Microneedling and dermapen treatment in Gurgaon
Collagen induction with a sterile microneedling pen for acne scars, enlarged pores, rough texture and fine lines, planned by dermatologist Dr. Tanya Kochhar. Needle depth is set area by area for what your skin needs, not one setting for the whole face.
What does microneedling do, and how many sessions are needed?
Microneedling, often called dermapen treatment, makes thousands of tiny controlled channels in the skin that prompt new collagen. It improves mild acne scars, enlarged pores, texture and fine lines. At Le Dermaire, Dr. Tanya Kochhar usually plans 3 to 6 sessions about 4 to 6 weeks apart, with 1 to 3 days of redness after each.
Microneedling, in short
Typical figures for a course. Your own plan depends on whether the aim is scars, pores or rejuvenation, and on your skin type.
How microneedling works
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses an automated pen fitted with a sterile, single-use cartridge of very fine needles. As the pen moves across the skin, the needles make thousands of tiny vertical channels to a set depth. The skin treats each channel as a minor wound and responds by laying down new collagen and elastin over the following weeks.
Dermapen is the brand name many people use for the pen device, so “dermapen treatment” and “microneedling” usually mean the same procedure. What changes the result is not the name of the device but the depth, the number of passes, the area and how the skin is prepared and cared for afterwards.
Because there is no heat, microneedling carries a low risk of the dark patches that can follow lasers in Indian skin. The trade-off is a milder effect per session than microneedling radiofrequency (MNRF) or fractional laser. It is therefore well suited to mild scars, pores, texture and rejuvenation, and as a gentle start before stronger work.
Microneedling is not done over active acne, infection, cold sores or eczema flares. Needling inflamed skin spreads bacteria and raises the risk of dark marks.
What microneedling is used for
The same procedure is set differently for each concern. Depth for acne scars on the cheeks is not the same as depth for fine lines under the eyes.
Mild acne scars
Shallow boxcar and mild rolling scars soften over a course. Needling goes deeper over the scars, with several passes in different directions.
Enlarged pores
New collagen firms the skin around pores so they look smaller. It works best alongside a retinoid and oil control at home.
Rough texture
Uneven, bumpy or dull-looking skin becomes smoother as the surface renews and collagen builds underneath.
Fine lines
Fine, crêpey lines on the cheeks, forehead and around the eyes improve with shallow needling, usually alongside a home retinoid.
Stretch marks
Microneedling is one of the methods used for stretch marks on the body, often combined with laser, as the stretch marks guide explains.
Less suited
Deep ice pick scars, tethered rolling scars and raised or keloidal scars need other methods, so they are planned differently.
Microneedling or MNRF: which should I choose?
Both use fine needles to rebuild collagen. MNRF adds radiofrequency heat at the needle tips, which makes each session stronger but increases downtime.
| Microneedling (dermapen) | MNRF | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fine needles make micro-channels; the skin heals with new collagen. | Fine needles release radiofrequency heat at their tips in the deeper skin. |
| Strength per session | Mild to moderate. | Moderate to strong. |
| Best for | Mild scars, pores, texture, fine lines and rejuvenation. | Moderate boxcar and rolling scars, pores and early laxity. |
| Sessions typically needed | Typically 3 to 6, about 4 to 6 weeks apart. | Typically 3 to 6, 4 to 6 weeks apart. |
| Downtime | Typically 1 to 3 days of redness. | Typically 2 to 4 days of redness, swelling and pinpoint marks. |
| In darker Indian skin | Low risk of dark marks, as no heat is used. | Lower risk than surface lasers, but more than plain needling. |
| Not suitable for | Active acne or infection, pregnancy, keloid tendency until assessed. | The same, and pacemakers or implanted electronic devices. |
Many people start with microneedling and step up to MNRF for deeper scars, or alternate the two. Neither treats tethered scars without subcision. The MNRF and fractional laser guides are linked below.
What happens at a session
A session takes around an hour including numbing, and most people go back to normal routine the next day.
