+ What are the benefits?

• Microneedling helps reduce the signs of aging, improve the appearance of acne scars and rejuvenate aging skin. In one study of 60 patients with acne scarring, three microneedling treatments resulted in a 31 percent improvement in skin texture, with no discoloration of the skin. Microneedling was effective for all skin types.

• It is appropriate for all skin types. The SkinPen microneedling device creates hundreds of tiny micro-channels in the skin with minimal damage to the epidermis. SkinPen disrupts the junctions between the skin cells, temporarily disrupting the skin’s barrier function. This brief, mechanical disruption does not cause the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the epidermis to react by increasing pigment production and darkening the skin in a process called hyperpigmentation. Therefore, SkinPen can be used on all skin types, including darker skin that is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.

• Can be used on many body parts. The SkinPen needle depth adjusts from .25 mm up to 2 mm, allowing the provider to tailor the treatments to the patient’s particular skin thickness as well as his or her needs. SkinPen’s variable needle depth makes it more versatile than traditional rollers, and it can be used efficiently on many parts of the body.

• Has minimal risk of infections or scarring. SkinPen doesn’t remove or damage the epidermis and doesn’t trigger the inflammatory pathway, meaning infections and scarring are unlikely.

• Works in conjunction with Skinfuse. Skinfuse is an easy-to-use skin care regimen specifically formulated to provide the nutrients your skin needs to optimize the results of the SkinPen procedure. Skinfuse products contain nutrients that support the skin after microneedling. Also, to assist in your microneedling procedure recovery, Skinfuse does not contain ingredients that hinder the skin rejuvenation process.

+ The three phases of the wound repair process:

Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.

Phase II: Proliferation. The wound is re-built with new granulation cells, as well as a temporary (type III) collagen and elastin, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.

Phase III: Remodeling. The wound has been replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels. The type III collagen in the newly formed tissue is replaced with stronger type I collagen, which can contract to create a tightening or “shrink wrap” effect on the skin.

+ How long will the procedure take?

About 30 minutes depending on the size of the area treated, the number of areas and the severity of skin damage.

+ What areas of the body can be treated?

SkinPen can be used on any parts on the body that need to be treated: face, neck, decolette, arms, hands, legs, upper knees, abdomen and back. This versatility makes SkinPen helpful when addressing acne scars on the back and stretch marks on the body.

+ Does microneedling hurt?

A topical anesthetic is typically applied prior to a SkinPen procedure. This allows for a comfortable experience for most people. Generally, patients report feeling just the slight vibration of SkinPen during the procedure. In one study of microneedling used to treat acne scars, the patients’ average pain rating was only 1.08 out of 10. For most people, that’s less painful than having your eyebrows waxed.

+ Is there downtime after the microneedling procedure?

The total healing time depends on each individual. Most patients have some slight swelling and redness/pinkness (like a mild to moderate sunburn) for two to four days following the procedure. Some people may see their skin return to normal in about 24 hours.

+ What skin types can you treat with microneedling?

All are welcome here! Microneedling is not dependent on pigmentation or skin color to work. Many rejuvenation technologies don’t work on skin with more melanin but SkinPen works on all skin types from Fitzpatrick Scale Type I to a type VI.

+ How many treatments will I need?

This varies depending on individual goals and the condition of your skin is when you come in. For most clients we suggest a series of 3 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. For clients with deeper wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks or acne scars you may need as many as 6-8 sessions at 4-6 week intervals.