Which microneedling pen is best?

Question

Hi! I am choosing between 3 providers who all offer microneedling with PRF. Can someone please help me make sense of the options below? If they are all "created equal" then I will choose based on price. Provider 1: SkinPen (highest price) Provider 2: PRX pen or Cosmo Pen (best price) Provider 3: DermaPen and they also said the PRF equipment is BIO-PRF and providers trained under Dr. Miron (middle price)

Yasemin Aydinli, MD · Answer

Great question &mdash; and the fact that all three providers offer PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is already a good sign, since PRF is one of the better add-ons for microneedling in terms of supporting collagen induction and healing.
To address your specific options: SkinPen is the only FDA-cleared microneedling device currently on the market in the United States, which gives it a regulatory advantage and a strong clinical evidence base &mdash; it's my first choice when available. The PRX pen and Cosmo Pen are imported devices that can perform well, but have less robust clinical data behind them. DermaPen is another solid device used widely in practices globally. As for BIO-PRF by Dr. Richard Miron &mdash; this is a well-regarded PRF protocol with good scientific backing, and providers trained in this system tend to be more meticulous about how PRF is prepared, which matters for outcomes.
If I were choosing, I'd lean toward Provider 1 (SkinPen) if budget allows, or Provider 3 (DermaPen + BIO-PRF) as a strong middle-ground option. That said, the skill and technique of the provider performing the treatment often matters more than the device itself &mdash; choose the provider you trust most.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a great question, and the answer is a little more nuanced than simply choosing the “best” pen.

As a board-certified dermatologist, I can tell you that while the device matters, the provider’s experience, technique, treatment depth, patient selection, and aftercare often have a greater impact on your results than the specific microneedling pen being used.

Here's how I would think about your options:

Provider 1: SkinPen
SkinPen is one of the most recognized microneedling devices and was the first FDA-cleared microneedling device in the United States. It has strong clinical data supporting its use for acne scars and overall skin rejuvenation. If all other factors were equal, SkinPen has the advantage of extensive research and regulatory backing.

That said, excellent results are not guaranteed simply because a provider uses SkinPen. A skilled practitioner using another high-quality device may achieve comparable outcomes.

Provider 2: PRX Pen or Cosmo Pen
These devices can still produce good results, but they generally do not have the same level of published clinical evidence or name recognition as SkinPen or Dermapen. The quality of the treatment will depend heavily on the provider's expertise and how they perform the procedure.

If this provider has extensive experience and a strong portfolio of before-and-after results, the lower price point could make this a very reasonable option.

Provider 3: Dermapen with BIO-PRF
This option stands out to me. Dermapen is a well-respected microneedling device used worldwide and is widely regarded as comparable to SkinPen in terms of performance. The mention of BIO-PRF and training under Dr. Miron suggests that this provider may have invested significant effort into optimizing the platelet-rich fibrin portion of the treatment.

PRF quality can vary depending on how it is processed, and providers who have specialized training in this area may be able to maximize the regenerative benefits of the procedure.

How I Would Rank Them

If I were choosing based solely on the information provided:

Dermapen + BIO-PRF + specialized PRF training
SkinPen
PRX Pen / Cosmo Pen
What Matters Most

Before making your decision, I would ask each provider:

How many microneedling procedures do you perform each month?
Will the treatment be performed by the provider or delegated to staff?
What needle depth will be used for my specific concerns?
Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with concerns similar to mine?
How many sessions do you typically recommend?
What is included in the treatment price?

In my experience, a highly skilled provider using Dermapen or SkinPen will often produce better results than an inexperienced provider using the most expensive device available.

Based on the information you've shared, the Dermapen + BIO-PRF option appears to offer the strongest combination of technology, biologic enhancement, and specialized training while remaining more affordable than the highest-priced option.

Which microneedling pen is best?

Answers (2)

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