Dermapen or Derma Roller, trying to treat laser damage and seeing no results. What's the better device?

YES, this is a relatively common side effect for both Dermapen and skin needling with a Dermaroller. The best step forward is to determine why you react in this way, then come up with SAFE methods to rectify your problems. I suspect the answer will come in small beam gentle lasers, or lasers that have little or no potential to worsen your situation (AKA Diode driven Thulium lasers, Long pulse Nd Yag 1064 nm lasers. )Microneedling has come a long way over the past few years and can help skin via several methods. Firstly it releases cytokines and growth factors in the epidermis and dermis- the top and bottom layers of your skin. This in turn remodels scars and the dermal layer of the skin. Additionally needles can break up scars themselves. This leads to new collagen formation, and in practice can provide limited skin rejuvenation. 



Microneedling is both user dependent and method driven. Simple needles can be used, growth factors can be added after the procedure, including PRP, or controlled heating during the procedure. This controlled heating is delivered via RF, and is called RF microneedling. RF can then be delivered via insulated or insulated needles. Even the energy level, depths, density, pulse duration and so many other variables can be controlled. This together with the added benefits of growth factor infusion makes this one of the most complex procedures in procedural dermatology. I use everything from Dermapen, though to newer generation insulated and non-insulated devices including INFINI micro-needling radiofrequency, Intensif and others. Newer generation devices can provide an added advantage in some, but not all patients. In my practice, I combine microneedling with many different forms of energy devices, depending on the expectations of the patient. Tailored microneedling combination will always give the best results. 



Like most procedures, its 80% skill level of the specialist and 20% dependent on the brand of the energy device- microneedling system. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia. Realself Advisory Board Member

Both rollers and most machines cause micro tearing of the skin. Due to the "rolling" direction, the Dermaroller create a more erratic pattern of "tears" through the skin. Dermapen recommends a "glide" technique that causes a scratch and tear pattern as well.  In my office, we use the ProCell Therapies device which uses a gentle "tapping" motion to create clean, more evenly distributed vertically oriented punctures than those seen with other motorized micro-needling machines. Also, to get the best results, micro-needling should be combined with the application of human growth factor serum which helps to further stimulate the skin to trigger the release of growth factors to create more collagen and elastic fibers resulting in thicker, healthier looking skin.
In my office we are getting excellent results using the ProCell Therapies system which combines motorized micro-needling with concentrated human growth factor serums made from human stem cells. Our patients also use growth factor serums at home after their office treatment.