Scar Removal: DermaPen

Can scars be treated at my IPSA skin clinic?

Most of us have a scar that we feel we would like to have removed. A surgical operation, acne, skin grafting or numerous types of injuries can cause scarring to the skin. A scar is the end result of a natural healing process that takes place whenever the skin is cut or broken. The depth and size of your wound or your incision, your skin type, the location of your injury, your age, heredity, your sex and your ethnicity all influence how a scar forms and its physical appearance. All of the mentioned factors will influence how your skin reacts to such injuries. However, these scars can be treated effectively at your IPSA skin clinic, reducing the redness of the marks and diminishing their appearance.

What can your IPSA skin clinic’s DermaPen treatment be used for?

DermaPen enables your IPSA skin specialist to rapidly treat a variety of specific areas of the skin – no matter the size – to achieve a number of goals.

• Melasma and pigmentation
• Skin texture/tone
• Pore appearance
• Lip wrinkles
• Superficial facial wrinkles
• Skin texture on the neck
• Increased product absorption
• Acne scarring/trauma scarring
• Textural improvements to the chest area
• Stretch marks

How does the DermaPen treatment work?

As the DermaPen stamps over your chosen targeted area, micro-point punctures are created in your skin, the majority of which are just temporarily driving your pores open. Your body will then perceive this as damage to your skin, which in turn stimulates the cycle of the creation and release of the growth factors that initiate the production of both elastin and collagen. Any injury can cause your skin to react by initiating the healing process. The process encourages your skin to continue its healing through this micro-needling procedure.
With the DermaPen auto-stamp micro-needling treatments, your skin is tricked into repairing itself beyond the formation of scar tissue, whereas in normal circumstances, your skin would usually assume that scars, stretch marks and wrinkles are already fully repaired. The micro-needling skin-remodelling treatment’s effects can last for months after each DermaPen procedure. Results, however, can be noticeable within a week or even a matter of days. Every 45 days your skin naturally heals itself, so with even a small amount of micro-needling stimulation, changes can be quickly apparent and dramatic.

Is Asian or African American skin suitable for IPSA’s skin clinic DermaPen treatment?

All skin types and colours can receive micro-needling safely. As the melanocytes do remain intact with this procedure, as does your epidermis, during skin-needling, there is zero risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
However, certain invasive operations (such as laser resurfacing) are not recommended for those with Asian or African American skin due to the potential risks of pigmentary changes, delayed wound healing, and scarring. This is why skin-needling has the greatest advantage over other skin treatments; these potential dangers are highly unlikely due to the epidermis remaining intact both during and post-procedure.

How is the DermaPen treatment administered at my IPSA skin clinic?

Skin-needling procedures at your IPSA skin clinic are always performed safely and precisely with the use of the thoroughly sterilised DermaPen needle head. 30–60 minutes is the average length of time that is required per DermaPen procedure, although this may vary depending on the desired treatment and anatomical site.
A topical anaesthetic will be applied to your skin pre-treatment to guarantee a comfortable experience. Once your skin becomes numbed, the DermaPen is gently moved over your skin by your IPSA skin specialist in order to perforate your skin’s epidermis layers and create minute sub-cutaneous injuries. New collagen deposition is then stimulated by these microscopic wounds, which can last for as long as a year, yet close within less than an hour.

After my IPSA skin clinic DermaPen treatment, how will my skin look?

Your skin post-procedure may be red and flushed, similar to the aesthetic appearance of a moderate sunburn. Skin tightness and mild sensitivity to touch may also be experienced on the areas that were targeted for the procedure. However, these symptoms are temporary and will diminish greatly after a few hours post-treatment, and within the next 24 hours, your skin will be restored to its initial state and completely healed. After 3 days, there will be little or no evidence that you have even undergone treatment.

When do the results become visible?

After just 6–8 weeks, the results of your skin rejuvenation will become visible; post-procedure the effects will improve more and more over time. In order to achieve optimum results, a course of DermaPen sessions is usually recommended. However, after just one session the results will be noticeable.

