SKINPEN® MICRONEEDLING
Collagen induction for improved skin texture, tone and overall skin quality
SkinPen® is an FDA-cleared medical microneedling device that uses controlled microinjuries to stimulate the skin’s natural wound-healing and collagen-remodeling process.
Rather than using heat, laser energy or chemical resurfacing, SkinPen works mechanically. Very fine needles create precise microchannels within the skin, initiating a repair response that stimulates new collagen formation and gradual remodeling of the treated tissue.
The result is progressive improvement in skin texture and quality while maintaining the natural structure and appearance of your skin.
WHAT DOES SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING TREAT?
SkinPen microneedling can be incorporated into a treatment plan for a variety of skin concerns, including:
- Facial acne scarring
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Neck wrinkles
- Uneven or rough skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Surgical scars
- Stretch marks
- Uneven pigmentation
- General changes in skin quality associated with aging and sun exposure
SkinPen is FDA-cleared for the treatment of facial acne scars and wrinkles of the neck.
HOW DOES SKINPEN WORK?
Microneedling works by creating thousands of controlled microscopic channels within the skin.
These microinjuries initiate the normal wound-healing process. Cells involved in tissue repair become activated, signaling fibroblasts and other components of the extracellular matrix to participate in repair and remodeling.
Over the weeks following treatment, new collagen is produced and existing collagen is reorganized. This process occurs gradually, which is why improvement in texture and skin quality can continue well beyond the initial treatment.
Because SkinPen does not rely on heat, it provides collagen stimulation without the thermal injury associated with energy-based resurfacing treatments.
TREATMENT AREAS
At Heightened Aesthetics, SkinPen microneedling may be performed on the:
Face | Neck | Chest
Treatment areas and depth are selected based on skin condition, anatomy and treatment goals.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING TREATMENT?
The skin is cleansed and prepared before treatment. A topical anesthetic may be used to improve comfort.
The SkinPen device is then passed systematically across the treatment area at a depth selected according to the area being treated and the condition of the skin.
Treatment typically takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes depending on the areas treated.
WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME?
Most patients experience redness immediately following treatment, often similar in appearance to a mild to moderate sunburn.
Mild swelling, sensitivity, dryness or tightness may also occur. These effects generally improve over the first several days as the skin heals.
Because the skin barrier has temporarily been disrupted, appropriate post-treatment skincare and sun protection are important during the healing period.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Microneedling is not an instant-result treatment.
Some patients notice an early improvement in the appearance and feel of their skin as healing occurs, but collagen remodeling takes time. Skin quality can continue to improve over the weeks and months following treatment.
The goal is gradual improvement in the structure and quality of the skin rather than a temporary surface change.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE RECOMMENDED?
While a single SkinPen treatment can be beneficial, a series is generally recommended when treating concerns such as acne scarring, fine lines, textural changes or overall skin quality.
At Heightened Aesthetics, we commonly recommend a series of three treatments, with the treatment plan adjusted according to the condition of your skin and your individual goals.
Periodic maintenance treatments may also be recommended to continue supporting collagen production and skin quality over time.
SKINPEN + REGENERATIVE TREATMENTS
Microneedling may also be combined with select regenerative treatments when appropriate.
PRF may be added to SkinPen microneedling to incorporate your own platelet-derived growth factors into the treatment. Whether combination treatment is appropriate is determined during your consultation based on your skin, treatment goals and medical history.
IS SKINPEN RIGHT FOR YOU?
Not every skin concern requires the same treatment.
During your consultation, we evaluate your skin quality, pigmentation, texture, degree of photodamage, scarring and other concerns to determine whether microneedling makes sense for you or whether another treatment, such as an IPL photofacial, chemical peel, biostimulatory treatment or combination approach, may be more appropriate.
Our goal is not simply to perform a treatment. It is to determine what is contributing to the concern and recommend the treatment that makes the most sense for your skin.
SkinPen® Microneedling is available at Heightened Aesthetics in Seminole Heights, Tampa and Lakewood Ranch.