MEDICAL
NEEDLING

SKIN IMPROVEMENT

What is medical Dermapen needling?

Medical microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (C.I.T.), is a procedure using the Dermapen device (with adjustable needles from 1 to 2.5 mm) aimed at intensively improving skin quality by:

  • enhancing skin thickness,
  • treating fine wrinkles,
  • stimulating collagen (= smooth, even skin) and elastin (= firm skin) production.
Dr Marc Nelissen

Dr. Marc Nelissen

Plastic Surgeon

Facts about medical Dermapen needling

What you definitely want to know about Dermapen microneedling:

In which cases can medical Dermapen needling be applied?

Needling is applied to the face, neck, and décolleté with the aim of:

  • Skin tightening and revitalization (for a fresher appearance)
  • Reduction of fine wrinkles and lines

Additionally, needling can be effective in:

  • Improving scars, e.g., after surgery, burns, or severe acne
  • Reducing stretch marks (striae)

How does a Dermapen needling improve your skin?

Medische Dermapen Needling

Medical Dermapen needling stimulates the skin in two powerful ways, making it an effective treatment for skin rejuvenation and repair.

1. Activation of the natural healing process

The tiny needles create microscopic bleeding and trauma channels just beneath the skin surface (epidermis). This process triggers a series of natural healing responses, known as neo-collagenesis. As a result, the production of new collagen is stimulated, leading to a “wrinkle-filling effect from within.”

2. Enhanced absorption of active ingredients

Additionally, the hundreds of opened microchannels allow for deeper and more efficient absorption of active skincare ingredients such as vitamins A, C, and E. This enhances the healing process and maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment. Furthermore, this effect is further boosted by LED therapy, which is applied after each session for optimal skin improvement.

How many needling treatments do I need?

For optimal results, it is highly recommended to follow a course of at least 3 to 6 to 10 sessions, with approximately four weeks between each session. It is important to note that results are not immediately visible, as the skin needs time to naturally produce collagen and elastin.

Benefits of repeated needling sessions:

  • Enhancing effect: With each session, collagen and elastin production is further stimulated. Since the treatment is performed regularly, the effects become cumulative, leading to long-lasting and visible skin improvement.
  • Less redness: Over time, the skin becomes accustomed to the treatment, reducing redness and irritation during subsequent sessions. This results in a more comfortable experience and faster recovery after each session.

Dermapen needling
- step by step

For each patient, a customized pre- and post-treatment plan is created using specialized skincare products, including vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are essential for stimulating skin recovery and contribute to a healthy skin structure.

Skin preparation

  • To achieve the best results, it is highly recommended to properly prepare the skin at home before the needling treatment. This can be done using a home roller and the recommended skincare products. Proper preparation activates the skin, allowing it to respond optimally to the treatment. As a result, active ingredients are absorbed more effectively, and the recovery process is accelerated.
  • Additionally, good preparation helps reduce potential side effects such as redness or sensitivity after the treatment. This ensures a smoother recovery process and allows you to enjoy visibly improved skin sooner.

A Dermapen needling treatment follows these steps:

1. Before the treatment

  • First, photos of the treatment area are taken for the patient file. This helps track progress and results effectively.
  • Next, a numbing cream is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

2. The treatment

  • Once the cream has taken effect, Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nelissen performs the needling treatment using the Dermapen.
  • To enhance results, an extra vitamin boost in the form of a vitamin ampoule is applied during the treatment.
  • Finally, the skin is treated with medical LED therapy, which supports faster healing and improves the final outcome.

3. Treatment duration

  • A Dermapen Needling treatment takes approximately 2 to 3 hours in total.
  • This includes the preparation with numbing cream, the actual procedure, and the post-treatment LED therapy.
  • The treated skin may show slight swelling and redness for a short period (1 to 2 days), similar to a sunburn. In some patients, the redness disappears as early as the next day.
  • If desired, we can camouflage the redness with makeup (included in the treatment price), allowing you to resume your daily activities immediately.
  • After needling, it is important to continue using the recommended skincare to stimulate new collagen production.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, we are always here to help.

Video of the Dermapen needling treatment

Take a look at this short video of a medical needling procedure by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nelissen.

What is the difference between non-medical and medical needling?
What are the benefits of the Dermapen?

