Dermapen in Korea: Complete Guide to Prices, Effects & Best Clinics 2025
Seeking a proven solution for acne scars, enlarged pores, or aging skin? Dermapen has become one of the most trusted microneedling devices worldwide, and Korea offers this treatment at competitive prices with expert practitioners. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting Dermapen treatment in Korea.
What is Dermapen?
Dermapen is a professional-grade automated microneedling device that creates thousands of micro-channels in the skin to stimulate natural healing and collagen production. The latest version, Dermapen 4, represents the most advanced iteration of this technology.
How Dermapen Works
- Micro-injuries created: Ultra-fine needles puncture the skin at high speed
- Healing response triggered: Body recognizes micro-wounds
- Growth factors released: Natural healing cascade begins
- Collagen production: New collagen and elastin synthesized
- Skin remodeling: Improved texture, tone, and structure
Dermapen 4 Features
- 16 needles per cartridge: Maximum coverage per pass
- Speed: Up to 1,920 punctures per second
- Adjustable depth: 0.2mm to 3.0mm
- Anti-contamination: Single-use cartridges
- Precision motor: Consistent, controlled penetration
Why Dermapen Over Dermaroller?
| Feature | Dermapen | Dermaroller |
|---|---|---|
| Needle Movement | Vertical (in-out) | Angled (rolling) |
| Skin Trauma | Minimal | More tearing |
| Precision | High | Lower |
| Depth Control | Adjustable | Fixed |
| Safety | Professional grade | Home/professional |
| Results | Superior | Good |
What Dermapen Treats
Primary Indications
| Concern | Effectiveness | Sessions Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Acne Scars | ★★★★★ | 4-6 |
| Enlarged Pores | ★★★★★ | 3-4 |
| Fine Lines | ★★★★☆ | 3-4 |
| Skin Texture | ★★★★★ | 2-3 |
| Hyperpigmentation | ★★★★☆ | 3-5 |
| Stretch Marks | ★★★★☆ | 4-6 |
| Surgical Scars | ★★★★☆ | 4-6 |
How Results Are Achieved
Immediate effects:
- Micro-channels allow better product absorption
- Temporary plumping from inflammatory response
- Increased blood flow to treated areas
Long-term benefits:
- New collagen fills in scars and wrinkles
- Elastin improves skin bounce and firmness
- Normalized melanin distribution
- Overall skin regeneration
Dermapen Prices in Korea (2025)
Average Treatment Costs
| Treatment | Price Range (KRW) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Face | ₩150,000-300,000 | $115-230 |
| Face + Neck | ₩200,000-400,000 | $155-310 |
| Spot Treatment (scars) | ₩100,000-200,000 | $77-155 |
| With Growth Factor Serum | ₩250,000-450,000 | $190-345 |
Package Pricing
| Package | Sessions | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Course | 3 sessions | ₩400,000-750,000 | $310-575 |
| Standard Course | 5 sessions | ₩650,000-1,100,000 | $500-845 |
| Intensive Course | 8 sessions | ₩1,000,000-1,600,000 | $770-1,230 |
Add-On Treatments
| Add-On | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth Factor Serum | ₩50,000-100,000 | $40-77 | Enhanced healing |
| PRP (own blood) | ₩200,000-400,000 | $155-310 | Maximum regeneration |
| Hyaluronic Acid | ₩30,000-60,000 | $23-46 | Hydration boost |
| LED Therapy | ₩30,000-50,000 | $23-38 | Faster recovery |
Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD.
Korea vs. International Prices
| Location | Dermapen per Session (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul, Korea | $115-230 | — |
| United States | $300-700 | 55-70% |
| United Kingdom | $250-500 | 50-60% |
| Australia | $300-600 | 55-65% |
The Dermapen Treatment Experience
Before Your Appointment
Consultation includes:
- Skin analysis and photography
- Scar or concern assessment
- Treatment depth recommendation
- Number of sessions estimation
Preparation (1-2 weeks before):
- Stop retinoids/retinol
- Avoid chemical peels
- No waxing in treatment area
- Limit sun exposure
During the Procedure
- Cleansing: Thorough skin cleansing
- Numbing: Topical anesthetic (20-30 minutes)
- Treatment: Dermapen passed over skin in sections
- Serum application: Active ingredients applied during/after
- Duration: 30-45 minutes for full face
What to expect:
- Buzzing sensation from device
- Mild prickling despite numbing
- Some areas more sensitive (nose, forehead)
- Tolerable discomfort (3-5/10 with numbing)
After Treatment
Immediate appearance:
- Significant redness (like moderate sunburn)
- Pinpoint bleeding (normal)
- Mild swelling
- Skin feels hot and tight
Recovery timeline:
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Intense redness, swelling, heat |
| Day 2-3 | Redness fades, possible peeling begins |
| Day 4-5 | Most redness gone, skin may feel dry |
| Day 6-7 | Skin normalizes, glow emerges |
| Week 2+ | Continued improvement |
Results and Duration
Results Timeline
- Week 1: Skin heals, initial glow
- Week 2-4: Texture improvement visible
- Week 4-8: Collagen production peaks
- Month 3-6: Optimal results for scars
How Long Results Last
- Single session: 4-6 weeks of improvement
- Full course: 12-18 months with maintenance
- Collagen effects: Continue building for 6+ months post-treatment
Recommended Protocol
| Concern | Sessions | Interval | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| General skin health | 3-4 | 4 weeks | Every 3-6 months |