Is the DermaPen safe?

Allergic reactions and side effects are unlikely to ensue, as the skin-needling process does not require the use of injections. The procedure is minimally invasive and requires a minimal amount of downtime (usually around 24 hrs). Post-process, the healing will be rapid and only simple after care is required.

Alongside DermaPen, what topical treatments can be used in addition to this procedure?

Collagen synthesis will be induced by the DermaPen of its own accord, but for optimum results, your IPSA skin specialist will recommend a combination of skin-needling treatments alongside the topical application of platelet rich plasma (PRP).

What can the DermaPen procedure be used to treat?

Skin-needling is particularly effective for tackling aging concerns such as lines, wrinkles, folds and crow’s feet. Stretch marks and scars can also improve from treatments because collagen is produced, and it is especially effective for indented acne or chicken pox scars. Various pigmentation issues can be addressed with a DermaPen procedure, such as hyperpigmentation and hypo-pigmentation; however, pre-treatment preparation and assessment is essential here. Other indications for requiring skin-needling could be a feeling that your skin has lost its radiance, its firmness or its compactness: skin-needling treatments can create visible improvements in this area.

Is skin-needling risky or likely to produce side effects?

Regular DermaPen side effects can often occur such as mild swelling, some redness and perhaps bruising, which will all heal within two to three days. In the case of more aggressive treatments, scabs and crusting may develop; however, this should resolve itself within one to two weeks. Very rarely, post-inflammatory hypo- or hyperpigmentation can occur.

What can be expected post-treatment?

• Initially, after your DermaPen treatment, your skin will appear moderately, or in some cases, severely sunburnt. Your skin will feel warm and tighter than it did prior to treatment. However, this is normal, will usually subside after 1 to 2 hours, and will, in most cases, fully heal within the same day or 24 hours. Still, you may experience slight redness after 24 hours, but this will only ever be in minimal areas or spots.
• Post-procedure skincare will be provided by your IPSA practitioner in order to help soothe and protect your skin as well as reduce redness. This course should be used for 3 days after the procedure. You may resume your active skincare regime again after day 3.

What after care is required following my DermaPen procedure?

CLEAN – For the following 48 hours, a soothing cleanser or face wash can be used alongside tepid water to cleanse your face and you must dry your skin gently. Prior to touching the treated area, ensure that your hands are thoroughly clean.
HEAL – Post-treatment, a copper-based skincare product will be recommended by your IPSA skin specialist, as the mineral properties are perfect to maintain sterility and speed up the healing process. Also, to help soothe your skin and lessen irritation, resveratrol-based products can be used.
HYDRATE – It is normal for your skin to feel dryer than usual following a DermaPen treatment. In order to hydrate and restore your skin back to its perfect balance, hyaluronic acid is ideal.
STIMULATE – As your skin begins to regenerate post-treatment, collagen-stimulating peptides are perfect for maintaining the stimulation evoked by the procedure.
MAKE-UP – Your IPSA skin specialist will recommend that make-up is not applied for 12 hours following the treatment, although specialized mineral make-up suitable for use throughout the recovery period may be supplied to you via your IPSA practitioner. Do not use a make-up brush for application, especially so if it is not thoroughly clean.
PROTECT –A broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of at least SPF30 should be applied immediately after the procedure. A chemical-free sunscreen is recommended.

Can skin wrinkles be treated by the DermaPen procedure?

For the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, DermaPen excels. The best results usually derive from what your IPSA skin specialist calls the ‘DermaPen series’, which consists of 4–6 treatments over a period of time. To see the results for yourself, check some of your IPSA skin clinic’s before and after pictures.

Can stretch marks be treated by the DermaPen procedure?

In short, yes. Your IPSA skin clinic has a plethora of incredible before and after pictures of DermaPen treatments where we have targeted one half of an individual’s stretch marks and left the other half untreated. The results are often dramatic.

Can surgery scars be repaired and removed by the DermaPen procedure?

DermaPen has been proven to be effective for a variety of scarring issues, including acne, burns, various injuries, and yes, even surgical scars.