Based on our research there’s a little confusion in the market, so our marketing team suggested we write a piece on this question, even though it is inaccurately said. Dermapen is one of the most expensive microneedling pens on the market. Our MD Needle Pen is the most affordable on the market. Both pens do microneedling.
Microneedling of course, is growing ever more popular, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great treatment option that is compatible with all skin types, whether it’s oily, normal, or combination and safe on any color. It provides the same results and benefits as more invasive procedures like laser or chemical exfoliation without the risks.
If you’re a professional looking for a cost-effective option to the Dermapen that can give you the same benefits to your patients, we recommend MD Needle Pen.
If you’re a consumer reading this article and considering the pros and cons of at-home microneedling VS booking an office appointment, and why you might choose one over the other, then keep reading.
A Quick Review on What Is Microneedling
Microneedling is the treatment involving needles to create superficial wounds on the skin. These micro injuries are only-surface level and are not meant to leave any scars or any evidence of the needle pricking your skin.
As intimidating as the procedure might sound, the treatment is specifically designed to boost collagen production and improve cell turnover. Patients report immediate results ranging from a brighter, more youthful-glowing skin to improved skin texture with just one microneedling treatment.
Microneedling has multiple benefits, including:
- The acceleration or normalization of collagen production
- Smoothing of acne scars and other skin texture problems
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improvement in the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots
- Enhanced complexion and more youthful appearance
- Decrease stretch marks and increase hair follicle production
Microneedling cannot be done at home to the degree a professional can in a medical spa or clinic. Professional microneedling treatments are continuously adjusted to penetrate different depths for specific conditions that a special anesthetic must be used by a licensed professional. While there are plenty of products on the market billed as at-home DIY microneedling, consumers can’t legally buy a professional-grade microneedling device for use as part of their skincare regimen at home.
Why Consider Microneedling For Your Clients?
Microneedling is often compared to other treatments like dermaplaning. Microneedling and dermaplaning might both be skin rejuvenation treatments but they don’t exactly produce the same results. Dermaplaning is a “surface only” procedure where the top layer of dead skin cells are exfoliated off. Patients will see an immediate glow to their skin surface. Without facial (or velous) hair covering most of your face, make up glides on more smoothly and skincare products absorb a lot more quickly. Although these improvements might be significant for some patients, others might want a more drastic change to their appearance and skin health.
That’s where microneedling comes in. The handheld device creates small punctures to the skin, triggering its natural healing properties. This increases blood flow and stimulates collagen production — both of which are critical in maintaining or restoring a healthy skin appearance.
The main difference between microneedling and dermaplaning is just how extensive their results are. For patients who are looking for a quick and non-invasive exfoliation treatment, dermaplaning offers exactly that. The exfoliation isn’t similar to chemical peels where active ingredients penetrate the skin and work to break the dead cell barriers; dermaplaning is a physical exfoliating treatment designed to clear out the uppermost layer of your skin. It won’t address problems like hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
But for patients who have more extensive skin needs and want to treat problems like hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, wrinkles, poor texture, and a lack-luster complexion, microneedling is the better treatment option for these problems.
Microneedling VS Dermapen
Again, the question is wrong, but your patients are asking. Dermapen is an automatic microneedling device consisting of a cartridge with 12 microneedles. This is a professional-grade device typically found in spa and dermatology clinics. The tips can be adjusted from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm which allows treatment into the dermis to create real dramatic skin improvements. If used incorrectly, microneedling can actually cause more harm than good.
Compared to at-home “microneedling” tools, professional tools like the MD Needle Pen provide more control and precision, which is important when you’re trying to treat different skin conditions on different parts of the face and hard-to-reach areas like the corner of the nose or around the eyes. Your practitioner has knowledge of the skins working aspects and how to use this treatment for the safest and best outcome.
On average, a microneedling session costs between $150 and $700 each, depending on the local market. Patients can expect to shell out as much as $400 to get the best results from a microneedling treatment, regardless of who manufactured the pen – us, Dermapen or whoever.
Meanwhile, home microneedling pens cost anywhere from $29 upwards, depending on the quality. These disposable microneedling pens are affordable tools you can use at home but at what risk. Problems with increased pigmentation, infection and even reversing collagen production can be caused by improper use. Having a regimented home skin care routine along with professional microneedling treatments will give the best outcome.
Dermapen: Is It Worth It?
