Considering microneedling in Melbourne? Dermapen4™ Skin Needling is one of the most talked-about treatments in clinical skin care, and for good reason.
IN THIS GUIDE
- what Dermapen4 microneedling is and how it works
- what it can help with, including acne scarring
- who it suits, and when we'd wait or suggest something else
- downtime, aftercare and how many sessions you're likely to need
Dermapen4 Skin Needling starts with a consultation. Your skin needs mapping and preparation four weeks before your first treatment.
At Purified Wellness Flagship in Prahran, Dermapen4 is prescribed as part of a considered plan for concerns including acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines and skin laxity. Depth and intensity are set for your skin, not taken from a standard protocol.
Here's how it works, how much downtime to expect, how many sessions you might need and whether it's right for your skin.
DERMAPEN4 MICRONEEDLING AT A GLANCE
What it is: a professional skin needling treatment using fine, controlled micro-needles.
Commonly prescribed for: atrophic acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, skin laxity and some pigmentation.
Downtime: redness and warmth like a mild sunburn, generally settling over two to three days.
Sessions: usually a course of three to six, spaced four to six weeks apart.
Where: Purified Wellness Flagship, 8 Chatham Street, Prahran.
What Dermapen4 microneedling is
Dermapen4 Skin Needling uses fine, controlled micro-needles to create precise micro-channels in the skin. These controlled micro-injuries encourage the skin's natural repair response, supporting the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that give skin its firmness and structure.
At Purified Wellness Flagship, Dermapen4 sits within the Repair phase of Reset, Repair and Maintain.
Skin needling is a skin penetration procedure. In Victoria, businesses performing skin penetration are regulated under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, must be registered with their local council and must meet infection prevention and control standards. Our Prahran clinic is a registered premises, and every treatment uses a sterile, single-use Dermapen4 cartridge.
How Dermapen4 skin needling works
The Dermapen4 device delivers rapid, controlled micro-needles into the skin. This triggers the body's natural wound-healing response, which supports new collagen and elastin. As the skin repairs, the appearance of texture, scarring and other concerns can improve over time.
The key word is progressive. Skin keeps repairing and renewing after your appointment, which is why results continue to develop in the weeks that follow.
Why aftercare products matter. Microneedling temporarily opens micro-channels in the skin, so anything applied has a more direct route in than usual. We use only sterile, treatment-appropriate products during your appointment. Products that suit intact skin aren't automatically right straight after needling, so pause your own serums and actives and follow the aftercare you're given.
What Dermapen4 microneedling can help with
Dermapen4 may be prescribed as part of a plan for:
- atrophic acne scarring and post-acne marks
- certain types of pigmentation and uneven skin tone
- fine lines, visible signs of ageing and skin laxity
- enlarged pores and uneven texture
- stretch marks on selected areas of the body
Its versatility is that depth and settings can be adjusted to the area and your skin. But versatile doesn't mean right for everyone, which is why every Dermapen4 plan starts with a consultation.
Microneedling for acne scars
Dermapen4 may be prescribed for some types of acne scarring, particularly atrophic, or indented, scars. Controlled needling can support the remodelling of scar tissue and improve the appearance of these scars over a course of treatments.
Not all acne scars are the same. Raised or keloid scars need a different approach, and active inflamed or cystic acne may mean needling isn't appropriate yet. Your therapist will assess the type of scarring, your current skin and your treatment history before deciding whether Dermapen4 belongs in your plan.
Microneedling and melasma
Melasma behaves differently. Needling carries a genuine risk of melasma returning or becoming more resistant to treatment, so it isn't our starting point. It's only considered selectively, once the skin is well prepared. If melasma is your main concern, we'd usually begin somewhere gentler. Read more in our guide to pigmentation and melasma treatments.
Who microneedling suits, and when we'd wait
Dermapen4 may suit you if you want to improve:
- atrophic acne scarring or post-acne marks
- certain types of pigmentation or uneven skin tone
- fine lines and changes in skin firmness
- enlarged pores and uneven texture
- stretch marks on selected areas of the body
Skin needling isn't right for every skin at every moment. We'd postpone or suggest an alternative if you have:
- active breakouts, particularly inflamed or cystic acne in the treatment area
- a cold sore or any active skin infection. Needling can spread the herpes simplex virus across the treated area, so tell us if you get cold sores at all, even if you don't have one now. It's a manageable history, but we need to know.
- eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis that's moderate to severe or currently flaring
- a tendency to form keloid or raised scars
- a weakened immune system, including during chemotherapy
- pregnancy or breastfeeding, where we'd generally suggest waiting
- melasma as your main concern
Also tell us if you're taking or have recently finished isotretinoin (Roaccutane), or if you're on blood-thinning medication. Neither automatically rules you out. We simply plan around them.
