With all the social media posts, ads and sponsored content flying around the interewebs, we get a lot of questions about dermal needling roller devices. These devices are available for consumer purchase and are designed for purposes similar to Microneedling; primarily skin resurfacing and pigmentation evening. Undoubtedly, there are people who have achieved good results doing this procedure on their own, but there are many reasons why it is a better idea to seek a licensed professional to perform a Microneedling treatment in a medical facility.
Differences in Microneedling Pen and Roller Devices
First, it’s important to know how these devices function. A pen is motorized and oscillates a dozen or so tiny needles (depending on the model) in a straight up-and-down motion on the surface of the skin. A roller has many more tiny needles (depending upon the model) on a cylinder which moves in a revolving motion.
The difference to note here is that roller needles are puncturing the skin at an angle, as opposed to straight with a pen. Another term we use for Microneedling is “Micro-channeling.” These channels are ideally clean, precise punctures in the skin that allow for solutions and medications to penetrate for optimized results and healing. Angled punctures can actually create tears in the skin and may cause more damage than benefit.
Microneedling pens are adjustable in needle depth, typically from .25 – 2.5mm. Rollers have a fixed depth. Although you can buy multiple rollers for various depths, it is important to know the correct depth for different areas of your face and body and for different conditions to treat. These are probably the primary advantages of enlisting a trained professional. Did you know that one depth is good for treating skin tone and another for breaking up scar tissue?
Benefits of a Professional Provider
As previously mentioned, the needles on a pen oscillate and do so at a precise speed or revolutions per minute (RPM). This allows a practitioner a lot of control in delivering treatment. With a roller, speed and coverage are determined by the user’s ability and pain tolerance. Some estheticians do offer roller treatments, but price advantage or lack of knowledge are likely the reasons.
Another incredibly important issue is that of properly cleansing the skin prior to starting treatment. Using a medical-grade, antimicrobial cleanser and thoroughly scrubbing all treatment areas is best practice. Otherwise, you are potentially spreading bacteria you may have on your face into these new micro-channels you’ve just created. Proper sterilization of needling devices is also crucial. Medical facilities are set up for these protocols.
***Important Note: DO NOT SHARE ROLLER DEVICES. If an esthetician is going to use one on you, make sure it is new. These cannot be adequately sterilized to use among multiple patients.
Our Preferred Microneedling Device
In our practice, we use the Rejuvapen® MD Microneedling Pen. It has 9 micro needles precisely spaced in a cartridge that has a medical-grade HEPA filter which eliminates suction and clogging, as well as airborne blood pathogens. This cartridge is discarded and replaced after each treatment.
There are many comparable devices on the market, and many cheap knock-offs. It is quality in manufacturing of the pen, as well as the needle cartridge, that make all the difference in the quality of the treatment. Differences you can feel and see.
To Sum it Up
There is a lot of misinformation out there, and some is just for the purpose of selling. Make sure you do your homework and find a professional provider that you trust. Remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for.” Don’t fall into the latest trends too easily when it comes to your skin, health and safety. Your skin deserves to be well taken care of. It is, after all, your body’s largest organ 🙂
