of the procedure. Controlled punctures trigger healing processes and collagen production, which can help improve skin texture and reduce scars.
Microneedles temporarily disrupt the skin barrier. Therefore, the choice of products for application during and after the procedure requires a careful assessment of their intended use and the manufacturer's instructions. It should not be taken for granted that every cosmetic serum is suitable for this application.
Dermapen treatment
When is dermapen recommended?
This treatment is not only used for skin rejuvenation, but also for addressing other skin problems that also appear in younger people, so the dermapen has a wide range of applications in aesthetic medicine. It is recommended to use the dermapen treatment when:
- You want to improve your skin texture
- Reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
- Make acne scars less visible
- Reduce the visibility of pigmented spots
- Reduce dark circles under the eyes
For dark circles under the eyes, the cause must first be determined; not every type responds to microneedling treatment. Any combination with additional products is assessed separately. How the types of dark circles differ and what other options exist is explained on the page removal of dark circles under the eyes.
Cosmetic and medical dermapen – what is the difference?
Cosmetic dermapen The treatment is performed on the shallower layers of the skin and is intended to improve its overall quality. It is most commonly used to refresh the complexion, even out skin tone, reduce the visibility of pores and mild texture irregularities. This approach does not require a long recovery and is suitable for people who want a gradual and discreet improvement in the appearance of their skin.
Medical dermapen involves working in the deeper layers of the skin, with strictly controlled parameters and the application of medical preparations. It is used for more pronounced problems such as acne scars, more pronounced texture irregularities, fine and medium-deep wrinkles, and significant loss of skin quality. Due to the greater working depth, recovery may be more pronounced, and the treatment is performed exclusively with professional assessment and supervision. The choice of microneedling procedure depends on the type and depth of the scars, and more about assessment and other options can be found on the page acne scars.
In our clinic, the dermapen treatment is carried out individually, in a cosmetic or medical variant, depending on the skin condition, the goal of the treatment and the realistic expectations of the patient.
What does a dermapen treatment look like?
- Prior to treatment, the skin, the aim of the procedure, previous treatments and any medication you are taking are assessed.
- The skin is cleaned and prepared, and an anesthetic cream is applied as assessed.
- The selected region is treated with microneedles, with adjustments to the depth and intensity of the procedure.
- At the end, you receive instructions for aftercare, sun protection and monitoring skin reactions.
Any additional products and procedures are chosen separately according to indication and their purpose; they are not a mandatory part of every treatment. The entire visit usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the area and preparation.
What are the effects of dermapen treatment?
The aim of the treatment is the gradual improvement of skin texture, the reduction of certain acne scars and fine lines. The extent of improvement depends on the type of condition and the skin's response; the exact same result cannot be guaranteed for everyone in advance.
Changes are assessed over the coming weeks and at follow-up appointments. Deep scars may require a combination of methods, and pigmentation should first be assessed in order to choose the appropriate approach.
How many treatments are needed for results?
The number of treatments and the interval between visits are determined individually, according to the type of condition, depth of treatment, skin reaction and the improvement achieved. The plan is reviewed at follow-up appointments and adjusted according to the skin's response.
Maintenance is not the same schedule for everyone. The aim is realistic improvement, not the promise of complete scar removal or a permanently unchanged result.
Is recovery required after the treatment?
Following the treatment, redness, a feeling of warmth, tightness, sensitivity and flaking may occur. These reactions usually subside over the following days, but can last longer depending on the depth of the work and individual response.
Returning to everyday routines is not the same as full skin recovery. Plan your treatment time with enough leeway for reactions to subside, especially before an important event.
Make-up, working out and active skin care products: Arrange the time of return according to the treatment performed and the condition of the skin. Follow the recommendations for gentle care and sun protection; reintroduce acids, retinoids, and other irritating preparations only according to the instructions provided.
If the pain, redness or swelling worsens, or you notice other unusual changes, contact the clinic for an assessment.
Dermapen and other treatments
Depending on the skin condition and the treatment goal, the doctor may consider combining Dermapen with mesotherapy, biorevitalisation and other skin regeneration treatments. Other procedures such as chemical peel, deep dermabrasion and laser treatments provide similar results to dermapen treatment in certain cases. After a dermapen session, redness and sensitivity are expected; these reactions typically subside over the course of a few days, and can last longer depending on the depth of the treatment and individual response. Returning to daily activities is not the same as full skin recovery. With combined procedures, the recovery depends on all the methods applied.
Alongside Dermapen we also do SkinPen. The choice of device and treatment plan depends on the indication and skin assessment. We explain why multiple methods are combined for scars in this text.
For an overview of the possibilities, see facial treatments and comparative guide to skin quality.
Contraindications
Dermapen treatment is not recommended for active skin infections, including bacterial, viral and fungal infections, as well as active herpes. Candidates for treatment are not people with severe inflammatory acne, open wounds, irritations or fresh skin burns. Dermapen is not performed on people prone to forming keloid scars, nor on patients with active autoimmune diseases affecting the skin. The treatment is postponed during pregnancy, as well as for patients who use isotretinoin or have used it in the previous few months, in accordance with a doctor's assessment. It is also not recommended for blood clotting disorders and during anticoagulant therapy, without prior consultation.
Dermapen price
The price of a dermapen treatment depends on the region being treated and any potential combination with other procedures. You can view the prices on the page Price list.
Expert sources
Author: Dr Ivica Jeremić
Doctor of Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), subspecialist in rheumatology, dermatology resident.
