Dermapen / Dermaroller

Dermaroller therapy is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses the skin’s own healing mechanisms. The Dermaroller is a single-use sterile device which consists of a rotating wheel studded with precision engineered 1.5 mm long needles (see photo). The needles are designed to penetrate the epidermis and to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the dermis.

Dermaroller treatment is a good example of a modality termed ‘collagen induction therapy’. Effective application results in approximately 300 perforations per square cm of skin treated. However, because the needles are so fine the epidermis remains intact – the holes close very quickly without actual damage to the skin. Nevertheless, this is an adequate stimulus to cause the skin to mount an injury response. Undifferentiated skin cells are stimulated to become fibroblasts which produce new collagen and elastin fibres which thicken the skin and repair scars. Furthermore, the stimulus also causes growth of new capillaries, thereby improving blood supply to the skin. When viewed under the microscope, treated skin is indistinguishable from normal healthy skin. Your practitioner will use a Dermaroller medical device to produce thousands of micro-medical needle-columns in the skin. Each column will penetrate into the dermis of the skin and will be approximately 0.1mm in width. The column will close rapidly enabling the skin to recover quickly – often in the same day. Your practitioner will use a topical anaesthetic to numb the skin making the procedure comfortable; it will normally take up to 30 minutes for the topical anaesthetic to work and 20 – 30 minutes for the Dermaroller Therapy procedure.

DermaRoller is suitable for anyone who would like to improve the following:

Aging and sun damaged skin
Lines and wrinkles
Old acne scarring
Stretch marks on any part of body
Scars on any part of body
Decoletage (chest area) signs of skin aging

DermaRoller treatment is not suitable when there are active coldsores and acne, those taking anticoagulant therapy, retinoids, roaccutane treatment, a history of keloid scarring, certain skin conditions etc. The medical history form and consultation will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment.

The treatment will be carried out by Kevin Loughlin D.C., BSc (Hons), BSc (Chiro), RGN, a Medically Certified Cosmetic Practitioner. He has over 22 years experience working in both the NHS and Private Practice.

Kevin has the relevant training and experience required to ensure that you receive the very best of care and attention. As well as administering treatments, he is also highly qualified to advise on what is the most appropriate treatment plan for each of his patients.

We offer free, no obligation consultations. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about what you want to achieve and for you to ask any questions you may have. As well as talking you through your treatment options, we will give you more information on the treatment process and what you can expect as a patient of the Hemel Cosmetic Clinic.

Improvement in skin texture and tone may appear one to three weeks after the initial treatment, although in some cases up to one year may be required for the full effect to be achieved. The improvements are permanent, although Dermaroller treatment does not ‘stop the clock’.For some people a single treatment session is all that is needed to significantly improve the texture and appearance of their skin. Most people will require up to 3 treatment sessions, typically at six week intervals. For patients with severe acne scarring, up to five Dermaroller treatments will be needed.

The area to be treated (typically the face) is numbed with local anaesthetic and cleaned with antiseptic solution. The Dermaroller is lightly rolled over the treatment area until the end points of pin-point bleeding, redness and mild swelling are reached. Typically a treatment session will last 20-60 minutes depending on the size of area treated. After treatment the area is cleansed and a soothing cream and sun block applied.

The area to be treated (typically the face) is numbed with local anaesthetic and cleaned with antiseptic solution. The Dermaroller is lightly rolled over the treatment area until the end points of pin-point bleeding, redness and mild swelling are reached. Typically a treatment session will last 20-60 minutes depending on the size of area treated.. After treatment the area is cleansed and a soothing cream and sun block applied.

The treatment generally takes 30 minutes, depending on the area treated and the length of time you spend been consulted by the cosmetic practitoner . For a single area it takes 10-20 minutes.

You can resume normal activities immediately. After your DermaRoller treatment you will look as though you have moderate sunburn and your skin may feel warm and tighter than usual. This will start to subside after 1 to 2 hours and will normally recover within the same day with only slight redness the following day.
Your practitioner may well apply Chiroxy Cream after the procedure to help soothe and calm the skin, continue to use until the redness has cleared.

Use tepid water to cleanse the face for the following 48 hours and dry gently, always make sure your hands are clean when touching the treated area. It is recommended that make up is not applied for 12 hours after the procedure although your practitioner may be able to supply you with specialist mineral make-up that they feel would be suitable for use during this period.

If you will be in daylight immediately after the procedure apply a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with a SPF50. Continue to apply this on a daily basis for at least two weeks even during the winter or on cloudy days.

In the days following your treatment, as the skin starts to regenerate and repair it may well feel drier than normal.
Your body will start to naturally regenerate and repair the skin, working below the surface in the dermis. This takes time as new collagen is formed, new skin cells are generated and blood supply is enhanced. It can take up to 6 weeks before visible signs of regeneration and repair are seen and the process will continue over the following months, providing you with a natural and long lasting enhancement.

Some people may experience the treatment as a mild discomfort. A local anaesthetic cream is often used.

The treatment is remarkably safe in trained hands. There are a few case reports of skin infection resulting from inadequate skin antisepsis. Recurrence of cold sores has also been reported – for this reason we prescribe prophylactic anti-viral treatment for the at-risk group.

Possible reactions include redness, swelling, bruising or tenderness at the injection site. Inflammatory reactions may last for up to two weeks in very rare cases.
You know how every now and then something comes along that just seems ‘right’? That’s how we feel about Dermaroller treatment. Although the jade roller has long been a part of the traditional Chinese approach to anti-ageing, the recent availability of purpose-designed medical devices now make this form of treatment safe and controllable.

In our view Dermaroller therapy is unique amongst current skin care treatments in being:

• safe
• natural
• effective

So much so, in fact, that we now routinely recommend Dermaroller treatment for the majority of our patients, including those having face-lift surgery.