| Moderate acne scars | 4-6 | 4-6 weeks | Every 6-12 months |
| Severe scarring | 6-8 | 4-6 weeks | As needed |
| Anti-aging | 3-4 | 4 weeks | Every 4-6 months |
Dermapen vs. Other Treatments
Comparison Table
| Feature | Dermapen | Laser Resurfacing | Chemical Peel | RF Microneedling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtime | 3-5 days | 7-14 days | 3-7 days | 3-5 days |
| Pain Level | Moderate | High | Low-Moderate | Moderate |
| Sessions Needed | 4-6 | 1-3 | 4-6 | 3-4 |
| Cost per Session | $115-230 | $300-1,000 | $100-200 | $230-385 |
| Best For | Scars, texture | Deep wrinkles | Pigmentation | Tightening + scars |
| All Skin Types | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
When to Choose Dermapen
Dermapen is ideal if you:
- Have acne scars or enlarged pores
- Want minimal downtime
- Have darker skin (safer than some lasers)
- Prefer natural collagen stimulation
- Want affordable professional treatment
Side Effects and Safety
Common (Expected)
- Redness (2-5 days)
- Mild swelling (1-3 days)
- Skin tightness and dryness
- Minor peeling or flaking
- Temporary sensitivity
Rare
- Prolonged redness
- Infection (with improper aftercare)
- Hyperpigmentation (more common in darker skin)
- Scarring (extremely rare)
Aftercare Instructions
First 24 hours:
- No makeup or skincare products (except prescribed)
- Avoid touching face
- Sleep on clean pillowcase
- Apply only recommended healing products
First week:
- Gentle cleanser only
- Hydrating, bland moisturizer
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (after 24 hours)
- No active ingredients (retinol, AHAs, BHAs)
- Avoid sweating, swimming, saunas
Ongoing:
- Continue sun protection
- Gradually reintroduce products
- Keep skin hydrated
- Attend follow-up appointments
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
- Adults with acne scars (atrophic/ice pick/boxcar)
- Those with enlarged pores
- Anyone seeking skin texture improvement
- Patients wanting anti-aging prevention
- Those with stretch marks or surgical scars
Not Recommended For
- Active acne or skin infections
- Active cold sores (herpes)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Blood clotting disorders
- History of keloid scarring
- Recent Accutane use (wait 6+ months)
- Skin cancer in treatment area
Tips for International Patients
Booking Your Treatment
- Verify authenticity: Ensure clinic uses genuine Dermapen 4
- Check practitioner credentials: Licensed dermatologist or trained professional
- Ask about serums: What products are used during treatment
- Review before/afters: Clinic's actual patient results
During Your Visit
- Discuss your concerns specifically: Point out exact areas of concern
- Ask about depth: Different depths for different areas
- Request gentle settings first: Especially for sensitive areas
- Inquire about add-ons: PRP, growth factors can enhance results
Treatment Schedule for Tourists
Short trip (1 week):
- 1 session possible
- Plan treatment early in trip
- Allow 3-5 days for recovery before events
Longer stay (4+ weeks):
- 2 sessions possible (4-week interval)
- Better cumulative results
- Allow recovery time between sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How painful is Dermapen? A: With proper numbing cream, most patients rate pain 3-5 out of 10. Some areas like the nose and forehead are more sensitive. The treatment is very tolerable.
Q: How many sessions will I need? A: For general skin improvement, 3-4 sessions. For acne scars, 4-6+ sessions are typically needed depending on severity.
Q: When can I wear makeup? A: Wait at least 24 hours, ideally 48-72 hours. Use mineral makeup initially and ensure all products are clean.
Q: Will Dermapen help my deep acne scars? A: Yes, Dermapen is one of the most effective treatments for acne scars. Deep scars may require more sessions and combination with other treatments.
Q: Can I combine Dermapen with other treatments? A: Yes! Popular combinations include:
- PRP (Vampire Facial) - same session
- LED therapy - same day
- Chemical peels - 2 weeks apart
- Laser treatments - 4+ weeks apart
Q: Is Dermapen safe for dark skin? A: Yes, Dermapen is safe for all skin types including Fitzpatrick IV-VI. It carries less risk of hyperpigmentation than some laser treatments.
Conclusion
Dermapen remains one of the gold standards in professional microneedling, offering effective treatment for scars, pores, and skin rejuvenation with predictable results and manageable downtime. Korea's competitive pricing and expert practitioners make it an excellent destination for this treatment.
Key takeaways:
- Prices range from $115-230 per session in Korea
- Safe for all skin types
- 3-6 sessions typically needed depending on concern
- 3-5 days downtime with redness and peeling
- Excellent for acne scars and enlarged pores
- Can be combined with PRP for enhanced results
Ready to transform your skin texture? Book a consultation at a certified Dermapen clinic in Seoul and start your journey to smoother, clearer skin.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Dermapen treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Individual results may vary.
Last Updated: November 2025 Reading Time: 10 minutes