How often should you change needle cartridges for Dr. Pen?

Needle cartridges for Dr. Pen should be replaced after every treatment. They are sterile single-use products and should not be reused, even if they look clean after use. Using a new needle cartridge each time is important for hygiene, safety, and an even treatment result.

In this guide, we go through why needle cartridges should be replaced, what can happen if you reuse them, and how to handle the cartridges safely.

Why should needle cartridges be replaced after every treatment?

Microneedling means that the needles come into contact with the skin. After use, the needles may have residue from skin, serum, and bacteria on them, even if it is not visible to the naked eye.

Therefore, a used needle cartridge should never be used again. Sterility is broken as soon as the packaging has been opened and the cartridge has been used on the skin.

If you want to understand more about different needle types, you can read our guide about which needles to use with Dr. Pen.

Can you reuse needle cartridges if you clean them?

No. Needle cartridges for Dr. Pen are not made to be cleaned and reused.

Disinfecting, rinsing, or trying to sterilize a used needle cartridge does not make it safe to use again. The needles can also become duller or damaged after use, which can irritate the skin more than necessary.

What can happen if you use the same needle cartridge several times?

Reusing needle cartridges can increase the risk of several problems:

• Skin irritation
• Small rashes or pimples
• Uneven treatment
• Increased risk of bacteria on the skin
• More discomfort during treatment

If you often get breakouts after treatment, you can read more about why pimples can occur after microneedling.

How many needle cartridges are used per treatment?

As a basic rule:

• 1 needle cartridge per treatment
• 1 needle cartridge per person
• Replace the cartridge if it is dropped, damaged, or touches an unclean surface

If you are treating several people, each person should always have a new, sterile needle cartridge. Never share a needle cartridge between people.

When should you replace the needle cartridge during a treatment?

In normal home treatment, one new sterile needle cartridge is usually enough for the entire treatment. But you should replace it immediately if:

• the cartridge is dropped on the floor
• the needles feel uneven or uncomfortable
• the cartridge has touched a dirty surface
• you change the person being treated

If you are unsure, it is always better to switch to a new cartridge.

What is the difference between a needle cartridge and a microneedling pen?

The Microneedling pen is the device itself, while the needle cartridge is the replaceable part with the needles.

The pen is cleaned and reused – the needle cartridge is replaced after every treatment. This is an important distinction to avoid incorrect handling.

You can read more about the device itself in our guide on how to clean a microneedling pen.

What does anti-backflow mean on needle cartridges?

Some needle cartridges have an anti-backflow design, which is developed to reduce the risk of liquid moving backward to the internal parts of the pen.

This is a hygienic and practical function, but it does not mean that the cartridge can be reused.

Read more in our article about how anti-backflow needle cartridges work.

How should unused needle cartridges be stored?

Unused needle cartridges should be stored in their original packaging until they are to be used.

• Store them in a dry place
• Protect them from dirt and dust
• Do not open the packaging until the treatment is about to begin
• Do not use cartridges if the packaging is damaged

A sterile needle cartridge is only sterile as long as the packaging is unopened.

Frequently asked questions about changing needle cartridges

How often should you change the needle cartridge for Dr. Pen?

You should change the needle cartridge after every treatment. Needle cartridges are sterile single-use products and should not be reused.

Can you use the same needle cartridge multiple times?

No. The same needle cartridge should not be used multiple times because sterility is broken after use and the risk of irritation increases.

Can two people use the same needle cartridge?

No. Two people should never use the same needle cartridge. Always use a new sterile cartridge per person.

Should you change the needle cartridge even if it has only been used for a short time?

Yes. Once the cartridge has been used on the skin, it should be changed, even if the treatment was short.

Summary

Needle cartridges for Dr. Pen should be changed after every treatment and never reused. A new sterile needle cartridge reduces the risk of irritation, bacteria, and uneven treatment. Always use one cartridge per treatment and per person, and replace it immediately if the cartridge is dropped, damaged, or comes into contact with an unclean surface.