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POSTED UNDER Dermapen REVIEWS

Dermapen Damaged My Skin, Opened Pores and Caused Scars

ORIGINAL POST

At the end of September 2017 I received a Dermapen...

fctrygrl
$336
At the end of September 2017 I received a Dermapen treatment to help close pores and clear some acne scars on my face. This has turned out to be one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made, and I'd urge those with sensitive/acne prone skin to avoid this treatment and stick to natural remedies - I've learned this the hard way. I'm sharing my story to hopefully reach out to others who have experienced this reaction, to share any post-treatment care & ways that my skin may heal.
Before I received the Dermapen treatment I did research & figured out that it couldn't make my skin any worse than it already was (how wrong was I?!) and that, if anything, my skin would either stay the same or improve. My Dr reassured me that there was only a few days of downtime (which wasn't the case for me at all) and that it would tighten my pores/clear my complexion. My skin was red/raw for at least a week following my treatment, I was given a tiny post-treatment cream which I have now discovered was full of irritating chemicals. I stuck to using The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Plant Derived Squalane and Clinique's "Take The Day Off" Cleansing Balm, this seemed to calm my skin down after a few weeks but the holes/open pores are still there and worse than ever. At this point I'm trying to baby my skin as much as possible, letting it breathe and not using any harsh chemicals.
I'm going to use this feed to update but after reading various feeds on here with people who have had similar experiences I'm not expecting much improvement, unless there is some miracle cure! I've realised now that my skin is severely dehydrated and that the Dermapen has damaged the structure of my skin. The pores are now joining together to form wrinkles on my face, and at 23 years old my facial skin looks around 10 years older. This has completed ruined my confidence and I've even been struggling to leave the house because of it as I can't even hide the damage with make-up - if anything it only highlights the holes in my skin. My hope is that my skin repairs itself to a point where I can just get on with my life without worrying about how horrible it looks.

fctrygrl's provider

Kieren Bong

Physician

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Replies (36)

October 16, 2017
I’m so sorry this happened to you. I really hope you will see improvement. Did the doctor have any explaination or ideas as to why you had his reaction? What needle length did he use?
October 17, 2017
I'm doubting I will see an improvement, my skin is young so hopefully by taking supplements/being gentle with my skin I'll see some changes. Honestly I've never felt so low in my life, the thought of living with skin like this forever is daunting. He said that it was probably my skin's ability to heal & the fact that its so sensitive. Personally I feel like there wasn't enough consideration regarding the aftercare process. He didn't tell me what needle length he used; even when I asked.
October 21, 2017
One thing I forgot to mention is how they did the procedure. Did they drag the pen or puncture straight in??
October 22, 2017
It was the dermapen, so the needle on the machine goes in & out, the Dr might have dragged it but I'm unsure. I think it's a combination of my skin's sensitivity/reaction and my pores being opened up permanently.
October 31, 2017
Hi. I totally understand your reaction since this outcome wasn't anything you could expect. However, you wrote that you thought "it couldn't get any worse than this" and I have to say, it literally could have gotten worse. I have my own story about unexpected acne scarring one day from another. Unfortunately I am not as brave as you with posting pictures and telling my story in public. But I can say this, I would trade my scars for your minor scars (because that's what I see, minor scars and open pores) anytime. I used a product that literally gave my scarring in my face, and it is hard to miss. It's been one year since then so I have gotten time to get used to it and accept it for what it is. At the beginning I was just like you and maybe even more, totally heartbroken and I searched for every single treatment that I could find and all I could think about was my acne scarring that I got from using a product. I just woke up with the scarring the next day, totally unexpected change. I am 22 years old btw. My scarring is permanent. Not sure if your are, but if so or if not, with time you will accept the scarring and open pores. My scarring actually got better with time because the skin has it's own healing process and I just let it be, no products. The scarring is still there but it got better. As will yours. Many hugs!
November 2, 2017
I've messaged you privately, I'm sorry to hear that you've been going through a similar situation. I wouldn't wish this upon anyone. I'm glad to hear that you're healing though, that gives me hope <3
November 2, 2017
I had the same experience 19 months ago. My skin never returned to normal but it has improved over time. Almost every professional will tell you they have never seen this before and it can't be from the treatment so not much help there. On RS you will find many reviews similar to yours and what others have tried to improve the quality of the skin. From my own experience, there is no miracle cure, but slowly you will see some healing. Although my skin is far away from what it was like before the Dermapen treatment, it looks better then 1.5 years ago. The first 7-8 months were the hardest cause it didnt look like it was going to heal but it takes a long time so dont give up hope. I wish you all the best
November 2, 2017
I actually followed your story soon after I received the treatment, when I was panicking and trying to find people who've had similar experiences. It enrages me that this has happened to me when I'm so young, so this is something I have to live with for the rest of my life. I'll send you a private message as I have some questions regarding what could improve my skin, as my pores are fusing together. Thanks for your support, it really does mean a lot.
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November 9, 2017
Hi, do you have any before pictures that you can post side by side? Given that you are acne prone, your pores are going to be naturally larger in circumference because if the amount of sebum you inherently produce. I would love to see a direct side by side of your tzone area, if you don't mind?
UPDATED FROM fctrygrl
15 days post

Date of Treatment Wrong in Previous Post

fctrygrl
In my initial post I stated that I got the treatment in September when it was actually at the end of August. Sorry for the confusion!

Replies (6)

October 21, 2017
This also happened to me. :( I had my treatment done 6 weeks ago and there's still holes.
October 22, 2017
I'm so sorry that you're going through this too! Unfortunately I think this kind of damage is permanent, have you spoken to whoever did the treatment & voiced your concerns?
October 30, 2017
I am another victim! So many of us on this website!
July 31, 2018
Chicico and Kaja2857, tell us what depth of needle did you use it, and if you use dermapen or dermaroller? and some other details, the number of needdles
June 15, 2019
Did they improve?
June 18, 2019
You have not shown one image prior to dermapen
UPDATED FROM fctrygrl
2 months post

2 months post!

fctrygrl
As you can see, almost no improvement - in fact, the pores are joining together and it looks like I have wrinkles on my t-zone. I guess the only saving grace is that the damage is only in that area, but my pores have been stretched. I've stopped using oils as I think it was making the damage worse, I've swapped to using Dr Jarts ceramidin cream & some gentle avene products. Nothing harsh at all! Does anyone know if there's a way to get rid of these lines or stop my pores from fusing together? I'm at a complete loss, every day is a struggle to live my life when I'm so self conscious. Make-up only highlights the damage.

Replies (3)

November 5, 2017
Hi! I have posted a reply above and I'm posting it again: "Hi! Same thing happened to me but I have some good news. My skin almost recovered after I had 6-7 laser treatments. Unfortunately I have read some disappointing laser reviews. So I can't promise this will work for every skin. Receive my best wishes for your recovery".
I would like to ask if anyone that had bad results on the face's skin has tried this treatment on body's skin? Is it harmful on the body's skin?
June 11, 2018
Which laser treatment did you used?
August 16, 2023
I’m wondering about the same thing. The same happen to me. It is really difficult to look at my self in the mirror