Not only is the Dermapen 3 times the cost of the MD Needle Pen, the needles are almost 3 times the cost. We are confident the Dermapen is not worth it and our hundreds of happy customers would agree. What patients care about is that their microneedling treatment is performed by a skilled professional, and of course, results.
What About At-Home Tools or Dermarollers and At-Home Microneedling?
If your client brings it up, here are some key points to help them consider. The truth is that at-home treatments are no comparison to in-clinic sessions. While at-home and professional microneedling tools look the same, there is a critical difference: the length of the needles. On average, the length of the needles on an in-office microneedling tool is .25mm to 2.5mm, sometimes reaching 3mm to address scarring. In contrast, the needles on an at-home dermaroller is usually only between .25mm and .5mm.
Here are things you might want to consider when deciding between an at-home roller or booking a dermapen appointment:
- Cost: You can get some results with a dermaroller without the hefty price tag of a Dermapen appointment. But that comes with some limitations and risks. Yes, a 0.5mm MT dermaroller, which is one of the needle settings on the Dermapen, costs $29 compared to the $300 cost of a single session but specific areas cannot be treated with a dermaroller due to its size.
- Limitations: Although derma rollers can be used at home they do not have the ability to adjust depth for different areas of the face for different skin conditions. The Dermapen, operated by a licensed professional has the ability to treat into the dermis where collagen is produced. There are lots of articles and videos that can teach you how to use a dermaroller but there will always be limitations. Do your research before you incorporate dermarollers into your routine.
- Cross-contamination: Although microneedling can lend that dewy glow immediately, in home dermaroller treatments come with the risk of spreading germs and causing infection. With not having the ability to properly clean the derma roller, shin cells, blood and other debris can be pushed into the open wounds during the procedure. Patients typically need to routinely have microneedling once every four to six weeks to get the best results and it is best to do 3 aggressive treatments that are safe then risk infection. For scars and stretch marks, experts typically recommend 3 to 6 treatments until the appearance of stretch marks and scars begin to improve. Keeping up with your routine with Dermapen can be expensive, but advanced protocols are the only way to actually make visible change.
- Skin injury: Using a derma roller causes undue injury to the skin because of its round configuration. In addition the needles become dull after each treatment causing more trauma. If your skin is particularly sensitive, inform your doctor and they will start with a less aggressive dermapen treatment. Dermarolling. Buying a dermaroller and performing microneedling at home looks appealing but at what cost.
Here are situations and reasons why booking a professional microneedling session is better than your patient trying to DIY their own microneedling at home:
You need dermatology-grade skin care products: You might need more advanced skin care products to treat your issues. Using professional-grade products at your dermatologist’s clinic is always the better option for safety as well as results
You’re doing microneedling with RF therapy: Some patients combine microneedling with radiofrequency therapy treatments to get the results they want. Since you can’t do RF at home, again they want to go see a professional.
If you want to use microneedling as an occasional treatment, you might be better off scheduling infrequent visits with your dermatologist or favorite local med spa.
Tips For Successful Microneedling
Our marketing team said we needed to find a way to keep this heading at the top for SEO, so we decided to remind you to reinforce to your patients that the only way they should try microneedling at home is if you are offering in-home visits. Even then, not ideal because of the need for a clean and sterile environment.
- Set realistic expectations. Results from microneedling vary depending on skin problems. For patients who are looking to improve the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation, final results will be visible 3 months after a series of microneedling treatments..
- Set a microneedling schedule that works for your patient. Make sure they understand the frequency needed to achieve their desired results.
- Purchase, use and maintain a quality microneedling pen. Do research on multiple microneedling pens. Expensive pens don’t always mean it’s good or better quality. It’s best to buy your pen and cartridges from a reliable and proven source. (when you compare MD Needle Pen to your other options, we’re easily the best value)
- Treatments should not be done more frequently than every four weeks, as it will actually reverse collagen production. Microneedling stimulates the regrowth of cells, and this process organically takes a few weeks to occur. Microneedling speeds up the process, but it doesn’t accelerate it any further with continuous use. It is possible to do too much microneedling or dermarolling and harm your skin.
- Always use a new cartridge for each treatment and never share a cartridge with anyone. For patient safety they are single use only and should not be sterilized.
- Continually adjust needle depth for area being treated and the skin condition that is being targeted.
- Increase the effectiveness of your clients’ microneedling sessions by applying topical skincare products. Microneedling promotes better absorption providing maximum benefits in the process. Be careful not to over exfoliate the face; using AHAs and BHAs might not be ideal if you see signs of discomfort.
Learn more: What is the Best Professional Microneedling Device?
