I don't have a ton of scars, nor are they that deep. It doesn't mean they don't bother me though. That's why I get professional Genuine Dermaroller treatments. I think it's safer and offers more consistent results. That said, you could start off with home rolling (provided you get a decent roller and are very careful with disinfecting) and move up from there if you're not getting results. Good luck!
Hi Paigems,
Please see the forum at owndoc.com for guidance & research extensively (and see youtube videos as well to get a good understanding on the best rolling techniques). So, yes, you can roll at home provided you use a very short needle & keep a very sterile environment/ surface area & use sterile clean equipment (NB store your clean sterile rolling equipment and topicals in the fridge to ensure they are kept pathogen free). Long needles can only be used trained doctors & even then it will carry much greater risk of complications. Thus, I'd stay clear of anything above 1.00mm used by a doctor. However, others on this site have used longer needles and say it was worth it. So, please research the pros & cons of using each size. Also, know that longer needles require a numbing cream which can adversely affect facial nerves PERMANENTLY. The shorter needles don't require a facial numbing cream. That's why I don't advocate the use of long needles.
I previously used a roller from clearskincare.com.au . It was not long and it gave me great results. However, you'll need to use a topical too i.e. beta glucan or copper peptides or vitamin c or another skin rolling topical. (Personally, I like pure lemon juice, but not all people like this as a topical, some find it too harsh, but I found it helpful). You'll need to research and experiment (safely) to find what suits and helps your skin heal. Whatever you do, go slow and safe. Do not look for instant results that can make your skin far worse. Choose safe products that work with your skin's natural healing capabilities. You'll also need to eat/ drink super healthy and take a quality multivitamin or eat superfoods (i.e. chia seeds, organic super green powder with chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass, barley grass) if you want to maximise your results.
Ensure also you don't over roll and leave some skin intact. Less is more with derma rolling. You also need to leave your skin alone for a few weeks and months between rolls so it can regenerate collagen. Normally, it takes 3 months for the skin to complete a healing cycle (i.e. produce new collagen and new skin). So, give yourself about 6 months to 1 year to get a good picture on how your skin is responding to derma rolling. I also advocate single needling (see owndoc.com) for more stubborn & deeper scaring. This technique really helped to lift my isolated deeper scars and surgical scars (I had moles removed). It's also great for filling in lines.
You can also look into products with retinaldehyde (a safer form of retin a) if you want greater skin clarity and smoother skin. Pure Skin Junkie has it in their skincare range. However, it's best to stick with 100% natural, safe products & use them sparingly. Stay clear of chemical based topicals and harsh acne products.
Cheers,
AS