Facial aesthetics
Dermapen 4 microneedling
Microneedling uses a motorised device with fine sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin at a set depth, carried out as a planned course with the intention of improving skin texture and the appearance of scarring.
At a glance
- Layer addressed
- Skin surface and texture
- Course
- Typically a course of sessions spaced several weeks apart, with maintenance discussed afterwards.
- First appointment
- Assessment and written plan
What is assessed
- Skin type, including Fitzpatrick type, because of pigmentation risk
- The specific concern — texture, enlarged pores, or the appearance of scarring
- Active skin disease, acne, eczema or infection, which must be settled first
- History of keloid scarring or cold sores
- Medication, including recent oral retinoid use
How it works
- 01
Assessment
Skin type and concern recorded, with baseline photography where consented.
- 02
Depth planning
Treatment depth is selected for the area and the concern, and varies across the face.
- 03
Treatment
Skin is cleansed, topical anaesthetic is applied where needed, and the device is passed over the planned areas at the set depth.
- 04
Course
Sessions are spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to settle between them.
Who it suits
- Adults with settled skin who want to address texture or the appearance of scarring
- Patients able to commit to a course and to strict sun protection between sessions
What it cannot do
- Not suitable during active acne, infection or inflamed skin
- Does not treat facial volume, muscle-driven lines or pigment conditions requiring medical management
- Requires a course; a single session produces little lasting change
- There is genuine downtime
Risks and side effects
- Redness, swelling and a sunburn-like appearance for one to several days
- Pinpoint bleeding during treatment
- Infection, including reactivation of cold sores
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in deeper skin tones or with sun exposure afterwards
- Scarring, which is rare
Risks are discussed individually before consent. No treatment is provided on the day a plan is first discussed.
Alternatives
- Topical skincare and prescription topical treatment via a dermatologist
- Skin boosters
- No treatment
Course and aftercare
Typically a course of sessions spaced several weeks apart, with maintenance discussed afterwards.
- No make-up for the period advised
- No sun exposure, sunbeds, saunas or strenuous exercise while the skin is reactive
- Daily broad-spectrum sun protection throughout the course
- Contact the practice if you develop increasing pain, spreading redness or discharge
Clinician’s note
“Where an adjunctive topical product is used alongside microneedling, I will tell you exactly what it is and what claims can properly be made for it. I do not describe any topical as regenerative or age-reversing, because the advertising standards position on that wording is clear and the evidence does not currently support it.”
Dr Vikas Prinja, Dental Surgeon · GDC 265374
Some treatments for lines and wrinkles involve prescription-only medicines. UK advertising rules do not permit these to be promoted to the public, so they are not named, priced or advertised on this website. They can only be considered after a face-to-face assessment by a prescriber, who will decide whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Consider alongside
Related facial aesthetic treatment
- Volume, contour and supportFacial aesthetics consultationA facial aesthetics consultation is an assessment of facial anatomy, proportion, muscle activity and skin quality, after which suitable options — including doing nothing — are explained in writing before any treatment is agreed.
- Muscle activityLines & wrinkles consultationA lines and wrinkles consultation assesses whether a line is caused by muscle activity, volume loss, skin quality or sun damage, because each of those has a different management route and some respond to none of them.
- Volume, contour and supportDermal fillersDermal fillers are injectable hyaluronic-acid gels used to restore or support facial volume and contour in specific areas; the effect is temporary and the material is gradually broken down by the body.
- Within the skinPolynucleotidesPolynucleotides are injectable products containing purified polynucleotide chains, used in aesthetic practice with the intention of improving the appearance of skin quality in specific areas over a course of treatments.
Consultation
Thinking about improving your smile?
Start with a comprehensive assessment and understand your options before deciding on treatment.