Consultation
Dr. Tanya examines your skin, separates true scars from pores and pigment, checks for active acne and asks about isotretinoin, cold sores and keloids. You get a plan and a written quote.
Preparation
Makeup is removed, the skin is cleansed and numbing cream is applied for 30 to 60 minutes. The skin is then disinfected and a sterile, single-use needle cartridge is opened.
Needling
The pen is moved over the skin in overlapping passes, deeper over scars and shallower over thin areas such as the temples and around the eyes. Pinpoint bleeding is normal over scars.
Settling
The skin is cleaned and a soothing product applied. Redness peaks that evening and usually settles over 1 to 3 days. The next session is booked 4 to 6 weeks later.
What microneedling is combined with
Microneedling works well as part of a plan. These are the add-ons and related treatments most often used with it.
Microneedling with PRP or PRF
Platelet-rich plasma or fibrin prepared from your own blood can be applied to the skin during needling. It may support healing and modestly improve results, though evidence is mixed, and it adds a blood draw. It is offered where it is likely to help, not as a routine upsell.
Read the full guideSubcision for tethered scars
Rolling scars held down by fibrous bands need subcision to release them; microneedling then smooths the surrounding skin.
Read the full guideStepping up to MNRF
Where scars are deeper or skin needs firming, radiofrequency microneedling gives a stronger effect per session.
Read the full guideChemical peels
Superficial peels between sessions even out the dark marks that often sit beside scars and dull the skin.
Read the full guideStretch mark microneedling
On the body, microneedling is used for red and white stretch marks, often with laser.
Read the full guideMicroneedling for rejuvenation
For fine lines and early ageing, shallower needling is combined with skin boosters, retinoids and sunscreen.
Read the full guideClinic microneedling versus derma rollers at home
Home derma rollers and pens use much shorter needles than clinic devices, and they cannot be sterilised properly between uses. Rolling also drags needles in at an angle, which can tear the skin rather than make clean vertical channels. Used on skin with active acne, or with a reused or shared roller, they can spread infection and leave dark marks.
In the clinic, the needle cartridge is sterile and used once, the depth is set for each area, and the skin is examined first so scars, pores and pigment are treated as what they are. If you have been using a home roller, mention it at consultation, and stop using it during a clinic course.
Microneedling cost in Gurgaon
The cost of microneedling depends on the area treated, the number of sessions and whether PRP, PRF or other methods are added. You receive a written quote for the course after the consultation, before anything is booked.
Why the setting matters more than the device
Two clinics can use the same pen and get very different results. Depth too shallow over scars does little; too deep over thin skin causes bruising and marks. A cheap single session rarely changes scars, so compare the full course and who sets it, not just the price per visit.
Is microneedling safe, and what are the side effects?
Expected effects are redness, a warm or tight feeling and mild swelling for one to three days, with some dryness or fine flaking after that. Pinpoint bleeding during the session and small bruises on thinner skin can occur and settle within days.
Less common problems include acne flares, infection, cold sore outbreaks in people prone to them, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is less likely than after heat-based treatments but still possible in darker skin. Applying products not meant for needled skin can cause irritation or, rarely, granulomas, so only sterile products meant for the procedure are used.
Microneedling is usually postponed in pregnancy, over active acne, infection, cold sores or eczema, and after recent isotretinoin until assessed. People prone to keloids or taking blood thinners are assessed first.
Before and after microneedling
Before
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for two weeks before each session.
- Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids a few days before, as advised.
- Stop home derma rollers and do not wax or thread the area for a week.
- Arrive with a clean face and tell the clinic about cold sores and medicines.
After
- Cleanse gently and use only the moisturiser advised for the first two days.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and stay out of direct sun.
- Skip makeup for 24 hours, and saunas, swimming and heavy workouts for a few days.
- Restart retinoids and acids only when advised, usually after 3 to 5 days.
