What Is Dermapen?

Microneedling is a treatment that makes fine holes in the skin with ultra-fine needles thinner than a hair, activating the skin’s natural healing power and promoting the production of collagen and elastin. The Dermapen is one of the medical devices used for this microneedling, and it is widely used for treating acne scars, enlarged pores, and fine wrinkles and for improving skin quality.

Our clinic has introduced the latest Dermapen 4. Compared with previous Dermapens, the “needle depth,” “number of needles,” and “vibration speed” are improved, promoting the renewal of skin cells more efficiently.

Using the dedicated pen-type device, treatment is possible even in fine areas such as around the eyes and nose. It vibrates medical ultra-fine needles (33G × 16 needles) at high speed, making up to 1,920 microscopic holes in the skin per second to activate the skin’s self-repair. Another feature is that the newly added automatic vibration function reduces pain and discomfort during treatment. Because the needles vibrate finely and at high speed, resistance against the skin is reduced, so the stimulus is dispersed and pain is less noticeable.

During treatment, we adjust the depth to which the needles are inserted according to the area and the degree of bleeding, performing it to suit each individual so that the effect is maximized.

The Dermapen Is Recommended For

• Those who want to improve enlarged pores or “strawberry nose”
• Those whose pores tend to collect sebum and who often get acne
• Those whose acne scars have become crater-like
• Those bothered by fine wrinkles
• Those who want to give their skin elasticity and firmness
• Those bothered by scars

About the Agents Used Together

For our Dermapen, we offer the following agents to maximize the recovery of the skin after treatment and the beautifying effect.

Hyla Active (standard delivery agent)

An agent whose main ingredients are hyaluronic acid and zinc. Hyaluronic acid enhances moisturizing and strengthens the skin’s barrier function, and zinc, through its anti-inflammatory action, suppresses redness after treatment.

MPF Rejuvenating Kit (BENEV option)

A concentrated growth-factor solution designed to repair damage from aging and sunlight. In addition to epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor, it contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins B2, B3, B5, and B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin H, and vitamin K. It is an agent that brings out the skin’s firmness and glow and improves wrinkles, with hyaluronic acid maintaining moisture at the wound site and antioxidants and vitamins suppressing damage from reactive oxygen species. It is used in place of Hyla Active.

PRX-T33 (Velvet Skin)

It contains 33% trichloroacetic acid, a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, and 5% kojic acid. By acting on the dermis and promoting collagen production, it improves the skin’s firmness and glow, and its feature is that it can also address spots, dullness, sagging, and pigmentation. It is used in combination with Hyla Active or the MPF Rejuvenating Kit.

Effects of the Dermapen

Acne scars

Fine needles give very small stimuli to the skin to promote wound healing (skin regeneration). The fibroblasts in the dermis are activated and new collagen and elastin are produced, so improvement in the texture of shallow unevenness and acne scars can be expected.

Fine wrinkles (crepe-like wrinkles)

Using the skin’s self-repair response, it restores firmness and elasticity from within. For the fine wrinkles that tend to stand out with age and dryness, it promotes collagen regeneration and leads to a smooth skin texture. It is recommended for those who want a natural youthfulness.

Pores, firmness, and texture

The fine stimulation from the needles regulates the skin’s turnover, and by promoting the rebuilding of the dermis it is expected to refine the texture and tighten the pores. As you repeat the treatment, the smoothness and clarity of the skin become easier to feel.

Pigmentation and dullness

The fine stimulation promotes the skin’s metabolism and helps expel melanin. Also, by regulating the skin’s barrier function, it makes post-inflammatory unevenness in color easier to improve.

Risks, Downtime, and Precautions of the Dermapen

• You cannot receive the treatment when there is strong inflammation in the skin. In particular, when the skin is red or peeling from topical agents such as tretinoin, please stop the topical agent for a while and receive the treatment after the skin’s condition has improved.
• Immediately after treatment, redness, a stinging sensation, and pinpoint bleeding may be seen, but most improve within one or two days.
• Please do not wash your face or wear makeup for at least 12 hours after treatment. If inflammation is strong, please wait to wear makeup until it settles.
• After treatment, using skincare products containing peeling agents, alcohol, or vitamin C may cause irritation. Until your skin settles, please use low-irritation basic cosmetics. Also avoid strong cleansers when washing your face.
• Peeling may be seen about a week later.
• Rarely, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring may occur.
• After treatment, be thorough with sun protection and moisturizing.

The Difference from a Massage Peel and Chemical Peeling

Chemical peeling

A treatment that uses the power of acid to remove old keratin and promote turnover. Mainly an approach to the epidermis, such as preventing acne and treating acne scars.

Massage peel

A treatment that delivers an agent to the dermis to promote collagen production, aiming for firmness, glow, and a brightening effect. Mainly an approach to the dermis.

Dermapen

A treatment that physically makes fine holes with needles to draw out the self-healing power. In addition to being used mainly to treat acne scars and enlarged pores, by delivering growth factors it is also expected to improve fine wrinkles and restore firmness. It is also possible to approach the dermis further by combining it with PRX-T33, the same as in a massage peel.