Medical Grade Dermapen · Collagen Induction Therapy
Real skin renewal.
Collagen your body makes.
Dermapen microneedling is a well-established method of skin renewal. By creating thousands of precisely controlled micro-channels in the skin, it triggers the body's own collagen and elastin production, resulting in smoother texture, reduced scarring, tighter pores and improved complexion over a course of treatments. Dr Barker uses a medical grade Dermapen device and includes topical active ingredients with every treatment, delivered deep into the skin at the point of maximum absorption.
Face only
R1,850
Includes topical active ingredients
Face and neck
R1,950
Includes topical active ingredients
Face, neck and hands
R2,050
Includes topical active ingredients
Sessions recommended
3 to 6
Spaced 4 weeks apart · Varies by concern
What It Treats
Skin concerns Dermapen addresses
Collagen induction therapy is one of the most versatile skin treatments available, addressing a wide range of concerns through a single, well-tolerated mechanism. It works on all skin types and tones.
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Acne Scarring
Rolling, boxcar and shallow ice-pick scars respond well to a course of Dermapen treatments. New collagen fills the depressed scar tissue from beneath, progressively improving surface texture over multiple sessions.
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Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Collagen induction plumps and firms the skin from within, reducing the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, mouth and across the forehead without any injectable treatment.
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Enlarged Pores
Repeatedly stimulating collagen around the pore opening causes the surrounding skin to firm and tighten, visibly reducing pore size and improving overall skin smoothness.
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Skin Texture and Tone
Uneven texture, dullness and rough skin surface all respond to the renewal process triggered by microneedling, revealing a smoother, more refined complexion with each session.
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Pigmentation
Microneedling combined with the right topical actives addresses uneven pigmentation, sunspots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by accelerating skin cell turnover and inhibiting melanin production.
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Skin Laxity and Firmness
The collagen and elastin stimulated by Dermapen treatment improves overall skin firmness and resilience. Particularly effective on the neck and décolletage where skin thins with age.
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Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a form of dermal scarring that respond to collagen induction. Dermapen treatment progressively reduces their appearance, particularly when combined with appropriate topical actives.
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Ageing Hands
The hands are often overlooked in skin rejuvenation but reveal age clearly. Microneedling combined with actives improves skin quality, texture and crepiness on the backs of the hands effectively.
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Luminosity and Glow
Dull, tired-looking skin is transformed by the accelerated cell turnover and improved circulation that microneedling triggers. Patients consistently describe a radiance and glow to their skin that no topical product alone can replicate.
About the Treatment
Medical grade. Properly performed.
The Dermapen is a medical grade automated microneedling device that delivers thousands of precisely controlled micro-punctures per second at an adjustable depth. This precision is what separates a medical Dermapen from cheaper consumer devices or manual dermarollers, the depth, speed and consistency of needle penetration are calibrated for the skin type, concern and treatment area, producing a reliable and reproducible result.
Each micro-channel created in the skin stimulates the wound-healing cascade, triggering fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin fibres. Over the weeks following treatment, this new collagen remodels the skin from within, improving texture, firmness and overall quality. The process is cumulative, with each session building on the last. Most patients notice a meaningful improvement after 3 sessions and a significant result after a full course of 4 to 6 treatments.
Every Dermapen treatment at this practice includes topical medical grade active ingredients applied to the skin immediately after needling, when the micro-channels allow deep dermal penetration that would be impossible through intact skin. This dramatically increases the efficacy of the actives and forms an integral part of the treatment, not an optional extra. The specific actives used are selected based on the patient's primary concern and skin type.
Microneedling is suitable for most skin types and tones, including darker complexions that may not be candidates for certain laser treatments. It is one of the safest and most consistently effective skin renewal procedures available, with a strong evidence base and decades of documented use behind it. Dr Barker performs every treatment personally using the Dermapen device rather than delegating to a therapist.
Included with Every Treatment
Topical active ingredients, delivered at depth
Microneedling creates thousands of temporary micro-channels in the skin that allow topical ingredients to penetrate far deeper than they can through intact skin. Dr Barker applies medical grade active ingredients immediately post-needling to maximise this absorption window. The actives are selected to match each patient's concern and are included in the treatment price.
Hyaluronic Acid
Deep hydration and plumping, draws moisture into the dermis where it has the most impact on firmness and surface quality.
Vitamin C
Brightening, antioxidant protection and collagen synthesis support. Particularly effective for pigmentation and dull, uneven skin tone.
Peptides and Growth Factors
Accelerate the collagen remodelling process and support skin repair, enhancing the result of the needling stimulus significantly.
Retinol Complexes
Accelerate cell turnover and collagen production, complementing the Dermapen stimulus for a stronger combined rejuvenation effect.
Where It Can Be Treated
Treatment areas
Full Face
The most commonly treated area. Addresses texture, pores, fine lines, pigmentation and overall skin quality across the entire face in a single session.
Neck and Décolletage
The neck is one of the earliest areas to show ageing and is often neglected. Microneedling significantly improves crepiness, laxity and skin quality in this area.
Around the Eyes
Fine lines and crepiness around the eye area respond well to careful, shallow-depth Dermapen treatment, improving texture without the risk of deeper procedures in this delicate zone.
Hands
Thin, crepey skin on the backs of the hands is effectively addressed with microneedling and topical actives, improving texture and quality visibly over a course of treatments.
The Treatment Experience
What to expect
1
Consultation and skin assessment
Dr Barker assesses the skin, discusses the primary concern and confirms suitability. He selects the appropriate needle depth and active ingredients for the session. For patients new to microneedling, he explains what to expect during and after treatment. The consultation is complimentary.
2
Topical anaesthetic application
A topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area and left to take effect for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This ensures the procedure is well tolerated and comfortable throughout.
3
Dermapen treatment
Dr Barker passes the Dermapen device systematically across the treatment area at the calibrated depth and speed. The procedure takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes depending on the areas treated. Most patients describe a mild vibrating sensation rather than discomfort, with the numbing cream in place.
4
Active ingredient application
Immediately after needling, the selected topical actives are applied to the skin while the micro-channels are open. This is the point of maximum absorption and is what makes this treatment significantly more effective than needling alone. The actives are massaged gently into the skin and left to absorb.
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Recovery and results
The skin will appear red and feel warm immediately after treatment, similar to mild sunburn. This typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Some patients experience mild peeling for a few days as the skin renews. Makeup can usually be applied after 24 hours. Results improve progressively over the following weeks as collagen remodels, with the full benefit of a course visible 4 to 6 weeks after the final session.
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