Medische Dermapen needling Dr Nelissen

Non-medical needling (at a beauty specialist) and medical Dermapen needling differ significantly in depth, precision, and results.

Here are the key differences and the benefits of medical Dermapen needling:

1. Deeper effect (up to 2.5 mm)

Read more
  • Non-medical needling: Rollers used in beauty salons or at home penetrate only to a limited depth in the skin, usually between 0.5 and 1 mm. This superficial treatment has a less intensive effect and therefore offers only limited improvement. The deeper skin layers, where the most significant skin renewal occurs, remain unaffected.
  • Medical Dermapen needling: Unlike rollers, the Dermapen can penetrate up to 10 times deeper into the skin, reaching a maximum depth of 2.5 mm. This allows the treatment to directly reach the deeper skin layers, where collagen and elastin are produced, resulting in a more powerful effect and more intensive skin renewal.

2. Better access to difficult areas (nose, eyes, mouth)

Read more
  • Non-medical needling: Rollers have a larger surface area, making it difficult to effectively treat small or hard-to-reach areas, such as around the eyes or nose. As a result, the treatment may be less precise.
  • Medical Dermapen needling: The Dermapen, on the other hand, has a smaller treatment surface, making it easier to thoroughly and accurately treat difficult areas such as the nose, around the eyes, and the mouth. Moreover, this precision ensures a more even and effective skin treatment.

3. Constant and precisely adjustable depth

Read more
  • Non-medical needling: Roller systems push the skin away before puncturing it, resulting in a less consistent treatment. The needles do not always penetrate to the same depth, which reduces effectiveness.
  • Medical Dermapen needling: The Dermapen is an electrically powered device that ensures the needles penetrate the skin perpendicularly and at a constant, adjustable depth. This allows for a more precise and consistent treatment, leading to better results.

4. Safe procedure performed by a plastic surgeon

Read more
  • Non-medical needling: These treatments are less intensive and can therefore be performed by beauticians.
  • Medical Dermapen needling: Unlike non-medical needling, this treatment may only be performed by a doctor. For example, at the Global Care Clinic, Dermapen needling is exclusively carried out by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nelissen. This ensures a professional and safe result.

How much does medical needling cost?

The price of a medical needling treatment depends on the area being treated. Click here to view our detailed price list for this treatment.

Before and after photos of medical Dermapen needling

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about medical needling

What is the difference between needling and mesotherapy?

Medical needling delivers significantly better anti-aging results compared to mesotherapy because it penetrates deeper into the skin layers. Moreover, it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin more intensively, leading to firmer and younger-looking skin. This makes medical needling a more effective choice for skin rejuvenation.

What is the difference between needling and a laser treatment, dermabrasion, or a chemical peel?

Medical needling offers numerous unique benefits as it improves skin quality without damaging the skin’s surface.

This makes the treatment safe to repeat indefinitely, unlike more expensive alternatives such as ablative laser treatments, dermabrasion, and chemical peels. Moreover, this makes medical needling an attractive choice for those seeking long-term skin improvement without invasive procedures.

Can needling be used for scar treatment?

Medical needling is an effective choice for treating scars, such as burns, post-operative scars, and acne scars. Thanks to its ability to be repeated indefinitely and its proven results, this method offers a long-lasting solution for skin improvement.

Moreover, recent studies show that multiple sessions of medical needling gradually lead to significant improvements in both the healing process and the appearance of scars. As a result, this treatment is increasingly recommended by specialists.

Additionally, in Germany, medical needling is already partially reimbursed for certain burn scars, highlighting the recognized effectiveness and benefits of the treatment.

Your personal anti-aging project

Look good, Feel better

Thanks to our extensive range of treatments (both surgical and non-surgical), a personalized anti-aging project can be created for each patient. Combining different treatments leads to even better results, as they complement each other.

This “customized anti-wrinkle treatment” allows the treatment to be tailored to your specific desires, achieving the best results for a long-lasting, youthful appearance.

Afspraak maken in Global Care Clinic

Make your appointment

Easily book your appointment by giving us a call, sending an email, or using our contact or callback form.

For consultations and anti-wrinkle injections, you can also book an appointment online to see available time slots directly.

More information about:

Anti-aging project

Peeling

LED therapy

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