Dermaroller procedure

This section discusses the dermaroller procedure. Dermaroller treatment can be carried out at a private clinic or at home but whatever option you choose, the results are considered to be effective and highly satisfying. If you are thinking of having this treatment done by a professional then you will need to find a good, reputable clinic. Our finding a clinic section contains information on how to do this.

Conversely, if you prefer to use a dermaroller at home then find out more about the different types available in our home based dermaroller section.

Straightforward form of treatment

The practitioner will apply a topical anaesthetic to your skin beforehand to help numb the skin which minimises any discomfort. This takes 30 minutes to numb the area to be treated.

The practitioner then applies the dermaroller to your skin, moving it in a series of rhythmical strokes, up and down your skin. This takes around 20 to 30 minutes on average.

The dermaroller contains 192 tiny needles (on a standard dermaroller) which penetrate both the epidermis (outer) and dermis (inner) layers of the skin. This causes tiny wounds but no blood is drawn and these wounds will heal as per normal.

This healing includes the production of collagen and elastin –two proteins in the skin which ensure that our skins remain flexible, supple and strong.

There may be some reddening of your skin following this procedure which looks similar to a case of mild sunburn. But this will ease after an hour or so. Apply a mild cream or soothing gel to your skin which will help to ease any discomfort as well as keeping your skin smooth and supple. Choose a cream, gel or lotion which contains vitamins as these will help to boost collagen production.

Is dermaroller painful?

There is no pain associated with this procedure. There are people who report a prickling or tickling sensation which feels strange but nevertheless, is painless. You may experience a stronger sensation on your face compared to your body which is due to the fact that facial skin is more sensitive than that of your body.

Benefits of dermaroller

The main benefit is that of stimulating new collagen and elastin which will help rejuvenate tired, flagging skin or repair acne scars or stretch marks.

Another benefit of dermaroller is that it adds extra value when used in conjunction with another skincare product or technique. If you are undergoing hair loss treatment then dermaroller enables the hair restoration lotion to be quickly absorbed into the skin thereby speeding up the results.

Dermaroller works well in combination with hair loss therapy and cellulite reduction treatments. The main reasons for this are easy absorption of any skin care products plus collagen growth which means younger, firmer and healthy looking skin.

Other benefits include:

• No damage to the skin
• Safe and easy to use
• It can be used to treat any area of the skin
• Suitable for all skin types
• Cheaper alternative to similar techniques
• Results in thicker, firmer and younger looking skin

Dermaroller is a successful form of treatment for most skin conditions. However, everyone reacts differently to this treatment which applies to any form of cosmetic treatment.

It is difficult to predict an individual’s response to this treatment but it work’s well for most people. There are various factors which need to be taken into account which include your age, diet and current state of health. The size of the micro-needles used in the dermaroller will also affect the results.

As an example: someone who wants to use dermaroller to treat unsightly scar tissue may find that this does not remove the entire scar tissue, but does improve its appearance.

So, you need to have realistic expectations regarding this treatment and the outcome.

Dermaroller is effective at treating the following skin conditions:

• Acne scars
• Stretch marks
• Scarring/scar tissue
• Cellulite reduction
• Wrinkles and lines
• Surgical scar repair
• Sun damaged skin

However, there are several skin conditions which are not suitable for dermaroller treatment which are listed in the section below.

Risks of dermaroller

Dermaroller is a highly effective form of treatment which many people will testify to. But there are a few exceptions to this which includes:

• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Active skin infections
• Raised moles
• Raised warts
• Acne (highly active)
• Skin tumours/malignancies
• Poor wound healing
• Chronic skin complaints
• Severe solar keratosis

Dermaroller is not advisable in these cases. If you suffer from any of these conditions then check first with your dermaroller practitioner before undergoing any treatment.

Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice and follow any instructions given. Do not share your dermaroller with anyone else. Always clean and care for your dermaroller.

How long before you see any results?

Your skin requires time to regenerate and repair. It needs a period of time to enable new collagen to grow which then boosts cell growth and improves blood circulation.

So you can expect to wait for 6 weeks before you notice any visible signs of improvement in your skin. But once this occurs, this process then continues over the next few months which mean long lasting results.

Additional treatment

Dermaroller treatment usually consists of 3 sessions followed by a period of 6 weeks before any further sessions.

The number of sessions you require will depend upon your skin condition. In some cases you may need as many as 5 treatment sessions.