What Is Dermapen?
Dermapen is a microneedling method in which very fine, sterile needles create micro-channels in the skin at a controlled depth. As the skin repairs these tiny injuries, it increases collagen and elastin production, which over time helps support skin quality, elasticity and surface smoothness.
The micro-channels also help supportive products applied during the procedure, such as hyaluronic acid, growth factor serums or PRP, reach the skin more effectively. Needle depth is adjusted according to the treated area and the goal.
Shallow settings are mostly aimed at skin radiance and product absorption, while deeper settings are preferred for textural concerns such as acne scars and stretch marks. Because collagen formation takes place over weeks, the effect of Dermapen does not appear all at once but emerges gradually as sessions progress.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People with visible pores and uneven skin texture
- Those who are starting to notice fine lines and a loss of elasticity
- People with acne scars or superficial scars
- Those whose skin looks dull and tired
- Those who want to reduce the look of stretch marks
- People who are not suitable for laser treatments or who prefer a shorter recovery time
Besides the face, Dermapen can also be applied to the neck, décolleté, backs of the hands and body areas with stretch marks. Suitability is determined during the examination based on the current condition of your skin and your expectations.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
- The skin is cleansed, a numbing cream is applied for comfort and left on for 30–40 minutes.
- After the cream is removed, the area is prepared with an antiseptic solution.
- The chosen serum or PRP is spread over the skin, and the device is moved systematically across the skin with a needle depth suited to the area.
- At the end of the procedure, a soothing mask or care product is applied.
Excluding the numbing cream time, the procedure usually takes 30–45 minutes. Right afterward the skin looks red and feels warm; in most people this noticeably subsides by the next day.
What to Pay Attention to Afterward
- It is recommended not to wear makeup for the first 12–24 hours.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, intense exercise and swimming pools for the first few days.
- Pause products with active ingredients such as retinol and AHA/BHA for about a week.
- Use a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly.
- Do not pick at any fine scabs that may form.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Sunburn-like redness, mild swelling, tenderness and pinpoint bleeding marks are common after the procedure and usually resolve within a few days. Rarely, infection, a cold sore flare-up or temporary color changes, particularly in darker skin tones, may develop.
The procedure is not performed, or is postponed, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there is an active infection, inflamed acne or a cold sore in the treatment area, in people prone to keloids, in those taking blood thinners and in uncontrolled chronic conditions. Recent isotretinoin use is evaluated separately with the physician.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
Dr. Fulya Koç sees Dermapen as a biostimulation method that encourages the skin to produce its own collagen rather than filling it from the outside. Needle depth, number of sessions and the accompanying serum are decided according to what your skin needs; when appropriate, treatment may proceed with fewer sessions or with home care recommendations alone.
In the long term, the goal is to support the skin’s own capacity for renewal and to maintain it with regular sun protection, suitable home care and healthy lifestyle habits. This way, the aim is a balance in which the skin protects itself better, rather than a constant need for procedures.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
For general skin quality, 3–4 sessions are usually planned; for more pronounced concerns such as acne scars and stretch marks, 4–6 sessions. Sessions are generally spaced 3–4 weeks apart, and maintenance sessions can be added a few times a year as needed.
Because a numbing cream is applied beforehand, most people describe a mild pricking or vibrating sensation. Sensitivity may be a little stronger in areas close to bony prominences.
It is generally recommended to wait 12–24 hours so the micro-channels can close. After that, you can wear makeup with products that do not irritate the skin.
Yes. PRP, which is obtained from your own blood, can be applied to the skin during microneedling. This combination may be preferred especially when the goal is skin quality and the look of scars.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
