![[Explained by Dr. Nanari] Potenza vs. Dermapen: A Half-Face Comparison! Examining the Differences in Redness, Downtime, and Effectiveness](https://www.elm-clinic.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/potenza-vs-dermapen-halfface-thumbnail.png)
Introduction | The Real Difference Between Two Treatments Revealed by a Half-Face Comparison
Both Potenza and Dermapen are treatments that use needles to create microscopic wounds in the skin, promoting collagen regeneration. However, Potenza differs significantly in that it combines needles with radiofrequency (high-frequency) and drug delivery simultaneously. This time, we will explain the differences in redness, pain, downtime, and effectiveness in an easy-to-understand way, based on an experimental video comparing the left and right halves of the same face.
If you're concerned about acne scars and craters, want to tighten your pores, or are unsure which product to choose, please read on to the end.
- Differences in how Potenza and Dermapen work (needles only vs. needles + radiofrequency + medication)
- Differences in how pain is perceived during treatment
- Redness, bruising, and downtime progression from immediately after the procedure to one week later.
- Soothing effect of exosome stem mask
- How to choose the right treatment for different types of acne scars and pores (including a comparison with Velvet Skin)
- Changes in 5 Potenza cases + 2 Dermapen cases
*This article is a revised and expanded version of the content from the YouTube video.
- Introduction | The Real Difference Between Two Treatments Revealed by a Half-Face Comparison
- Differences in Mechanisms | Needles Only vs. Needles + Radiofrequency + Medication
- The difference between pain and the sensation of treatment
- Differences in redness and bruising immediately after the procedure
- Soothing effect of exosome stem mask
- How to manage the recovery period and choose the right treatment
- Case studies showing the effects of Potenza
- Case studies showcasing the effects of microneedling.
- Summary | How to choose based on your specific concerns through counseling
Differences in Mechanisms | Needles Only vs. Needles + Radiofrequency + Medication
Both methods involve creating tiny wounds in the skin, and the healing process stimulates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which can lead to effects such as shallower acne scars and tighter pores. However, the way the wounds are created and the mechanisms of action differ.
| Comparison item | Dermapen | Potenza (Crater Mode) |
|---|---|---|
| Movement of the needle | Insert it vertically while sliding it horizontally. This can easily cause scratches on the sides. | Insert vertically once at a time (clack-type). Less likely to cause lateral damage. |
| Radio waves (heat) | None | Yes (heat is delivered from the needle tip) |
| Drug introduction | None (This can be addressed by combining it with other products such as velvet skin.) | Yes (selectable with CP chip) |
| Bleeding | Slightly prone to bleeding | The heat-induced hemostatic effect makes bleeding almost impossible. |
| Risk of hyperpigmentation | Slightly higher due to damage to the side | Relatively low |
The difference between pain and the sensation of treatment
Both procedures involve applying anesthetic cream beforehand, so the pain is relatively minimal. However, the sensations differ.
- DermapenThe main sensation is a tingling or prickling feeling from the needles. This can be significantly reduced with anesthetic cream.
- PotenzaIn addition to the pain from the needles, there is a lingering pain from the heat of the radio waves. The sensation is somewhat unique.
Differences in redness and bruising immediately after the procedure
Immediately after the procedure, both treatments will cause redness all over the face. However, there is a difference in how easily bruising occurs.
- DermapenThe overall redness doesn't last very long, but bruising can persist for 1-2 weeks.
- Potenza: It usually settles down to the point where it can be almost completely covered with makeup by the next day.
- There may be a tingling sensation immediately after the treatment, but the tingling sensation tends to linger longer with Dermapen.
*The rate at which redness subsides and the presence or absence of bruising may vary from person to person.
Soothing effect of exosome stem mask
In the experiment, when At.Skin's "Exosome Stem Mask" was applied immediately after the procedure, a significant soothing effect was observed within 30 minutes.
How to manage the recovery period and choose the right treatment
Dermapen tends to cause longer downtime in areas with significant bruising. While it usually fades considerably after a week, it can sometimes take up to two weeks. Potenza, on the other hand, often leaves almost no trace of bruising with makeup the very next day, making it easier to try.
- Acne scars (craters)→ Potenza (crater mode) is effective.
- Pores, firmness, and radiance (no craters)→ Velvet Skin (Dermapen + Massage Peel) is also available at a cost-effective price.
- I want to minimize the downtime as much as possible.→ Potenza (often almost completely covered by the next day)
- I want to try it out easily first, but I'm worried about the pain.→ Dermapen is also an option.
