What is the recommended depth of the dermapen? A doctor explains in simple terms.

How deep do you recommend the dermapen go?"
'What's the maximum needle depth for a dermapen?'
'Will deep dermapen stabbing cause hyperpigmentation?'

Hello, I am a doctor at Smart Skin Clinic.

Do you guys have any questions about the depth of the dermapen?

Dermapen is a treatment method that uses the human body's innate ability to repair itself by creating tiny wounds through the insertion of a microscopic needle into the skin.

In this issue, a physician explains the difference in effectiveness of dermapen needling depending on the depth of the needle, the recommended depth for each problem, and the difference in depth for different areas of the body.

Dermapen can adjust needle depth.

The depth of the dermapen needle can be adjusted from 0.2 to 3.0 mm in 0.1 mm increments.

The optimal depth can be selected according to symptoms, concerns, and objectives.

Difference in effect depending on needle depth

The effect obtained with a dermapen depends on the depth of the needle.

The skin is composed of three layers from the outside: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, and the epidermis is further divided into four layers. Each layer has a different function, and by approaching the appropriate layer, it is easier to obtain the desired effect.

0.25mm (stratum corneum)

0.25 mm is the depth to reach the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis.

It is suitable for improving skin problems such as "white pimples" where the horny layer has thickened and pores are clogged, or more advanced "white pimples" where pores are blocked and sebum has accumulated.

0.5mm (surface skin)

0.5 mm is the depth beyond the stratum corneum to reach the middle of the epidermis.

By delivering the Dermapen needle deep into the epidermis, skin problems originating from the epidermis are approached, such as crepe-like shallow wrinkles around the eyes and mouth caused by dryness and skin texture caused by the balance of moisture and sebum.

1.0 mm (between epidermis and basal layer)

1.0 mm is the depth that reaches from the middle of the epidermis to the basal layer.

The basal layer is the lowest layer of the epidermis and is where new cells are produced. Cells produced in the basal layer gradually migrate to the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer, by repeated division and are expelled as plaque.

1.5mm (basal layer)

1.5 mm is the depth at which the basal layer is present.

The basal layer is the site where melanocytes that produce melanin, the source of blemishes, are located. By approaching the basal layer, skin renewal (i.e., turnover) is promoted, and melanin-derived skin problems such as black to brown spots, dullness, and pigmentation are approached.

2.0 mm (between basal layer and dermis)

2.0 mm is the depth from the basal layer to the dermis layer.

The dermis contains collagen fibers, elastin fibers, and hyaluronic acid, which are the source of skin elasticity, as well as fibroblasts that produce them. By stimulating and activating the area near the dermis layer, this treatment is recommended for craters caused by inflammation of acne.

2.5mm (dermis)

2.5 mm is the depth at which the dermal layer is present.

If the needle can activate fibroblasts and restore skin elasticity by delivering the needle to the dermal layer, it could be effective for sagging, sagging pores, deep craters, and scars.

Recommended needle depth [by symptoms and problems].

The recommended depth of the dermapen needle is explained for each symptom and problem.

I don't have a big problem, but I want to make my skin shiny and improve pores [0.5~1mm].

If you have no major skin problems and wish to improve skin texture and pores, we recommend a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, which allows us to approach the epidermis.

The skin has a barrier function, which limits the penetration of active ingredients by simply applying the drug. If the depth of the dermapen is adjusted, the drug can penetrate beyond the stratum corneum. CLR lotion" and other products are used to control sebum, which causes clogged pores.

I want to heal craters and acne scars [1.5~2mm].

For craters and acne scars, a depth of 1.5 to 2.0 mm is recommended, which allows a basal layer to dermis approach.

A crater is a mark where inflammation such as acne has progressed and the pore walls have broken down and widened. By approaching the bottom of the crater, it is expected to stimulate collagen production.

Acne scars can also be treated with drug introduction, such as the "Uber Peel," which is expected to improve acne scars by activating turnover.

I want to heal stretch marks [2.5~3mm].

A depth of 2.5 to 3.0 mm with the dermal layer is recommended for stretch marks.

Stretch marks are a condition in which the skin is stretched rapidly and the dermis is broken. Stretch marks can be thinned and made less noticeable when fibroblasts are stimulated and collagen production is stimulated by inserting needles into the dermis layer.

Synergistic effects can be expected when combined with the introduction of growth factors and other drugs.

The use of microneedles (≒ dermapen) in various treatments and in combination with drugs to enhance their effectiveness is described in the following paper.

