Dermapen is an advanced microneedling treatment designed to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce acne scars. It uses a pen-like device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering a natural healing response. Acne scars form due to inflammation and collagen loss following breakouts. Dermapen microneedling promotes skin renewal by breaking down old scar tissue and encouraging the production of new, healthy skin cells.

Dermapen microneedling is one of the most effective non-ablative treatments for acne scars because its automated, depth-adjustable needle cartridge can target the specific dermal layer where each scar type originates. Acne scars form when the dermis fails to heal properly after severe inflammation — producing either too little collagen (atrophic scars like ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars) or too much (hypertrophic and keloid scars).

Dermapen uses automated microneedling technology to deliver tiny punctures into the skin’s surface. This process:

Collagen & Elastin Boost – Stimulates collagen and elastin production to repair scar tissue.

Skin Texture Improvement – Improves skin texture, making acne scars less visible.

Hyperpigmentation Reduction – Reduces pigmentation from post-acne marks.

Skin Cell Renewal – Enhances skin cell turnover, promoting a smoother, even complexion.

Ice Pick Scars – These narrow, deep scars extend into the lower dermis. The Dermapen treats them at 2.0 to 2.5 millimetre depth with concentrated passes directly over each scar, breaking down the tight.

Boxcar Scars – Broad, flat-bottomed depressions with defined edges respond well to the Dermapen's systematic overlapping passes at 1.5 to 2.0 millimetre depth.

Rolling Scars – Undulating depressions caused by fibrous bands beneath the skin benefit from Dermapen treatment combined with subcision.

Effective acne scar treatment requires identifying and addressing each scar type specifically. At Claire Derma, our dermatologists use cross-polarised lighting and dermoscopy during consultation to map the distribution, depth, and type of every scar across the treatment area.

Scar Tissue Breakdown – Breaking down scar tissue to trigger skin regeneration.

Collagen Rebuilding – Filling in atrophic (depressed) scars with fresh collagen.

Texture Smoothing – Smoothing rough skin texture, making scars less noticeable.

Even Skin Tone – Reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) for an even skin tone.

Stamp-and-Sweep Technique – Our dermatologists combine two Dermapen techniques during acne scar sessions. Individual deep scars receive focused stamping — the device held stationary for multiple needle cycles — while broader scarred areas.

Progressive Depth Escalation – Across the treatment series, our dermatologists gradually increase Dermapen depth as the skin builds tolerance and new collagen strengthens the dermis.

Topical Growth Factor Boost – After completing the Dermapen passes, a growth factor serum or PRP is applied while micro-channels remain open.

The Dermapen treatment protocol for acne scars at Claire Derma begins with thorough cleansing followed by 30 minutes of topical anaesthetic application. Our dermatologist maps the treatment zones, notes the depth settings for each area, and selects the needle cartridge — typically a 12- or 16-needle configuration for targeted scar work.

Reduces Acne Scars – Minimizes the appearance of both deep and shallow scars.

Stimulates Natural Healing – Encourages new collagen formation for skin renewal.

Improves Skin Texture – Smooths rough, uneven skin.

Benefit – Scar-Specific Customisation – The Dermapen's adjustable settings allow our dermatologists to treat multiple scar types at their ideal depth within a single session.

Benefit – Collagen Remodelling Without Heat – Mechanical micro-injury triggers the same wound-healing cascade as laser resurfacing — inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling — but without thermal energy.

Benefit – Compatible with Combination Protocols – Dermapen microneedling pairs effectively with subcision, PRP, TCA cross for ice pick scars, and chemical peels.

For acne scar patients, the Dermapen's combination of efficacy and safety makes it a first-line treatment recommendation at Claire Derma. Compared to fractional CO2 laser, the Dermapen produces comparable textural improvement for mild to moderate scarring with significantly less downtime — two to four days versus seven to fourteen days.

This treatment is ideal for individuals who:

Struggle with acne scars and uneven skin texture.

Prefer a non-invasive approach to scar revision.

Post-treatment care following Dermapen for acne scars requires attention but is manageable. Expect redness and mild swelling for two to four days — slightly longer than anti-aging sessions because scar treatment uses deeper needle settings. Pinpoint bleeding during treatment is normal and stops within minutes. For the first 48 hours, use only the prescribed gentle cleanser and barrier repair cream. Avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide for five to seven days.