Dermoelectroporation for Aging Skin Health

#1

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I have a lot to say about this device. My preliminary report is that it’s magic. It does substitute injection, really and truly, so long as the compound is water soluble. Again I tried it with the lightly cross linked hyaluronic acid meant for mesotherapy. I rubbed and rubbed until it disappeared from my face and part of me initially thought the solution must have evaporated. But no, I now see it under my skin, in the shape of my cheeks. It’s not particularly attractive, almost chipmunk like when I smile, because I rubbed it in mostly toward the front of the cheeks whereas I should have done the sides and top, around the highest point of the cheek bones. I didn’t honestly expect it to work this well! So of course now I need to get busy at work to speed up the breakdown of this very light filler. Definitely don’t want it stuck in my face so I’m throwing the kitchen sink at my cheeks again and I imagine it will dissolve in a few days like it happened to the papules last time around. But this is a miracle of a technology. Without injection you can carry water soluble cocktails to the other side. As soon as I’m done dissolving this I’ll start with the skin boosters I bought. I also have Radiesse I plan on using in hyper dilute form but that will be my capstone project after I’m done perfecting technique. Clearly it matters very much where you “inject” i.e., where you rub it in and there’s no undoing Radiesse so I’m being conservative.

For more info:

They’re selling it for $14,000! It’s the exact same model, from Mattioli in Italy, but of course made in China. I paid $171 + $39 shipping + $35 optional consumables.

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#2

You are a fountainhead of information in this area… I have never heard of this before (perhaps like most guys here), very interesting. … Medaura, can you share a link to the device that you purchased?

Dermoelectroporation (DEP), also known as needless serum infusion, is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation technique that uses controlled electrical pulses to enhance the absorption of active skincare ingredients deep into the skin. This technology allows for the delivery of both micro- and macro-molecules without the need for needles or injections.

How it works:

  • Controlled Electrical Pulses:

DEP uses gentle electrical pulses to temporarily open micro-channels in the skin’s cell membranes.

  • Enhanced Absorption:

These temporary channels allow for the efficient penetration of active ingredients, such as serums, into deeper layers of the skin.

  • Non-Invasive and Painless:

The procedure is non-invasive and pain-free, offering a comfortable experience for patients.

  • Deep Penetration:

DEP can deliver ingredients 3 to 5 mm deep into the dermis, reaching the subcutaneous layer.

  • Versatile Applications:

DEP can be used for various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and even for hair restoration.

  • FDA-Cleared:

DEP technology is FDA-cleared and considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional injections.

Benefits of DEP:

  • Enhanced Product Efficacy:

By delivering ingredients deeper into the skin, DEP maximizes the effectiveness of skincare products.

  • No Downtime:

Unlike invasive procedures, DEP requires no downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately.

  • Safe for All Skin Types:

DEP is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is generally considered safe.

  • Immediate and Long-Term Results:

Patients may notice immediate improvements in skin hydration, texture, and radiance, with long-term benefits from continued treatment.

  • Cost-Effective:

Compared to surgical alternatives, DEP offers a cost-effective way to rejuvenate and improve skin appearance.

  • Hair and Scalp Restoration:

DEP can also be used for hair restoration by delivering nutrients and growth factors to the scalp.

In summary, dermoelectroporation is a non-invasive and effective technology that uses controlled electrical pulses to enhance the absorption of skincare ingredients, leading to improved skin appearance, rejuvenation, and even hair restoration.

Related:

and I know that @LaraPo has mentioned Profhilo. This Dr. doesn’t think DEP will work that well with this technique:

Does needleless transdermal electroporation of Profhilo work?

There are no published studies on needleless Profhilo available (I could not locate any; and if you do find any, please share them with me).

Based on what we know about Profhilo and how transdermal electroporation works, I am doubtful about its effectiveness. Transdermal electroporation improves the uptake of skincare in the epidermis; not the dermis which is the correct layer for Profhilo injections. Most of the studies that looked at drug delivery using transdermal electroporation demonstrated increased uptake in the epidermis; not the dermis.

