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Have you often heard that pitted acne scars need a picosecond laser? In 2024, a device was launched to treat “all types of scars”: Dermapen 4. It offers faster treatment and higher safety. By creating micro-injuries, it activates the skin's natural repair mechanism and promotes collagen synthesis and remodeling, and it also improves how well skincare products are absorbed. It is a great fit for people with acne scars, pitted scars, scars in general, and enlarged pores. This article explains how Dermapen 4 works, who it suits, recovery time, common Q&A, and more.
What Is Dermapen 4 and How Does It Work?
Dermapen 4 is a skin microneedling technology that only received approval from Taiwan FDA in 2024, with a Class II medical device license, and it also holds certifications from the US FDA, the EU (CE), and other countries. Dermapen 4 offers faster treatment and higher safety and is regarded as the gold standard of microneedling treatments. It has digital control with automatic calibration of speed and depth (0.2-3.0 mm). What sets it apart is that its approved labeling in Taiwan lists it as “suitable for all types of scars.” By creating micro-injuries, it activates the skin's natural repair mechanism and promotes collagen synthesis and remodeling.
Dermapen 4 uses an ultra-fine, high-speed probe (33G fine steel needles) to create countless tiny channels in the skin. It can create 1,920 puncture channels per second in the surface of the skin, producing a million tiny wounds in 10 minutes. These channels stimulate the skin's repair mechanism. In addition, the needles also generate heat as they move quickly in and out of the skin, which works very well for promoting collagen and elastin production and also improves how efficiently skincare products are absorbed. Compared with other microneedling pens, Dermapen 4 is 104% faster.
Isn't Microneedling Already Available at Salons and Beauty Studios?
The microneedling products available in these beauty venues or online today reach a depth of only 0.1-0.2 mm and are roller-type. This is the earliest kind of microneedling device, but roller-type microneedling has to be operated by hand. As the needles roll across the skin they follow a rotating arc, and you feel as if your skin is being “scraped,” so pain is noticeable, bleeding is heavy, wounds are large, recovery is long, and scabbing is obvious.
6 Key Features of Dermapen 4
Customizable Treatment Depth
Dermapen 4 has a digital depth and speed adjustment system, and its built-in RFID chip cartridge enables automatic calibration. Depth ranges from 0.2 to 3.0 mm, adjustable in precise 0.1 mm steps, so both superficial and deep layers can be treated and the most suitable treatment can be planned for each patient.
Automated Operation for More Precise Treatment
Because Dermapen 4 has an automated operating mode (120 needle vibrations per second), the speed and depth are consistent every time, avoiding the unevenness that traditional roller devices can cause, and the depth can be adjusted to the lesion.
Vertical Needle Entry for a More Comfortable Treatment
Dermapen 4 uses AOVN technology, which, compared with traditional roller-type microneedling, can effectively reduce pain and discomfort during treatment
Suitable for All Skin Types and Areas
It can be used on sensitive, oily, and dry skin alike, and it can also treat the area around the lips and eyes, the face, and the neck
Short Recovery Time
Dermapen 4 leaves only small wounds, and recovery takes roughly 2 days.
Can Be Paired with Various Serums for Added Effect
The treatment can be combined with different serums (for example, hyaluronic acid, PLT, and other suitable skincare products), which enter the deeper layers of the skin through the tiny channels. In addition, Dermapen 4 is specially paired with Meso-Glide™ mesotherapy serum, which greatly improves absorption.
Dermapen 4 vs. Traditional Dermaroller vs. Flying Needle
| Dermapen 4 | Traditional dermaroller | Flying needle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approved by | Taiwan FDA, US FDA, EU CE, and others | X | X |
| Indications | Acne scars, scars | X | X |
| Depth | 0.2-3.0 mm (adjustable in 0.1 mm steps) | 0.5/1.0/2.0/3.0 mm, a single fixed depth that cannot be adjusted | 0.2-2.5 mm, cannot be fine-tuned and must be adjusted manually |
| Number of needles | 16 needles, all 16 going in and out at the same time | 540 needles spread across the roller | 9 needles |
| Number of punctures | 1,920 per second | Cannot be counted | About 100 per second |
| Recovery | About 1-7 days | About 30 days | About 7-14 days |
Who Dermapen 4 Suits
- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone and pigmentation
- Pitted scars
- Stretch marks
- Hair loss
- Skin laxity
- Skin texture improvement
- Melasma
Dermapen 4 Precautions
Before the procedure
- For 3 days before treatment, avoid irritating skincare products (for example, acids and alcohol)
- If the treatment area has a bacterial infection, a herpes flare-up, or eczema, your doctor must evaluate whether treatment is possible
After the procedure
- Avoid spicy, irritating foods and alcohol after treatment
- Apply a cold compress immediately after treatment to reduce swelling
- Do not wash your face with tap water for 6-8 hours after treatment, and keep the skin as clean as possible for 24 hours
- For 1 week after treatment, avoid swimming pools, saunas, and similar places
- Moisturize well and use sun protection; avoid direct sunlight
- Avoid skincare products with irritating ingredients (for example, retinoids and fruit acids)
FAQ
How often do I need treatment? How long does a session take?
A full treatment takes about 5-10 minutes, while the number of sessions and the interval depend on the patient's condition, usually one session every 4-8 weeks
How is Dermapen 4 different from microneedling RF?
- Microneedling RF: microneedling + RF, but with only about 6,000-15,000 needle holes
- Dermapen 4: microneedling only, without the thermal energy from RF, but it creates well over 100,000 wounds
Dermapen 4's strength is physical (mechanical) injury, while microneedling RF adds the thermal energy of RF!
Does Dermapen 4 have side effects? How long is recovery?
The most common side effects: redness, swelling, bleeding, bruising, and scabbing. The deeper the treatment, the heavier the scabbing. Recovery is roughly 1-7 days, and only a small number of people develop pigmentation.
This article is for general information only. Results vary from person to person; please consult a doctor in person before deciding on any treatment.
