Dermapen World’s Dermapen 4™

Dermapen World’s Dermapen 4™

At Hearts and Minds Clinics we understand the physical and emotional impact of prominent post-surgical scarring, especially following major procedures such as cardiac surgery.

This device is widely used in the aesthetic and dermatological fields for various skin concerns, including scar remodelling. Hypertrophic scars are thickened, raised, often red, and firm to touch. Unfortunately, they are also often hypersensitive. Previously advice such as bio oil and vitamin E cream was all we had to offer patients. Until now…

Let’s understand how microneedling helps hypertrophic scars. Hypertrophic scars result from an excessive production of collagen during the healing process, often with a disorganized arrangement. Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the body’s natural wound healing cascade.

Firstly, the needles physically disrupt the tough, fibrotic collagen bundles within the hypertrophic scar.

Secondly, these micro-injuries stimulate the release of various growth factors, which are like signals that promote tissue regeneration.

Thirdly, these growth factors encourage the production of new, healthier collagen and elastin, helping to remodel the abnormal collagen meshwork of the scar, leading to a flatter, softer, and more pliable appearance. Additionally, new blood vessels can form, improving the scar’s colour and overall health. Finally, the micro-channels created by microneedling allow for significantly enhanced penetration of topical agents (in particular exosomes which we will discuss shortly), which can further improve outcomes.

The Dermapen 4™ features a dedicated “Scar Treatment Setting.” This setting is designed to calibrate motor speed, pressure, and penetration for targeted precision, allowing needles to penetrate up to 3mm, which is often necessary for deeper scars like hypertrophic ones. This precision helps in breaking down bulky scar tissue more effectively. Furthermore, Dermapen devices use an Advanced Oscillating Vertical Needle (AOVN™) technology, meaning the needles enter and exit the skin at a perfect 90-degree angle. This is crucial for scar treatment as it minimizes lateral epidermal tearing and trauma, leading to less pain, discomfort, and downtime compared to traditional derma rollers, which can cause angled punctures and potential tearing, especially in tough scar tissue. This also reduces the risk of needle bending or breaking.

The fundamental principle of microneedling for hypertrophic scars is to remodel the disorganized collagen. Studies indicate that microneedling promotes the reorganization of old collagen fibres and the laying down of new, more organized collagen and elastin, leading to a smoother texture and less tightness in scar tissue.

Research has also shown that Dermapen microneedling can be particularly effective when used in conjunction with topical treatments. For example, a study published in the Egyptian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery evaluated the use of a Dermapen device for transepidermal delivery of triamcinolone acetonide (a corticosteroid) into hypertrophic scars. The study concluded that this combined approach was effective, less painful, and cost-effective in treating hypertrophic scars. (ClinicalTrials.gov also lists ongoing trials exploring microneedling with cortisone application for burn hypertrophic scars.) While direct comparative studies specifically isolating “Dermapen World” devices against other brands for hypertrophic scars might be less common (as many studies refer to “automated microneedling devices” generally), the mechanisms and reported outcomes for automated microneedling are directly applicable to Dermapen. Studies on automated microneedling for traumatic scars, including hypertrophic ones, have shown statistically significant improvements in scar vascularity, pigmentation, and pliability, with associated increases in collagen and elastin content. (You can find more on this in Clinical and Histochemical Response to Automated Microneedling Therapy in Treatment of Traumatic Scars – Neliti).

Microneedling is generally considered safe with a favourable side effect profile compared to more aggressive scar interventions like ablative lasers. Temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort are common and resolve quickly. Anecdotal evidence and case studies from clinics using Dermapen devices often report high patient satisfaction due to visible improvements in scar appearance, texture, and flexibility.

In summary, Dermapen World’s microneedling devices offer a sophisticated and effective approach to treating hypertrophic scars. Their patented technologies, such as the vertical needling system and dedicated scar settings, aim to optimize the treatment process by precisely targeting scar tissue, minimizing trauma, and enhancing the body’s natural remodelling capabilities.

Exosomes

At Hearts and Minds Clinics we also use DermapenWorld’s cutting-edge exosomes to aid in scar treatment.

Exosomes are nanosized vesicles naturally secreted by stem cells. Rich in growth factors, cytokines, and RNA, they play a vital role in cell communication and regeneration. When applied during microneedling, these bioactive messengers help stimulate fibroblast activity, remodel collagen, and reduce fibrotic tissue – precisely what’s needed to address hypertrophic scar formation. Exosomes have been shown to modulate TGF-β signaling, a key pathway in the development of hypertrophic scarring (Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2021).

Potential benefits of this combined therapy of exosomes and microneedling include:

• Flattening and softening of raised hypertrophic scars
• Reduction in scar redness and discoloration
• Improved skin texture and elasticity over the scar site
• Minimal downtime, no surgical revision required
• Safe for all skin types and tones

There is much exciting evidence to come regarding these messenger molecules. So far, the current research has been promising: a 2020 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that microneedling combined with exosomes significantly improved hypertrophic and atrophic scars compared to microneedling alone. DermapenWorld’s own clinical trials report up to 80% improvement in scar appearance after a series of treatments.

Book in now to discuss whether theis could be a good options for you.