What is Dermapen and what is it for?

Dermapen is a microneedling brand that became a generic name. It's used to improve acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven texture, fine lines and stretch marks. What matters isn't the name, but the device, the depth and who performs it. At our office we use SkinPen®.

It's a very superficial nano-needling technique that works on the outer layers of the skin. It's mainly used for pores, radiance and applying actives. Because it's so superficial, it doesn't have the same effect on deep scars as medical microneedling.

Dermapen, Nanopore or SkinPen: which is better?

All three are microneedling. Nanopore is the most superficial version; “dermapen” is the generic name; SkinPen® is the device we use, FDA-authorized for acne scars and with sterile single-use cartridges. With it we adjust the depth to your skin, from a superficial protocol to one for scars.

Why are there bad experiences with Dermapen?

Almost always because of unregistered or at-home devices, reused cartridges, excessive depths or serums that aren't suitable for application on open skin. Infections, dark spots and inflammatory reactions have been reported. That's why it should be done in a medical office, with controlled devices and products.

Is microneedling safe for darker or olive skin?

Yes, with sound judgment. Because it doesn't heat the skin, it carries a lower risk of dark spots than many lasers in olive and darker skin. Even so, it can leave temporary dark spots if done too aggressively or without sun protection, so we adjust the depth and prepare the skin when needed.

Does microneedling work for melasma?

It can help as part of a plan, but it isn't the main treatment for melasma, and if done aggressively it can make it worse. Melasma is controlled first; the decision is made during the assessment.

How many sessions do I need and when will I see results?

For texture and pores, 3 sessions are usually enough; for acne scars, between 3 and 6, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The skin looks brighter within a few days, but new collagen forms over months, so the result shows progressively.

Does it hurt? How many days of recovery does it involve?

With topical anesthesia it feels like mild discomfort. Afterwards, the skin is red, like a mild sunburn, for 1 to 3 days. You should avoid makeup for the first 24 hours, as well as sun and intense exercise as instructed.

How much does Dermapen or microneedling cost in Medellín?

It depends on the area, the depth and the number of sessions your skin needs. During the assessment in El Poblado we clearly explain the plan and its investment. Message us EVALUATE.

Microneedling in Medellín with SkinPen®

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Microneedling in Medellín: Dermapen, Nanopore and SkinPen Explained

Microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the skin so it produces new collagen. It progressively improves acne scars, pores, texture and fine lines. You may know it as “dermapen,” and perhaps you've also heard of “Nanopore”: here we explain how they differ.

At our office in El Poblado we use SkinPen®, the first microneedling device with FDA De Novo authorization for acne scars, with sterile single-use cartridges. Dr. Olga Gómez Montoya, physician and surgeon from the University of Antioquia, sets the depth according to your skin and your goal.

Reviewed by Dr. Olga Gómez Montoya · Updated: October 2026

SkinPen® · Sterile single-use cartridges · Medical judgment

What is microneedling and what is it for?

The microneedles pass through the skin in a controlled way and create tiny channels that close within hours. To repair them, the skin activates its fibroblasts and produces new collagen and elastin. That process, which builds up over weeks, is what improves texture and firmness.

Depth changes the effect: a superficial session works on radiance and pores, while a deeper one works on scars. That's why the device and who uses it really matter.

What is it for?

Acne scars.

Enlarged pores and uneven texture.

Fine lines and dull-looking skin.

Stretch marks, as part of a combined plan.

Skin quality on the neck and décolletage.

Dermapen: the word everyone searches for

Dermapen is an Australian microneedling brand that became a generic name, like “Band-Aid.” Today almost any microneedling pen is called a “dermapen,” including unregistered copies sold online.

Nanopore: very superficial microneedling

Nanopore is the name under which a nano-needling technique is offered in Colombia. It works on the outermost layers of the skin, mainly for pores, radiance and applying actives. It's not a different device: it's superficial microneedling.

SkinPen®: the one we use

SkinPen® Precision was the first microneedling device with FDA De Novo authorization (2018) to improve facial acne scars in adults. It has adjustable depth and sterile single-use cartridges.

Acne scars

This is the best-supported indication. It is usually combined with the Alma Hybrid™ CO2 laser in a step-by-step plan. See acne scars.

Pores and texture

Improves texture and the appearance of enlarged pores with a more superficial protocol. See skin quality.

Fine lines and stretch marks

Stimulates collagen in fine lines on the face and neck, and in stretch marks, almost always as part of a combined plan. See stretch marks.

Why do we use SkinPen® and not just any “dermapen”?

Because in microneedling, the device does matter. SkinPen® was the first microneedling system authorized by the U.S. FDA (De Novo, 2018) to improve facial acne scars in adults. Its cartridges are sterile and single-use, and the depth is adjusted precisely.

Many of the bad experiences shared on social media come from unregistered pens, reused cartridges or serums that aren't suitable for open skin. At our office, during the session we only apply products indicated for that use.