Dermapen Microneedling — Face

Automated microneedling using a Dermapen device to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body's wound healing cascade and collagen remodelling. Addresses acne scarring, enlarged pores, fine lines, and uneven texture.

Dermapen microneedling at SCM Estetic uses an automated pen device fitted with a sterile cartridge of ultra-fine needles (12-36 per cartridge, 33-gauge). The device oscillates at high speed, creating thousands of precisely controlled micro-channels in the skin per second. These micro-injuries are deep enough to trigger the body's wound healing response — including the release of growth factors, fibroblast migration, and new collagen and elastin deposition — but shallow enough to avoid scarring or significant downtime. The practitioner adjusts needle depth (0.25mm to 2.5mm) based on the treatment zone and indication. Thicker skin on the cheeks and forehead can tolerate deeper settings for scar remodelling, while the delicate periorbital area requires shallower penetration. This customisability is a key advantage of the Dermapen over dermal rollers, which apply uniform depth regardless of facial topography. During the procedure, a hyaluronic acid serum or growth factor solution is applied to the skin surface. As the Dermapen creates micro-channels, these actives are driven into the deeper skin layers — a process called transdermal drug delivery that significantly enhances the absorption of topical compounds. The combination of controlled injury plus enhanced active delivery produces results greater than either approach alone. The treatment takes approximately 45 minutes including numbing time (20 minutes) and the needling procedure itself (20-25 minutes). Post-treatment, the skin appears red and feels tight — similar to moderate sunburn — for 24-48 hours. Patients should avoid direct sun exposure, active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs), and makeup for 24 hours. Visible improvement in skin texture, pore size, and tone typically becomes apparent after 2-4 weeks as new collagen matures. A course of 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended for scar revision and significant textural improvement.