Dermapen 4 — where should you get it? The key difference is whether they check needle depth and skin tone

The clinic where you get Dermapen 4 should decide needle depth based on your concerns and explain your skin tone and the topical agents they will apply.[1][2]Research on scar revision used needle depths of 1.5–3.0 mm, and serious adverse effects were not reported.[3]However, redness and post-inflammatory pigmentation (discoloration) can occur, and extra caution is required when treating pigmentation.[4][5].

Does the provider adjust needle depth to match your concerns?

Needle depth varies depending on the concern you want to treat and the area being treated.[2]Systematic reviews of scar revision research showed that depths of 1.5–3.0 mm, applied in 4–10 passes to the point of pinpoint bleeding, were commonly used.[3].

A comparative study of pen-type devices found that for depressed acne scars, 2.5 mm was more effective than 1.5 mm.[1]For post-surgical scars, 1.5–2.0 mm was reported as the depth that achieves results while reducing persistent redness and surface skin damage.[2]It is natural that the same Dermapen 4 would be set differently for pores versus deep acne scars.

Note that most of the research collected in this review examined pen-type devices or microneedling overall; studies examining Dermapen 4 specifically are limited.

Will they check your skin tone and pigmentation?

The main concern is post-inflammatory pigmentation. While lasting adverse effects are uncommon, temporary redness and post-inflammatory pigmentation are reported relatively often.[4].

Melasma (symmetric pigmentation on the cheeks) can worsen after treatment with certain devices in people with darker skin tones, which is a known concern.[5]Conversely, a study of microneedling performed on acne scars in 48 people with darker skin tones reported efficacy and uneventful treatment.[6]Ask them to check whether you have melasma and whether your skin tans easily beforehand.

Will they explain the topical agents and combination treatments?

A key feature of microneedling is that topical agents can penetrate more easily through the needle channels.[1]This means care is needed regarding granulomas (nodules) and irritation from the device and topical agents.[1]Ask what will be applied and what the ingredients are.

For acne scars, agents used alone often have limited efficacy, and combinations with PRP (derived from your own blood) are being researched.[7][3]Since combinations increase cost and burden, confirm what the addition is for before deciding.[7].

How does it differ from other methods?

Microneedling includes roller-type devices, pen-type devices like Dermapen, and radiofrequency-needle devices.[6]Pen-type devices tend to cause stronger pain than roller types; roller types were reported to have more linear scarring, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and bleeding.[1].

Some pen-type devices have disposable needle tips that can be used cleanly from patient to patient.[8]Whether needle tips are changed at each session is also something you should ask about before treatment.

Where should you get it? A guide when you're unsure

During consultation, ask about these points:

Needle depth: Do they adjust depth based on your concern and treatment area?[3][2]

Skin assessment: Do they check for melasma and susceptibility to post-inflammatory pigmentation?[4][5]

Topical agents: What will be used, and is there an explanation about irritation and granulomas?[1]

Needle tips: Are disposable needle tips changed at each session?[8]

Combination treatment: Is it standalone or combined, and will they explain the reasoning?[7]

Based on the depth and tone of your acne scars and your skin color alone, which depth and number of sessions is right for you, and whether to combine other treatments, cannot be decided from an article. During examination, have them assess your acne scar type, presence of melasma, and sun sensitivity, and decide on depth and topical agents together.