Microneedling (Dermapen) in Ankara | Dr. Armin Müştak

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a dermatological procedure that uses very fine needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin. The needle depth, device speed, and treatment area are adjusted according to the patient’s skin characteristics and the condition being treated.

The procedure may be performed with a Dermapen or a similar mechanical microneedling device. Before treatment, the overall condition of the skin, the type and depth of any scarring, active skin conditions, and the patient’s wound-healing characteristics should be assessed.

Are Microneedling and RF Microneedling the Same?

No. Mechanical microneedling and RF microneedling, commonly known as “gold needle treatment” in Türkiye, are different procedures.

Mechanical microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the skin using fine needles but does not deliver radiofrequency energy.

RF microneedling delivers controlled radiofrequency energy through the needles at selected depths within the skin. The devices, mechanisms of action, treatment settings, and potential risks of these two procedures are therefore different.

What Can Microneedling Be Used For?

Following a dermatological assessment, microneedling may be considered for:

• Atrophic acne scars

• Certain surgical or traumatic scars

• Uneven skin texture and tone

• Fine lines

• Enlarged pores

Microneedling is not suitable for every scar or skin condition. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and characteristics of the concern.

Raised scars, keloids, active acne, and different types of acne scarring require careful assessment. In some cases, acne scars may require a combination treatment plan involving subcision, fractional laser, chemical peels, TCA CROSS, or other methods.

What Is Assessed Before Treatment?

Before microneedling, the dermatologist assesses:

• Skin type and sensitivity

• The depth and shape of any scars

• The presence of active acne or infection

• Current medications

• A history or tendency toward keloid scarring

• Wound-healing problems

• Previous procedures

Treatment may need to be postponed if the area has active cold sores, a bacterial or fungal infection, an open wound, active eczema, or a psoriasis flare.

Patients should inform their dermatologist about blood-thinning medications, bleeding disorders, wound-healing difficulties, and relevant medical conditions.

How Is Microneedling Performed?

The treatment area is first cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic cream may be applied if appropriate.

The needle depth and device speed are then adjusted according to the treatment area and the patient’s skin characteristics. Different settings may be needed for the forehead, cheeks, area around the nose, and individual scars.

The duration of treatment depends on the size and number of areas being treated. There is no single treatment duration or standard protocol suitable for every patient.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated, the depth and type of scarring, the patient’s skin characteristics, and the response to treatment.

Complete removal of all scars should not be expected after a single session. Sufficient time must be allowed between sessions for the skin to heal.

The recommended number of sessions and the interval between them are determined individually following a dermatological assessment.

What Can Be Expected After Treatment?

Temporary effects may include:

• Redness and sensitivity

• Warmth or a burning sensation

• Mild swelling

• Pinpoint bleeding

• Bruising

• Dryness or peeling

The intensity and duration of these effects depend on the needle depth, treatment area, and the patient’s skin characteristics.

Products that may irritate the skin should be avoided during recovery, and the aftercare instructions provided by the dermatologist should be followed. Careful sun protection is important for reducing the risk of post-treatment pigmentation changes.

The time needed to return to work or social activities varies from person to person.

What Are the Risks of Microneedling?

Possible complications include:

• Infection

• Acne or cold-sore flare-ups

• Prolonged redness

• Darkening or lightening of the skin

• Scarring in rare cases

Any products applied during microneedling must be sterile and specifically suitable for this type of procedure. Not every cosmetic product is safe to introduce into the skin through the microchannels created during treatment.

Microneedling Assessment in Çankaya, Ankara

At Dr. Armin Müştak’s dermatology practice in Çankaya, Ankara, suitability for microneedling is determined by assessing the patient’s skin type, the nature of any scarring, existing dermatological conditions, medical history, and treatment expectations.

Following a dermatological examination, the procedure and any appropriate combination treatments are planned individually.