Skin microneedling accelerates the process of skin regeneration through the creation of numerous microinjuries which emerge when skin is deeply The whole procedure evokes various reactions which can be divided into three major phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. It activates platelet growth factors which are responsible for the stimulation of fibroblasts to produce collagen and Moreover, skin breakdown enhances penetration of active ingredients. Treatment can be performed with the use of different devices, all Due to the fact that skin microneedling stimulates the synthesis of significant rebuilding and structural skin elements (collagen, elastin, proteoglycan), it is used in the treatment of many skin defects of different etiologies (e.g., photoaging, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, hypo- or loss of elasticity, hypo- or hypertrophic scars, pigmentation changes, infraorbital dark circles, teleangiectasia, stretch marks, cellulite, alopecia, and vitiligo alopecia, and vitiligo). In order to accelerate postsurgical regeneration and/or to enhance effects, microneedling is combined with the application of UV light (photodynamic therapy with ALA In order to accelerate postsurgical regeneration and/or to enhance effects, microneedling is combined with the application of UV light (photodynamic therapy with ALA), LED light, platelet-rich plasma, chemical peels, stem cells, retinoids and other pharmaceuticals, and vitamins.

(Japanese translation) Dermal microneedling accelerates the skin regeneration process through the generation of numerous microinjuries that occur when the skin is deeply punctured with a very fine needle. The entire procedure elicits a variety of responses that can be divided into three phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Inflammation activates platelet growth factor and stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. In addition, skin breakdown enhances the penetration of active ingredients. Treatment can be performed using a variety of devices with needles of different lengths. Due to the fact that dermal microneedles stimulate the synthesis of important skin restructuring and structural elements (collagen, elastin, proteoglycans), many skin defects due to various etiologies (e.g., photoaging, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, hypo- and hypertrophic scars, pigmentation changes, dark circles, telangiectasias stretch marks, cellulite, alopecia, vitiligo). To promote postoperative regeneration and/or enhance efficacy, microneedling is combined with the application of ultraviolet light (photodynamic therapy with ALA), LED light, multi-platelet plasma, chemical peels, stem cells, retinoids and other pharmaceuticals and vitamins.

Citation:Kamila Zduńska, Anna Kołodziejczak, Helena Rotsztejn. Is skin microneedling a good alternative method of various skin defects removal. Dermatologic therapy. 2018 11;31(6);e12714. doi: 10.1111/dth.12714.

Suitable depth varies depending on the site.

Just as the thickness of facial skin varies from area to area, the appropriate needle depth for dermapen varies from area to area. The following is a guide to the appropriate depth for each area.

• Forehead: 0.25 to 1.0 mm
• Around the eyes: 0.25 to 1.0 mm
• Cheek: 0.25 to 1.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible
• Nose: 0.25-0.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible
• Jaw: 0.25 to 1.0 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible
• Body: 0.25 to 3.0 mm

The physician determines the appropriate depth in accordance with the anatomy of the skin, which leads to an effective procedure that is tailored to each individual.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dermapen needle depth.

The deeper the better?

The deeper the dermapen needle, the better. There is a suitable depth depending on the symptoms.

The deeper the lesion, the longer the downtime and aftercare will be required.

Will deep stabbing cause hyperpigmentation?

With the depth of the dermapen needle, bleeding and skin problems are likely to occur from 1.5 mm and above, and the risk of pigmentation increases at 2.5 mm and above.
It is important to select the appropriate depth for the skin condition.

Does it hurt to stab deeply?

In general, the deeper the dermapen needle is inserted, the more pain it tends to cause.

The use of surface anesthesia before the surgery will alleviate pain during the procedure.

After the surgery, a tingling pain will occur when the anesthesia wears off. To alleviate the pain, intermittent cooling with a coolant is effective. The pain will gradually subside over a few days. If the pain intensifies, consult a clinic immediately because of the possibility of infection.

Does downtime vary depending on depth?

The duration of downtime depends on the depth of the dermapen needle. In general, the greater the depth, the longer the downtime tends to be.

Although it varies from person to person, the estimated downtime period is as follows

• 0.2 to 0.5 mm: about 2 to 3 days
• 0.8 to 1.5 mm: about 4 to 5 days
• 2.0 to 3.0 mm: about 6 to 7 days

Typical downtime symptoms include redness, swelling, swelling, peeling, and itching.

For dermapen, go to Smart Skin Clinic.

I hope my question about the depth of the dermapen has been answered.

At Smart Skin Clinic, we listen to the concerns and wishes of our patients and then propose anatomy-based treatments.

For those who are concerned about the depth of the dermapen needles, effectiveness, or pain, we offer free counseling and a trial menu.

Please feel free to contact us first.

Reference

dermapen

Kamila Zduńska, Anna Kołodziejczak, Helena Rotsztejn. Is skin microneedling a good alternative method of various skin defects removal. Dermatologic therapy. 2018 11;31(6);e12714. doi: 10.1111/dth.12714.