Dermaroller needling is very often used to achieve a more beautiful complexion. It is a more cost-effective alternative to expensive laser treatments. But what is Dermaroller needling? Where can I have something like this done? And above all, how much can it cost? I have thoroughly informed myself about it and even tried it out. Ms. Dr. Klein, dermatologist in Vienna, in the 18th district, was so kind and answered my questions completely. Here are my experiences:

What is Dermaroller needling?

Microneedling, micro-needling, medical needling, or also called cosmetic needling, refers to a treatment with a roller covered with fine microneedles. The Dermaroller consists of a handle with a roller that is covered with 0.5 to 1.5 mm long microneedles. This is rolled over the affected skin area, is minimally invasive, and thereby improves the skin structure. Because these small needles create tiny injuries, the body increases blood circulation in the treated area and thereby activates repair mechanisms. This increases collagen production, and the body builds a new collagen layer, which results in plumper and rosier skin.

Where can Dermaroller needling be applied?

Dermaroller needling is very well suited if you want a more beautiful complexion. The application can be done on the face, neck, décolleté, and back of the hands, as well as on the abdomen and chest:

• Stretch marks or pregnancy marks
• (Acne) scars
• Pigmentation irregularities
• first small wrinkles
• enlarged pores

However, if you suffer from skin cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, or acne-related inflammation, for example, then a Dermaroller needling treatment is not recommended.

How is the treatment performed?

Before the treatment, the affected skin area is usually cleaned and numbed with a cream containing a local anesthetic so that you feel at most a fine prick. The Dermaroller is gently guided over the skin and rolled several times over the affected areas. Depending on the indication, highly effective skincare products are added to maximize the effect. Normally (depending on the initial situation), 3 treatments at intervals of 6-8 weeks promise good results. Since cell renewal is a lengthy process, you can only see the full extent of real results after several weeks or a few months.

The treatment itself usually takes about 60 minutes. After a Dermaroller treatment, the skin can be slightly swollen or reddened for up to 24 hours. With this treatment, there is no need to expect downtime, and you are quite quickly socially presentable again.

Where can I have micro-needling done?

In Vienna, Dermaroller needling is offered by the dermatologist Dr. Brigitte Klein. Ms. Dr. Klein is a specialist in dermatology and venereology with a private practice in Vienna Währing. Dr. Klein has been performing this treatment for several years. In the practice, Dermarollers with longer needles (up to 1.5 mm) are available, which means that deeper skin layers are also reached. In addition, depending on the skin type and indication, highly effective ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, trace elements, and amino acids are introduced during the treatment.

Further information can be found here: Dermaroller treatment (with video) at dermatologist Dr. Klein in Vienna

How much does a Dermaroller treatment cost?

The treatment always depends on the size of individual scars or stretch marks. Here are a few guidelines so that you know roughly what to expect (as of 2015):

• Stretch marks: from € 300.–
• Back of the hands: from € 250.–
• Face: from € 300.–
• Chest and décolleté: from € 400.–

Experience report with the Dermaroller

Due to the pregnancy with my twins, my skin on my stomach was unfortunately very overstretched, which led to unsightly stretch marks. During a visit to Dr. Klein, a dermatologist in Vienna, I was informed that the Dermaroller is a cost-effective and effective alternative to laser treatment. So I tried the Dermaroller in the abdominal area and on my thighs and was thrilled.

The treatment is best done after showering, 2-3 times a week, and the Dermaroller should be rolled 4 times in all directions. The treatment was very fast and hardly hurt, just now and then a slight prick in more sensitive areas. Afterwards, the skin was slightly reddened, which usually disappeared by the next day at the latest. The subsequent application of skincare products always felt very good. Rinse the roller with some hot water and soap and disinfect it (spray with the cleaner, let it take effect for 3 minutes, and store it dry). If a needle is bent (you can feel that), it should be bent back or removed with tweezers. The Dermaroller from Dr. Klein is sufficient for up to 100 applications. After just 2 months, you can see a good result.

Dr. Klein was very competent; she has been working with the Dermaroller for a long time and knows what she is doing. So I felt very well taken care of. I can unreservedly recommend dermatologist Dr. Klein in Vienna.

After a treatment in the practice, I decided on home treatment with a Dermaroller because my children were still quite small. This Dermaroller has 'only' 0.2 mm long needles, which cannot penetrate as deeply into the skin. The Dermaroller for home use costs € 90.– at Dr. Klein's. In addition, depending on the indication, you can also get care products for home use in the practice. I was then scheduled for a check-up in the practice again. My complexion has actually improved quite a bit. I used this Dermaroller 2-3 times a week for 3 months.

Photos by Dr. Klein, dermatologist in Vienna

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