These hyaluronic acid complexes in Profhilo will not be able to enter the dermis as there is a basement membrane that separates the epidermis and dermis. Based on this, patients who undergo needleless Profhilo may experience some skin hydrating benefits in the epidermis. The collagen and elastin building benefits which arise in the dermis of the skin are unlikely to occur with needleless transdermal electroporation of Profhilo.

https://www.drrachelho.com/blog/needleless-profhilo-plasma-shower/

https://www.theaestheticguide.com/aesthetic-dermatology/fda-cleared-transderm-dep-delivers-compounds-without-injection

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#3

@LaraPo later said she didn’t care much for Profhilio compared to Cytocare so I only purchased the latter. I think that doctor is full of shit as DEP allows compounds to penetrate 3-5mm deep which is indeed way past the epidermis. My main long term interest, beyond the skin boosters I’ve bought and many new ones I can concoct (think, niacinamide + ascorbic acid + carnosine or whatever dissolved in reverse osmosis filtered water — your imagination is the limit), is getting Radiesse under the skin. That’s a proper biostimulator that induces the production of new collagen AND elastin. Radiesse of course being the brand name, the active ingredient being hydroxyapatite. Providers are already doing it with success! I could use sculptra that way too but it only produces collagen, not elastin.

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#4

I forgot to mention the vendor:

https://x.alibaba.com/AzpxFd?ck=minisite

Ask to speak to David Ma. If you order from them please let me know. I don’t have any financial incentive obviously but if I am able to tell a vendor that I’ve referred sales to them they’re typically much more attentive to anything I might need in the future.

This one is the vendor of the skin boosters and injectables. They’re not even listed as products on their site but the rep gave me a private catalog and the prices are amazing. They were original products when I got them, at prices I’m still pinching myself over. Ask to speak to Annis Dang:

https://x.alibaba.com/AzpxKj?ck=minisite

Again, if you end up ordering, please let me know. They’re always a bit disappointed that I only want tiny quantities which are barely worth their time so I like to be able to tell them so and so was my referral. I get better treatment going forward.

As to the product itself, I am including this one below because it’s an OK product description but it’s obviously still overpriced so don’t buy it. Just look at it to do your initial diligence then talk to David Ma from my first link:

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#5

Also I think it quite possible that physician is confusing dermoelectrlporation with plain old electrophoresis. They sound similar but the parameters of the former make it work like magic whereas the latter just gives minimal penetration and can damage both the skin and potentially the molecules being penetrated as it affects their polarity.

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#6

Yes, I wasn’t impressed with Profhillo. It has to be injected using the method called BAP (bio aesthetic points) in 5 points only. It supposed to distribute itself evenly on face after that. I didn’t see it happen in my case. It could be an injection error (injected too deep) or a benefit that couldn’t be seen. I like to see the result either immediately or the next day. With Cytocare, there’s a result that could be seen in 2-3 hours.

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#7

Medaura, for dermoelectroporation, does the molecular weight of the compound matter? Rapamycin is pretty large molecule at 914.172 g/mol.

Tixel for Skin Improvement
#8

It can “push through” even macromolecules of up to 2 million dalton!

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#9

Just updating this with some posts from another thread:

and her experience using Radiesse and with dermoelectroporation:

I asked: “How deep does this go, and can you control the depth? How do you know it’s “working”? Any side effects? Any pain?”

And more related information from CGPT5:

The depth at which Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite, CaHA) is placed dramatically influences its function — whether it acts as a volumizer (deep structural support) or a collagen stimulator for skin quality (biostimulatory “skin tightening” effect).

Here’s a precise, evidence-based summary of the optimal injection depth by purpose and anatomic zone:

:dna: The Two Modes of Radiesse Use

Use Mode Goal Dilution Injection Plane / Depth Key Effect
Volumizing / structural filler Restore deep volume, lift, contour Undiluted (1:0) Deep subdermal, supraperiosteal (just above bone) Structural support, lift, shape definition
Biostimulatory / “hyperdilute” Radiesse Stimulate collagen & elastin, improve skin firmness, tone, elasticity Diluted 1:1 to 1:4 with saline + lidocaine Mid-dermis to deep dermis / upper subdermal (≈1–2 mm depth) Skin rejuvenation, dermal thickening, texture improvement

:straight_ruler: Optimal Skin Depth for Collagen Stimulation

When the goal is skin rejuvenation rather than volume, the ideal placement of Radiesse is within the dermal–subdermal interface — deep enough to avoid visible nodules, but superficial enough to engage fibroblasts.