Microneedling set by a skin specialist
Microneedling is often offered in salons, but the useful decisions are medical: whether a mark is a scar, a pore or pigment, how deep to go over each area, whether active acne needs treating first, and when a stronger method would serve you better. A dermatologist can make those calls and manage a flare, infection or dark patch properly if one occurs, which is why each microneedling plan at Le Dermaire is made by Dr. Tanya.
Dr. Tanya Kochhar holds an MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, an MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from MGM Medical College, a DNB, and a post-doctoral fellowship in Aesthetic Dermatology (FRGUHS). She is registered with the National Medical Commission and the Delhi Medical Council.
Microneedling FAQs
How many microneedling sessions are needed?
For rejuvenation, pores and texture, around three to four sessions about a month apart is typical. Acne scars usually need four to six sessions, four to six weeks apart, and deeper scars may need MNRF or subcision alongside. Improvement keeps building for a few months after the last session.
How much does microneedling cost in Gurgaon?
At Le Dermaire the cost depends on the area, the number of sessions and whether PRP, PRF or other methods are added, and is quoted in writing after the consultation. The consultation fee is Rs 1,800. There are no charges that are not quoted to you first.
Is dermapen the same as microneedling?
Usually, yes. Dermapen is a brand of automated microneedling pen, and the name is widely used for the procedure itself. What matters for results is the needle depth, the number of passes and the planning, rather than the brand of pen.
Does microneedling work for acne scars?
It works well for mild, shallow boxcar and rolling scars and for overall texture. Deep scars respond better to MNRF or fractional laser, and tethered rolling scars need subcision. Microneedling is often the first step or a gentle part of a combined plan.
Is microneedling painful?
With numbing cream applied first, most people feel a vibrating, scratchy sensation rather than pain. Bony areas such as the forehead and jawline feel stronger. The skin feels like mild sunburn for the rest of the day.
What is the downtime after microneedling?
Expect redness for typically one to three days, a little like sunburn, followed by mild dryness. Most people return to work the next day. Deeper scar sessions may leave more redness and occasional pinpoint scabs.
Is microneedling safe for Indian skin?
Yes, it is one of the safer collagen treatments for darker skin, because no heat is used. Dark marks can still occur if the skin is irritated, inflamed or exposed to sun afterwards, so preparation, sterile technique and daily sunscreen matter.
Can microneedling remove open pores?
It can make pores look smaller by firming the skin around them, but pores cannot be removed or closed. Oily, congested pores also need a retinoid and oil control at home, and small scars that look like pores may need MNRF.
Microneedling or MNRF: which is better?
MNRF is stronger because it adds radiofrequency heat, so it suits moderate scars and laxity. Microneedling is gentler with shorter downtime, and suits mild scars, pores and rejuvenation. The choice depends on your scars, skin type and how much downtime you can take.
Where is the clinic in Gurgaon?
Le Dermaire is at 10P, 3rd Floor, Sector 28, Chakkarpur, Golf Course Road, Gurugram, opposite Phase 1. It is open Monday to Saturday from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM and on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Microneedling on Golf Course Road, Gurugram
Close to DLF Phases 1 to 5, Sushant Lok, Cyber City, MG Road and Golf Course Extension Road. Evening and Sunday appointments let the redness settle before the working day.
Golf Course Road, opposite DLF Phase 1,
Sector 28, Chakkarpur, Gurugram
Often considered alongside
MNRF Treatment
Microneedling radiofrequency for moderate boxcar and rolling scars and pores.
Explore 02Acne Scar Treatment
Subcision, MNRF, fractional laser and PRF combined according to scar type.
Explore 03Open Pores Treatment
Why pores look larger and what can realistically tighten their appearance.
Explore 04Anti-Ageing Treatment
Fine lines, texture and early laxity, with microneedling, boosters and injectables.
Explore 05Stretch Marks Treatment
Microneedling and laser for red and white stretch marks.
ExploreFind out what microneedling can do for your skin
You will leave knowing whether microneedling suits your scars, pores or texture, how many sessions to expect and what the course will cost.