Microneedling device types: dermapen, dermaroller and RF

Choosing the right microneedling device is one of the determining factors in treatment outcomes. Each device type has specific technical characteristics, advantages and indications that practitioners must understand to adapt the protocol to each client and therapeutic objective.

Dermaroller: the original device

Technical description

The dermaroller is a cylindrical roller fitted with stainless steel or titanium needles arranged in radial rows around the cylinder. As it rolls over the skin, the needles penetrate the epidermis and dermis to the depth corresponding to their nominal length.

Key characteristics

• Needle density: variable by model, generally between 192 and 1080 needles
• Available lengths: 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm
• Needle diameter: typically 0.25 mm
• Application: manual, no motor or battery
• Use: professional and, in very short-length versions (0.2–0.3 mm), home use

Dermaroller advantages

• Covers large surfaces quickly (ideal for back, legs, abdomen)
• Lower unit cost than dermapen cartridges
• No electrical connection or battery required
• Easy to use once the technique is learned

Dermaroller drawbacks

• Oblique penetration: needles penetrate at variable angles (30°–90° depending on roller position), creating oblique channels that may cause more trauma than necessary
• Non-adjustable depth: changing depth requires changing the roller
• Difficulty on irregular areas: does not adapt well to eye contour, nasal wings or lips
• Risk of epidermal drag: in inexperienced hands, the roller may displace the epidermis laterally

Dermapen (automatic vertical needling device)

Technical description

The dermapen is a motorised device that, via a cam or electromagnetic system, vibrates a needle cartridge in vertical motion (perpendicular to the skin) at high speed. Needles penetrate and retract within milliseconds, creating microchannels perfectly perpendicular to the skin surface.

Key characteristics

• Vibration speed: 6000–18000 rpm depending on model and selected speed
• Adjustable depth: between 0.25 and 2.5 mm via micrometric dial
• Needles per cartridge: typically 12–36 needles
• Use: professional only

Dermapen advantages

• Strictly vertical penetration: greater precision and less collateral tissue trauma
• Easily adjustable depth during the session
• Adaptability to irregular areas: eye contour, nasolabial fold, lips
• Controllable speed: allows adapting aggressiveness to the sensitivity of each zone
• Less pain for the client: perpendicular, rapid penetration is less painful than the oblique penetration of the dermaroller

Dermapen drawbacks

• Higher maintenance cost (disposable cartridges)
• Requires battery charge or electrical connection
• Longer treatment time on large surfaces compared to dermaroller

RF-needling: microneedling with radiofrequency

Radiofrequency microneedling devices (also called fractional RF-needling or RF-microneedling) combine the mechanical penetration of needles with radiofrequency energy emission at the tip or along the entire length of the needle.

Types of RF-needling

• Non-insulated RF: RF energy flows along the entire needle, generating heat in both the epidermis and deep dermis. Greater efficacy but higher risk of epidermal damage, especially in dark phototypes.
• Insulated RF: needles are insulated in their superficial portion and emit energy only at the tip. The epidermis is preserved and heat is concentrated in the deep dermis. Safer for dark phototypes.

Preferred indications for RF-needling

• Moderate to severe sagging (deep dermal heat produces greater collagen contraction)
• Severe acne scars
• Highly atrophic stretch marks
• Hyperhidrosis (sweat gland treatment)

Comparison table

Device selection for use with BCN actives

Institute BCN has formulated its actives for compatible use with dermapen and dermaroller in all formats. The viscosity of the ampoules is optimised to flow correctly through the microchannels generated by both device types.

For high-precision facial protocols (eye contour, perioral area, nasolabial fold), the dermapen is the preferred device. For large body surfaces (abdomen, thighs, buttocks), the dermaroller may be more efficient.