Case studies showing the effects of Potenza
Porcelain-like skin with Potenza | Case study after 3 treatments
This is a case study of a patient who was concerned about uneven skin texture and dullness due to enlarged pores.After three treatments, my skin texture became smoother within a month.
- Our Treatments
- Porcelain-like finish Potenza (3 applications)
- Treatment amount
- 242,400 JPY (TAX+)
- Side effects/risks
- Redness, pain, swelling, internal bleeding, pregnancy not allowed
*The effects may vary from person to person.
Strawberry nose treatment with Potenza | Case study after 2 treatments
This is a case study of a patient who was concerned about clogged pores and blackheads around their nose.Two weeks after two treatments, my nose became cleaner with fewer clogged pores.
- Our Treatments
- Strawberry Nose Potenza 2 times
- Treatment amount
- 69,600 JPY (TAX+)
- Side effects/risks
- Redness, swelling, pain, edema, internal bleeding, pregnancy not allowed
*The effects may vary from person to person.
Crater Potenza Treatment | Case Study of 3 Treatments
This is a case study of a patient who was troubled by acne scars and craters.After three treatments, the craters become shallower and the pores tighten.
- Our Treatments
- Crater Potenza 3 times
- Treatment amount
- 242,400 JPY (TAX+)
- Side effects/risks
- Redness, heat sensation, microcrust
*The effects may vary from person to person.
Acne Potenza | Case study of 3 treatment sessions
This is a case study of a patient who suffered from recurring inflammatory acne.After three treatments, the inflammation subsided, and the overall redness of my skin improved significantly.
- Our Treatments
- Acne Potenza 3 times
- Treatment amount
- 80,400 JPY (TAX+)
- Side effects/risks
- Redness/temporary worsening of acne
*The effects may vary from person to person.
Redness from Potenza | Case study after 3 treatments
This is a case study of a patient who was troubled by redness all over their face.After three treatments, the redness was significantly reduced, and my skin tone became more even.
- Our Treatments
- Redness Potenza 3 times
- Treatment amount
- 134,400 JPY (TAX+)
- Side effects/risks
- Redness, heat sensation, microcrust
*The effects may vary from person to person.
Case studies showcasing the effects of microneedling.
Upper Arm Dermapen Treatment | Case Study of 12 Treatments
This is a case study of a patient who was concerned about keratosis pilaris (bumps) on their upper arms.After 12 treatments, the bumps on the surface of my skin improved.Dermapen can be used on the body as well as the face.
- Our Treatments
- Upper arm microneedling (12 sessions)
- Treatment amount
- 277,200 JPY (TAX+)
- Side effects/risks
- Redness, swelling, itchiness, pain, swelling, internal bleeding, pregnancy not allowed
*The effects may vary from person to person.
Dermapen | Case study of 6 treatment sessions
This is a case study of a patient who was concerned about the uneven texture and skin condition caused by acne scars.My skin's smoothness improved after 6 treatments.
- Our Treatments
- Dermapen 6 times
- Treatment amount
- 129,000 JPY (TAX+)
- Side effects/risks
- Redness, swelling, itching, dryness, scabs
*The effects may vary from person to person.
Summary | How to choose based on your specific concerns through counseling
- Potenza is a 3-way treatment using needles, radio waves, and medication. Dermapen uses only needle stimulation.
- Because Potenza involves injecting vertically once at a time, it is less likely to cause lateral scarring and has a lower risk of hyperpigmentation.
- Bruising is more likely to occur with Dermapen, and it can take up to two weeks for it to disappear.
- Potenza tends to have a shorter downtime. Often, the downtime can be almost completely covered with makeup by the next day.
- Potenza is effective for acne scars and craters. If your goal is pore reduction, firmness, and radiance, Velvet Skin is also an option.
- The soothing effect is enhanced by using an exosome mask immediately after the treatment.
Potenza and Dermapen each have different characteristics, and the most suitable treatment varies depending on the type of concern. At Elm Clinic, we will assess your skin condition and preferences during a consultation before proposing the most appropriate treatment. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.
*This article is a revised and expanded version based on a YouTube video. Individual results may vary. Please confirm the treatment details, fees, and risks during your consultation.
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![[Hayakawa-sensei x Nanari-sensei Dialogue] What are the differences between Potenza and Dermapen? A thorough comparison of tips, downtime, and effects.](https://www.elm-clinic.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/potenza_vs_dermapen_thumbnail.png)
