Dermapen is an electronic fractional Micro-needling device that is used to induce collagen production, thus rejuvenating the skin and improving its surface by reducing fine lines, expression lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, pigmentation, sun-damage and scars. The concept of micro-needling is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical injury such as cuts, burns and other abrasions. As the Dermapen micro-needling device moves across the skin, it creates controlled tiny pinpoint punctures within the epidermis and dermis, with the result that these minor micro “injuries” encourage the skin’s own natural healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin and the release of growth factors.

The Dermapen Micro-needling treatment produces great results and involves much less damage to the dermis and epidermis compared to ablative laser skin resurfacing or deep chemical peels. The automatic, high speed vibrating function of the Dermapen also increases the effectiveness of the treatment by rapidly creating multiple insertions, quickly and clinically, dramatically reducing pain and discomfort for the patient.

We always combine Dermapen Micro-needling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) derived from the patient’s own blood. This combination not only accelerates the healing process, but also enhances the results. There are two types of combination treatments from which to choose:

1. Dermapen treatment with topical application of PRP
2. Dermapen treatment with a combination of PRP injections & topical application.

Patient suitability for either option is discussed during consultation. Dermapen treatment is also available without the use of PRP. However, PRP does aid the healing process and accelerates the results.

Advantages of Dermapen Micro-needling with PRP are:

• Dramatic improvements without the need for invasive surgery
• Completely natural, using the body’s own powers of rejuvenation and repair
• Easy to treat hard to reach areas such as under eyes, sides of nose and across the upper lip
• Causes a release of Growth factors which stimulate the development of new collagen and elastin
• Safe to use on ALL skin types and colours
• Minimal discomfort with virtually no downtime

Dermapen Micro-needling is especially effective for ageing concerns such as wrinkles, lines, folds and crow’s feet. Because collagen is produced, scars and stretch marks can also improve through treatment, especially indented acne scars and chicken pox scars. Pigmentation issues can also be helped, including hyperpigmentation as well as hypo-pigmentation, although pre-treatment assessment and preparation is essential in such cases. General lack of skin radiance, skin firmness and compactness are also an indication for micro-needling treatments and visible improvements can be seen.

Dermapen Micro-needling with PRP can be performed on all skin types and colours and on all parts of the body. However, it is NOT suitable for those who have been taking Roaccutane during the previous 6 months, have active acne, open wounds, infections, psoriasis or dermatitis in the area to be treated, have uncontrolled diabetes, are pregnant or breast feeding, or who are prone to keloid scars or other abnormal wound healing.

Furthermore, smokers should be aware that smoking compromises the body’s ability to grow new collagen.

Before The Treatment

Your practitioner will assess your skin prior to the first Dermapen Micro-needling treatment. To achieve best results, you may need to prepare your skin with an active ingredients cream for about two weeks prior to treatment.

The Treatment – Dermapen Micro-needling with PRP

Dermapen Micro-needling is performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of a sterile, disposable needle head that allows effective treatment, even to hard-to-reach areas around the eyes, nose, and lips. The Dermapen Micro-needling device works in a vertical motion and is capable of automatic needle depth adjustments from 0.25mm-2.5mm on the fly, allowing for all treatments to be tailored to the needs of each individual patient. For example, when treating acne scars on the cheeks, the Dermapen can be set to its maximum depth for better results. Or over the eyelids and other very sensitive areas of thin skin, the needle depth can be decreased to a minimum.

The entire procedure is normally completed within 30-60 minutes depending on the required treatment and the anatomical site. Prior to the procedure, topical anaesthetic cream is applied for patient comfort. The PRP is prepared and, depending on patient preference, is either applied as topical serum only, or also injected as in an actual PRP Therapy Treatment. The Dermapen device is then gently moved over the patient’s skin creating controlled micro sub-cutaneous “injuries“ at specific depths, each one triggering the normal healing response within the skin. These microscopic wounds stimulate new collagen deposition and, by persistently triggering this healing process with a series of micro-needling treatments with PRP, the body keeps on repairing the skin incrementally and cumulatively, resulting in a smoother, firmer, younger and healthy skin.

Dermapen Micro-needling with PRP can be done either as a single treatment session (an excellent pick-me-up for any skin experiencing fatigue or environmental aggression), or as a course of treatment sessions, to ensure optimum results and to achieve the desired goal for a specific condition. Once the desired result has been reached, it is important to maintain collagen stimulation by returning for maintenance treatments 2-3 times per year depending on the specific concern.

Following Treatment

After the treatment, your skin may appear red, swollen and sensitive to touch for various periods depending on the depth of your treatment. A light graze consisting of tiny crusted areas that feel rough and look tanned may occur. Skin may feel tight and dry. This will gradually subside and within 24-48 hours your skin will be completely healed. Usually after 3 days there is barely any evidence that the procedure has taken place.

The length of downtime and recovery time depends on the micro-needle size used for treatment. Most people are able to return to normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. Depending on the amount of redness you incur, it may be best to plan on going home and relaxing after your treatment.

Pure Mineral Makeup, can be worn after 2-3 days, however it is recommended to keep the skin hydrated to assist with healing. You are advised to take precaution against sun exposure, and it is recommended to use a sunscreen designed for sensitive skin. For 3-5 days following your treatment avoid: excessive cardio work, direct sunlight, sunbeds, chemical peels, dermal fillers, cosmetic tattooing, Vitamin A creams, AHAs, BHAs, alcohol based skin care, sauna or hot spa bath, swimming in chlorinated pools, IPL/laser, spray or self-tanning and shaving.

You will be provided with written pre- and post-treatment care instructions and also will be informed about your predicted post-treatment appearance during consultation.

What results will I see and how long will they last?

As to the effectiveness of the treatment and how long it lasts, the skin remodeling itself (collagen production) will actually continue for months following a treatment session and the results are cumulative. Initial results will typically appear within about 10 days. However the best results of one single treatment can be seen up to 3 months later, although your skin will continue to improve over the next 6-12 months following a course of treatment as the collagen and elastin will continually grow and mature in the skin over this entire period.

Everybody’s skin responds differently and most skins will need multiple treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, depending on the condition being treated, the patient’s healing ability and the desired outcome.

The following is recommended as a general guide:

• Rejuvenation: 4-6 treatments at 4 week intervals
• Acne scarring: 6 treatments at 6 week intervals
• Stretch marks: ~10 treatments at 4-6 week intervals

During your initial consultation at Elite Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Group, your practitioner will discuss the approximate number and frequency of treatments you may need.

The results of Dermapen Micro-needling with PRP are long lasting, although you might require regular maintenance every 6 months. Results will also depend on the extent of pre-treatment collagen deficit in the tissue and collagen-degrading lifestyle factors (smoking, poor diet, sun exposure).

Possible Risks and Side-effects of Dermapen Micro-Needling with PRP

Dermapen Micro-needling with PRP is a safe procedure with very low risks. Infection and scarring are rare. Side effects experienced will usually subside within 24-48 hours. They include erythema (redness), stinging, itching and tightness of the skin. The PRP will accelerate the healing process.

For details about procedures and treatments or for a consultation, advice and prices from our Dubai clinic please call  +971 4 431 2396 or use our online form.