Dermapen 4 may improve suitable atrophic acne scars. These are indented scars caused by a loss or disorganisation of collagen during the healing process.

They can include:

Rolling scars

Rolling scars create broad depressions and a wavy appearance across the skin. Microneedling may help stimulate collagen remodelling, although tethered scars may need an additional procedure.

Boxcar scars

Boxcar scars have more defined edges and can vary in depth. Shallower boxcar scars may respond more readily than deep scars.

Ice-pick scars

Ice-pick scars are narrow but extend more deeply into the skin. Microneedling alone may not be the most effective treatment for these scars, and another approach may be recommended.

Post-inflammatory marks

Red or brown marks left after acne are not technically scars. Their treatment depends on your skin tone, the type of discolouration and whether acne remains active.

Some clients need a combination plan rather than microneedling alone. Learn more about our approach to acne scarring.

Microneedling may be considered for certain forms of uneven pigmentation and post-inflammatory discolouration.

However, pigmentation is complex. Sun damage, melasma and marks left after inflammation do not behave in the same way.

Any treatment that creates inflammation can potentially worsen pigmentation when the protocol, timing or aftercare is unsuitable. Melasma, in particular, can be unpredictable and may recur.

Your practitioner will assess the type of pigmentation, your skin tone, sun exposure and previous reactions before recommending treatment.

You may be advised to prepare your skin first, adjust your homecare or choose a different procedure. Daily sun protection will be essential.

Learn more about skin discolouration, sun damage and pigmentation.

Dermapen 4 may help improve the texture, colour and overall appearance of certain surgical scars and stretch marks.

Results depend on:

• The type of scar or stretch mark
• Its age, depth and location
• Whether it is flat, raised or tethered
• Your skin tone and healing response
• Previous treatments
• The number of sessions completed

Treatment cannot completely erase a scar or stretch mark.

Raised, hypertrophic or keloid scars require careful assessment because stimulating the area may be unsuitable. A medical opinion may be needed before cosmetic treatment is considered.

Meso-Glides are professional solutions selected to provide glide during treatment while supporting particular skin goals.

Rather than automatically using the same basic serum for every client, your practitioner will choose an appropriate formulation based on your skin and treatment plan.

The selected product may focus on concerns such as:

• Hydration
• Visible rejuvenation
• Uneven-looking tone
• Congestion
• Overall skin condition

Only products intended and considered suitable for professional microneedling should be used during the procedure.

A Meso-Glide cannot replace the collagen-remodelling process created by the treatment itself, but it can form a useful part of a personalised protocol.

Selected Dermapen treatments may be combined with an Uber Peel when your practitioner considers the combination appropriate.

Uber Pro Peel

Your practitioner may consider adding Uber Pro when the treatment plan also needs to address concerns such as uneven tone, congestion, early ageing or superficial pigmentation.

Uber MD Peel

Uber MD is a more intensive formulation intended for targeted concerns such as suitable scars, stretch marks and stubborn discolouration.

Adding a peel increases the overall intensity of the appointment. It is not automatically the right choice for every client or every session.

Your skin may require preparation, additional aftercare and more recovery time. The combination should only be recommended after your sensitivity, skin tone, medical history and pigmentation risk have been assessed.

Your practitioner will begin by checking your skin and confirming that treatment is suitable that day.

The area will be cleansed and prepared. Depending on the treatment depth, area and clinic protocol, topical anaesthetic may be used or the procedure may be performed without it.

A new sterile needle cartridge will be opened for your treatment.

Your practitioner will select the needle depth and pass the Dermapen 4 handpiece methodically across the treatment area using the appropriate Meso-Glide.

You may feel vibration, pressure, scratching or prickling. Certain areas, including the forehead and around bony contours, can feel more sensitive.

Temporary pinpoint bleeding may occur during more intensive scar-focused treatment. This is not required for every concern and should not be treated as proof that the procedure has “worked.”

The complete appointment normally takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the areas and protocol selected.

Immediately after treatment, your skin will normally look red and feel warm or tight, rather like moderate sunburn.

You may also experience:

• Mild swelling
• Tenderness or sensitivity
• Dryness and flaking
• Tightness
• Mild itching
• Temporary darkening of pigmentation
• Small areas of pinpoint bruising
• A short-term breakout or congestion

The visible response depends on the depth and intensity of treatment.

Redness often improves over 24 to 48 hours, but deeper treatment can take longer to settle. Dryness and flaking may continue for several days.

Collagen remodelling happens gradually. Although your skin may initially look plumper because of temporary swelling, this should not be confused with the final treatment result.

Before treatment

Your practitioner may ask you to:

• Pause retinoids, exfoliating acids or other irritating products
• Avoid tanning and deliberate sun exposure
• Postpone treatment if your skin is sunburnt, infected or inflamed
• Report recent cosmetic procedures
• Disclose all medication and supplements
• Discuss any history of cold sores
• Avoid waxing or other potentially irritating treatments in the area
• Follow any prescribed skin-preparation plan

Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to the professional who prescribed it.

After treatment

Follow the personalised instructions provided by your practitioner.

You will generally need to:

• Avoid touching or picking the skin unnecessarily
• Keep the area clean
• Use only approved aftercare products
• Avoid makeup until advised that it is safe
• Pause retinoids, acids, scrubs and strong active ingredients
• Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, saunas and steam rooms temporarily
• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Apply the recommended broad-spectrum sun protection
• Allow flaking skin to shed naturally

Contact the clinic if you develop worsening pain, spreading redness, excessive swelling, pus, blistering or another unexpected reaction.

Treatment may be unsuitable or need to be postponed if you:

• Have active, inflamed or infected acne in the treatment area
• Have an active cold sore or another skin infection
• Have open wounds, sunburn or significantly irritated skin
• Have an eczema, psoriasis or rosacea flare
• Have a history of keloid or abnormal scarring
• Have poor wound healing
• Have uncontrolled diabetes
• Have a bleeding disorder or take medication affecting bleeding
• Are immunosuppressed
• Have active skin cancer or an unidentified lesion
• Have recently taken medication that affects healing or skin sensitivity
• Have recently undergone another cosmetic procedure
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

This is not a complete list.

Your practitioner must know about your medical conditions, medication, supplements, skincare and recent procedures before treatment.

Medical approval may occasionally be required.

The number of treatments depends on the concern and the response of your skin.

General rejuvenation may require fewer appointments than established acne scarring, surgical scars or stretch marks.

A course of approximately three to six sessions may be recommended, often spaced several weeks apart. Some complex concerns need additional treatments or a combination approach.

Six sessions should not be presented as a compulsory minimum for every new client. Your practitioner will recommend the number that is appropriate for your skin rather than applying the same course to everyone.

Maintenance treatments may be suggested after the initial course.