Dermapen & Dr. Pen microneedling for acne scars, stretch marks & pigmentation: Prahran & Doncaster East

Skin needling, also known as collagen induction therapy or microneedling, uses fine, sterile needles to create precise microchannels in the skin. This activates the body's natural wound-healing response, stimulating fresh collagen and elastin to remodel scars, texture, stretch marks and pigmentation from the inside out.
Soraya Skin Clinic uses professional-grade Dermapen and Dr. Pen devices at both our Prahran and Doncaster East clinics, with tailored protocols for each condition below. A single session is $260, or lock in a course of 3 or 6 with our skin needling packages (up to 35% off).
Want to see what to expect week by week? Read our guide to microneedling before and after results.
None. Microneedling, skin needling and collagen induction therapy (CIT) are three names for the same treatment, and Melbourne clinics use them interchangeably. Whichever term you searched for, at Soraya it's the same 50-minute, dermal-therapist-led treatment at $260 per session.
The only meaningful difference between clinics is the device and the depth control behind it, which is why we treat exclusively with medical-grade automated pens.
Dermapen is the benchmark automated microneedling pen: a sterile 12-needle cartridge oscillating vertically at up to 1,920 punctures per second. Because the needles enter and exit straight down rather than dragging across the skin like a derma roller, Dermapen creates cleaner microchannels, far less epidermal trauma and noticeably faster healing. We also treat with Dr. Pen for body areas such as stretch marks.
Prefer your local clinic? See skin needling in Prahran or Doncaster East.
Thinking about rolling at home instead? Here is how a clinical microneedling treatment in Melbourne compares.
| Dermapen at Soraya | Home derma roller | |
|---|---|---|
| Needle action | Vertical, straight in and out | Rolls at an angle, can tear skin |
| Depth | Adjusted by zone, 0.5mm to 2.5mm | Fixed needle length |
| Hygiene | Single-use sterile cartridge | Hard to properly sterilise |
| Who performs it | Dermal therapist | Yourself |
| Best for | Acne scars, stretch marks, pigmentation, texture | Not recommended for scarring |
| Downtime | Redness 24 to 48 hours | Higher risk of irritation and pigmentation |
| Cost | $260 per session, packages up to 35% off | Low upfront, higher risk |
Not sure needling is right for your skin? Book a free skin consultation at Prahran or Doncaster East.
Every appointment at Prahran or Doncaster East runs about 50 minutes and follows the same clinical protocol.
Your dermal therapist reviews your skin, concerns and history, and maps the treatment zones and needle depths for the session.
The skin is double cleansed and a topical numbing cream is applied so the treatment stays comfortable.
The pen is passed over each zone with a sterile single-use cartridge, with depth adjusted from 0.5mm to 2.5mm depending on the area and concern.
A soothing post-treatment serum and barrier care are applied, and your therapist talks you through aftercare before you leave.
Downtime is short, but the collagen remodelling that improves scars and texture keeps working for months after each session.
Most concerns need a course rather than a single visit. Our 3 and 6 session packages save up to 35%, and your therapist will recommend the right course at your free consultation.
Microneedling before and after photos can be misleading, because most of the change happens in the months after the final session while new collagen matures. Here is the honest timeline our Melbourne clients see with Dermapen and Dr. Pen.
Day 0 to 2
Redness and warmth like light sunburn, sometimes mild swelling. Skin feels tight and looks flushed.
Day 3 to 7
Redness settles, light flaking or dryness is normal. Skin already looks brighter and feels smoother.
Weeks 4 to 6
Collagen from the first session shows as softer texture and smaller-looking pores. This is when your next session is usually booked.
Months 3 to 6
The real before and after. After a course of 3 to 6 sessions, acne scars look shallower, tone is more even and fine lines are less defined.
We photograph consenting clients before their first session and again after their course, so you can track your own before and after rather than compare against someone else's skin. You can also view real treatment photography from both clinics in our treatments gallery.
Acne scarring is one of the most common concerns we treat at both Melbourne clinics. Dermapen and Dr. Pen microneedling remodels rolling, boxcar and shallow icepick scars by triggering fresh collagen deep in the dermis, where topical products can't reach.
Stretch marks are dermal tears. Topical creams can't rebuild the collagen and elastin that's been broken. Skin needling on the body triggers new dermal remodelling, gradually softening the depth, colour and texture of stretch marks over a series.
Melbourne's UV exposure leaves plenty of sun damage, freckling and post-inflammatory pigmentation on our clients' faces. Skin needling accelerates cell turnover and enhances the penetration of brightening actives, clearing surface pigmentation and evening tone.

Collagen induction therapy tailored to acne scars, stretch marks, pigmentation or texture, 50 min.
$190 per treatment
$170 per treatment · Best value
Packages valid 12 months. See all skin packages.
Every new client gets a complimentary consultation with our dermal team at Prahran or Doncaster East, and it is an easy trip for our South Yarra clients. We'll assess your skin, recommend a plan and give you a fixed price with zero pressure.
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