The Dermapen was awarded Best Professional Skin Rejuvenation Device at  THE Aesthetic Show.

The Dermapen is an FDA-approved electronic device which offers an alternative to lasers and in some cases provides a better result depending on the patient and the condition being treated. Yes, it does actually look like a fancy Mont Blanc type pen, but instead of ink, the “writing” tool is a cluster of nine tiny stainless steel needles which oscillate at 25 times per second to 90 times per second. Called microneedling, this procedure is designed to pierce the skin to produce a “precision injury” which results in collagenesis – stimulating new collagen and elastin growth – as the body responds with wound healing.

Several case studies have indicated that the Dermapen may be better on acne and burn scars and stretchmarks due to the physical characteristics of the needle versus the infrared characteristics of the laser. Because it does not utilize heat or target melanin, the Dermapen is an excellent option for darker skin types. As the Dermapen is non-surgical and non-ablative, meaning it does not remove the outer layer of the skin, patients must be careful to avoid sun exposure for the first few days. While it accomplishes skin rejuvenation in a different method, one similarity of the Dermapen to the latest lasers is that it also employs fractional technology.

At Contour Dermatology, our Dermapen procedure is adjusted the depth of the needling to tailor the treatment from 0.25mm to 2.5mm – ranging from penetration of the stratum corneum to the dermis. The needling technology is something the practice has offered for a while with the Dermaroller.

The difference between the Dermapen and the Dermaroller is that the Dermaroller is contingent upon pressure applied by the user and produces a wider horizontal rolling pattern whereas the Dermapen produces vertical injections set to a specific depth. The vertical action makes it especially effective in treating scar tissue and flattening stretchmarks. Dr. Jochen also explained that the Dermapen is effective for treating hard-to-reach places such as around the eyes, nose and lips.