Dermapen (Microneedling)
Triggering the skin’s own repair process through controlled micro-injury.
Microneedling creates controlled micro-channels in the skin using very fine needles on a pen-shaped device. These channels stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing response and trigger collagen production. It is most often used for the appearance of scars, enlarged pores and uneven skin texture.
At a glance
- Session length
- 30–45 minutes (including numbing)
- Sessions
- Typically 3–6 sessions, 4 weeks apart
- Effect begins
- Texture changes within 4–6 weeks; collagen response continues up to 3 months
- Duration of effect
- 9–12 months after the series, varies by individual
- Recovery
- 1–3 days of redness; make-up after 24 hours
- Anaesthesia
- Topical numbing cream, 20–30 minutes
Who it is suitable for
Who it is suitable for
- People with post-acne scarring or uneven texture
- Those bothered by the appearance of enlarged pores
- People seeking support for fine lines and skin firmness
- Those looking to address the appearance of stretch marks (body areas)
Who it is not suitable for
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Active acne, cold sores or infection at the treatment site
- Known tendency to form keloid (raised) scars
- Oral isotretinoin use within the last 6 months
- Uncontrolled diabetes or conditions that impair wound healing
- Skin areas that have received radiotherapy
Step by step
Before your appointment
Stop retinol, acid peels and waxing a week beforehand, as these sensitise the skin. Tell us if you have a history of cold sores; preventive treatment may be needed. The procedure is not performed on sunburned skin.
On the day
The skin is cleansed and a topical numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes. During this time the needle depth is set according to the area and the goal.
During the procedure
The device is passed systematically over the area. You will feel vibration and a light scratching sensation. Sensitivity increases where depth is raised over scarred areas. The pass itself takes 15–20 minutes.
How you will feel afterwards
The skin becomes red and feels warm, similar to sunburn. This peaks in the first 24 hours and subsides over 1–3 days, sometimes followed by light flaking. This is the expected healing process.
Follow-up
No make-up for 24 hours and no sauna or swimming pool for 48 hours. High-factor sun protection is essential for at least a week, as the risk of pigmentation is higher in this period. The next session is scheduled 4 weeks later.
Risks and side effects
The following can occur with this treatment. Most are temporary; the rare and serious ones are noted separately.
- Redness, warmth and swelling — expected, lasting 1–3 days
- Temporary flaking and dryness
- Post-procedure pigmentation, particularly in darker skin types and if sun protection is neglected
- Cold sore reactivation in people with a history of it
- Rarely, infection or prolonged redness
Frequently asked questions
Does microneedling completely remove acne scars?
No. Microneedling aims to soften the appearance of scars and reduce texture irregularity; it does not remove scars entirely. Depressed scars can improve noticeably over a series, but expectations should be realistic and the scar type must be assessed beforehand.
How many days will I need to stay in?
You are not confined indoors, but your skin will be visibly red on the first day, so many people schedule the session before a weekend. Make-up can be applied after 24 hours. Sun protection is required for a week.
Is it the same as an at-home dermaroller?
No. In a clinical device the needle depth is set for each area, the needles enter and exit perpendicularly, and the tip is single-use. Home rollers offer no depth control or sterility assurance, and incorrect use carries a risk of scarring and infection.
Can it be used on darker skin?
Yes. Because microneedling uses no heat or light, it carries a lower pigmentation risk in darker skin than laser treatments. Sun protection afterwards is nonetheless more critical in these skin types, and treatment depth is chosen more conservatively.