Should Dermaroller Treatment in Bornova Be Done at Home or in a Clinic?
Bornova, the educational and youth capital of Izmir, has a constantly developing structure thanks to the dynamism created by Ege University, the energy of Küçükpark, and the modern living spaces of Özkanlar. In this vibrant district, it is known that the young population and individuals who care about their appearance closely follow social media trends. In recent years, “DIY Skincare” videos frequently encountered on the internet have encouraged many people to do Dermaroller treatments at home. Although these devices, sold with slogans such as “Clinic results at home” and “Economical skin rejuvenation,” seem attractive at first glance, the situation changes when dermatological facts and skin physiology are examined. Skin health is a sensitive area that cannot be treated with trial and error. Especially in a humid, dusty area with intense city life like Bornova, whether the hygiene provided in a home environment is sufficient for an invasive (skin integrity-disrupting) procedure is a big question mark.
Microneedling is based on the principle of triggering the body’s natural repair mechanism (collagen and elastin production) by creating controlled micro-damage to the dermis layer of the skin. This is about “tricking” the skin’s defense system into working. However, this “tricking” process requires an extremely delicate balance. If the damage is too little, no results will be obtained; if the damage is uncontrolled and traumatic, permanent scars and infections may occur. The fundamental difference between manual rollers (Dermaroller) used at home and automatic devices (Dermapen) used in clinics lies precisely in this “controllability of damage.”
Mechanical Difference: “Tearing” or “Puncture”?
Although Dermaroller and Dermapen seem to do the same job on paper, their entry angles into the skin are completely different. This difference directly determines the quality of skin healing.
Dermaroller (Manual Roller): It is a roller with needles on it. When you roll this roller over your skin, the needles enter and exit the skin at an angle. This circular motion creates a “V”-shaped tear (like a plowshare) instead of a vertical hole in the skin. In medical literature, this is called the “Fakir Knife Effect.” These tears create unnecessary trauma, prolong the healing process, and increase pain.
Dermapen (Clinical Device): It is an automatic, electric pen. The needles enter and exit the skin hundreds of times per second, at a completely “vertical” (90-degree) angle. It does not tear the skin, it only creates micro-channels. Therefore, trauma is minimal, healing is very fast, and the risk of infection is much lower.
A dermaroller is a device that punctures and causes bleeding. According to medical regulations, any device that comes into contact with blood must either be single-use or sterilized in high-pressure steam devices called “autoclaves.”
Cologne/Alcohol Is Not Enough at Home!Many people who use dermarollers at home clean the device with cologne or alcohol and reuse it. However, alcohol may be insufficient to kill viruses transmitted through the blood (Hepatitis, HIV, etc.) or resistant bacteria. The humid air of Bornova provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth in bathrooms. A dermaroller left to dry in a humid bathroom, with microscopic skin and blood residue remaining on it, can turn into a weapon that injects millions of bacteria deep into the skin during the next use. This can lead to the formation of painful and hard lumps called “granulomas” on the face, which are very difficult to treat.
Depth Control: Every Area Is Not the Same
The anatomy of our face is not homogeneous. The forehead skin is just above the bone and is thin; the cheek skin is thicker; and the area around the eyes is as delicate as paper. Home-use dermarollers have a fixed needle length (e.g., 0.5 mm). When you scan your entire face with this device:
0.5 mm may be insufficient (ineffective) for the cheeks.
0.5 mm may be too deep for the forehead or under the eyes, potentially touching bone or damaging nerves.
Professional devices used in clinics, however, allow the physician to adjust the depth precisely. While working with 0.25 mm on the forehead, they can instantly increase the depth to 1.5 mm when encountering acne scars on the cheek. This “personalized” and “regional” adjustment cannot be done with a manual device at home. Home vs. Clinic: Comparative Safety Table
For those living in Bornova who are undecided about skincare, we have summarized the key differences between the two methods in the table below.
| Features | Dermaroller at Home (Manual) | Dermapen in Clinic (Professional) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Angle | Angled entry-exit (Creates a tearing effect). | Fully vertical entry-exit (Creates smooth channels). |
| Needle Depth | Fixed (Cannot be changed). | FootSuitable (between 0.25 mm and 2.5 mm). |
| Sterilization | Suspicious (Complete sterilization at home is difficult). | Definite (Sterile, single-use cap for each patient). |
| Products Used | Generally cosmetic, non-sterile serums. | Suitable for subcutaneous administration, sterile vials (Mesotherapy). |
| Risk Factor | Infection, scarring, discoloration. | Minimum (Controlled damage). |
Products Used Nature: Cosmetic or Medical?
The purpose of microneedling is not just to create small holes, but to send nutrients into those channels. In the clinic, the physician performing the procedure uses sterile “Mesotherapy” products that are suitable for insertion under the skin and do not contain preservatives. These products are pure enough to be injected into a vein.
In home applications, however, “cosmetic” serums purchased online are usually applied. These serums may contain perfume, parabens, or preservatives. While these substances are normally harmless when applied to the skin, when pushed deep into the skin (dermis) with a needle, the body perceives them as “foreign bodies.” This can cause “Foreign Body Reactions,” allergic dermatitis, and persistent redness on the face. People performing home applications may fall into the misconception that “the more pressure I apply, the better the results.” Many of the victims of “incorrect home applications” who seek treatment at clinics in Bornova suffer from permanent scratches and bruises called “Tram Track Scarring,” caused by excessive pressure. Skin prefers the right stimulus, not force.
Conclusion: Is it Worth the Risk?
In conclusion, for those seeking skin rejuvenation in Bornova, the answer is clear: Your skin is not a testing ground. While Dermaroller application at home is theoretically possible, it is not recommended by dermatologists due to the risks of infection, scarring, and discoloration it carries in practical application.
Dermapen treatment, performed in a clinical setting under sterile conditions by experts familiar with skin anatomy, is both safe and results-oriented. Treating an incorrect application done at home for economic reasons can often be much more costly and laborious than a professional procedure. For your health and beauty, ensure that the hand inserting the needle into your skin is a “skilled” hand.