What happens during a Dermapen4 treatment
Your skin is mapped and prepared in the four weeks before your first treatment. On the day, your skin is prepared again before the Dermapen4 device is worked across the prescribed areas, with depth and settings adjusted by area and by your skin.
Sensation varies from person to person and across different parts of the face and body. Your therapist talks you through it before starting and adjusts as they go.
Dermapen4 enhancements
Your therapist may add an enhancement where it suits your skin, including LED light therapy, an UBER Pro Peel, exosomes, skin boosters, or extending the treatment to the neck or décolletage.
Downtime and aftercare after microneedling
Redness, warmth and sensitivity are common straight after treatment, much like a mild sunburn. For most people this settles over two to three days, sometimes with light flaking as the skin renews. Most clients are comfortable returning to normal activities the next day.
That's a general guide, not a promise. Deeper treatments for scarring ask more of your skin than lighter ones, and your therapist will tell you what to expect for the treatment you've actually had.
Your aftercare may include:
- SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and limiting sun exposure
- avoiding makeup for the period your therapist recommends
- avoiding hot showers, baths, saunas and steam rooms straight after treatment
- avoiding intense exercise for the recommended period
- avoiding alcohol straight after treatment if advised
- using only your prescribed skincare and pausing actives where directed
What happens between appointments matters as much as the treatment itself.
How many microneedling sessions you'll need
It depends on your skin, but here's a realistic guide before you book.
Acne scarring and uneven texture are usually worked through as a course of three to six treatments. Skin needs a few weeks between sessions to complete its repair cycle, so treatments are typically spaced four to six weeks apart, and a course often runs across several months.
Some clients notice change after one session. Deeper or longstanding concerns usually need the full course. Your therapist prescribes the frequency for your skin and adjusts it as they see how you respond.
Dermapen microneedling questions
Does microneedling hurt?
Sensation varies between clients and across different areas. Most people describe it as tolerable rather than painful, with bonier areas like the forehead and jawline feeling sharper than the cheeks. Settings are adjusted for your skin and the area, and your therapist talks you through it first.
How much downtime is there after microneedling?
Expect redness and warmth like a mild sunburn on the day, generally settling over two to three days, sometimes with light flaking. Most clients return to normal activities the next day. Deeper treatments for scarring ask more of the skin, so your therapist will give you a realistic picture for your treatment.
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
For acne scarring and uneven texture, a course of three to six treatments is typical, spaced four to six weeks apart. Some people see change sooner. Your therapist prescribes the plan for your skin and adjusts it as you respond.
How long does microneedling last?
Changes develop progressively as your skin repairs and renews. How long they last depends on your skin, concern, course, home care, sun protection and maintenance. Collagen naturally declines with age, so most clients keep results with periodic maintenance treatments.
Can I wear makeup after microneedling?
Not straight away. Your therapist will tell you how long to avoid makeup based on your treatment, and will give you aftercare to follow in the meantime.
How much does microneedling cost in Melbourne?
At Purified Wellness Flagship, Dermapen4 Skin Needling starts from $350. Enhancements such as LED light therapy, exosomes or extending to the neck or décolletage are priced separately. Your consultation confirms your plan and cost.
Can microneedling be used on all skin tones?
It's generally considered one of the more suitable options for deeper skin tones, because it works mechanically rather than using heat or light that targets pigment. It isn't risk free. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is still possible, especially if treatment is too deep or too frequent, so depth, spacing and preparation are adjusted for your skin.
Is an at-home dermaroller the same thing?
No. At-home devices and professional Dermapen4 Skin Needling differ in device design, needle control, adjustable depth, treatment environment and infection control. Professional needling also lets settings be chosen for each area and your individual skin.
What's the difference between skin needling and microneedling?
They're two names for the same general treatment. At Purified Wellness Flagship, we use Dermapen4 technology for our professional Skin Needling.
This article is general information about the treatments we offer and isn't a substitute for personal advice. Suitability, timeframes and results vary between individuals. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, take prescription medication for your skin or have a mole or mark that's changing, speak with your doctor or dermatologist before booking.
PURIFIED WELLNESS FLAGSHIP · PRAHRAN, MELBOURNE
Find out if Dermapen4 is right for your skin
Considering microneedling in Melbourne? Start with a consultation at our Prahran clinic. We'll assess your skin, concerns and treatment history, then tell you whether skin needling is right for you and what your plan would look like.
Start with a consultation