Parameter Typical Range Notes
Depth below epidermis ~1–2 mm The upper to mid-dermis houses the fibroblast-rich layer responsible for collagen/elastin synthesis.
Needle / cannula entry Superficial subdermal plane Too superficial → whitening, papules; too deep → less collagen effect.
Angle 10–30° tangential to skin Ensures spread along dermal interface, not bolus pockets.
Volume per pass 0.05–0.1 mL/cm² (depending on dilution) Goal is even biostimulation, not projection.
Post-injection Gentle massage Distributes product, prevents palpable deposits.

:point_right: Key principle:
For collagen stimulation, you’re not “filling” but coating the undersurface of the dermis — providing a bioactive scaffold that fibroblasts respond to over weeks.

:massage_woman:t2: Optimal Depth by Facial Region (for Hyperdilute Radiesse)

Region Recommended Plane Notes / Tips
Cheeks / malar area Deep dermis → upper subcutis (≈1–2 mm) Improves skin quality, reduces crepiness. Avoid direct malar fat pads if goal is tightening not lift.
Jawline / lower face Deep dermis / subdermal Enhances tone and firmness along mandibular line.
Neck Mid-dermis Use high dilution (1:3–1:4) for even spread, small linear threads. Avoid too deep (no visible volume needed).
Décolleté / chest Mid-dermis Improves texture and fine lines. Inject with cannula in fan pattern.
Temples / thin skin areas Deep subdermal (≈2 mm) Very dilute (1:4). Avoid intradermal placement to prevent papules.
Hands (dorsal) Deep subdermal, above tendons Usually 1:1 dilution; massage after placement.

:brain: Why This Depth Matters Biologically

  • Fibroblast stimulation is strongest in the reticular dermis, where fibroblasts interact with CaHA particles.
  • The CaHA microspheres (25–45 µm) act as a controlled irritant, triggering neocollagenesis (types I & III) and neoelastin over ~3–6 months.
  • If injected too deep (sub-SMAS or supraperiosteal), fibroblast density is lower → less collagen induction.
  • If too superficial (papillary dermis), particles can be seen or felt → visible nodules or whitish bumps.

Clinical studies (e.g. Pavicic et al., J Drugs Dermatol, 2021; Goldie et al., Dermatol Surg, 2018) confirm that dilution + proper mid-dermal placement produce measurable increases in skin thickness, elasticity, and dermal collagen density.

:bar_chart: Summary Table

Objective Radiesse Type Dilution Optimal Injection Depth Primary Biological Target
Volume restoration Full-strength 1:0 Deep subdermal / supraperiosteal (4–6 mm) Structural support
Collagen stimulation / rejuvenation Hyperdilute 1:1–1:4 Mid-dermis to deep dermis (1–2 mm) Fibroblast activation
Skin tightening (neck, arms, face) Hyperdilute 1:2–1:4 Mid-dermis Dermal remodeling, neocollagenesis
Hand rejuvenation Semi-dilute 1:1 Deep subdermal (2–3 mm) Volume + collagen induction

:lotion_bottle: Clinical Timeline of Effects

Time After Injection Observable Effect
0–2 weeks Immediate hydration and mild firmness (from carrier gel)
4–6 weeks Early fibroblast activation, collagen type III increase
8–12 weeks Progressive tightening and dermal thickening
3–6 months Peak collagen and elastin production
12–18 months Gradual remodeling; repeat treatments extend results

:warning: Caution

  • Too superficial → palpable nodules or whitish papules
  • Too deep → diminished collagen effect
  • Avoid intravascular injection — always aspirate and use blunt cannulas when possible
  • Contraindicated near thin dermis with limited subcutaneous padding (e.g., eyelids)

:mag: Summary Takeaway

For skin rejuvenation and collagen enhancement, the optimal skin depth for Radiesse delivery is ~1–2 mm (mid-dermis to upper subdermis) using hyperdiluted Radiesse (1:1–1:4 dilution) in microthreads or fanning patterns.

Would you like me to create a diagram or labeled cross-section image showing the exact injection planes and target depths (epidermis → dermis → subcutis → bone) for both volumizing and hyperdilute Radiesse? It’s very helpful for visualizing why depth matters.