What is SkinPen?
SkinPen by Bellus Medical is the first microneedling device in the world cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), clinically shown to safely and effectively treat facial acne scars for ages 22 and up. With as few as three non-invasive and affordable treatments spaced 30 days apart, you can improve your appearance and step out with confidence.
What skin issues does microneedling improve?
At Dr. Croley’s, we use SkinPen microneedling on all skin tones and it doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation. It can be used anywhere on the body, but the face, neck, and décolletage are the typical targets.
Here are skin conditions we treat with microneedling:
- Acne scars
- Large pores
- Fine lines
- Uneven texture
- Stretch marks
How Microneedling Works
SkinPen created controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing process while minimizing cellular damage. The result: effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.
Would I be a good candidate for microneedling?
SkinPen microneedling can improve anyone’s skin. The relative simplicity of this procedure also means there aren’t really any limitations with who can have it. Unlike some laser skin rejuvenation procedures, microneedling doesn’t have a risk of creating hyperpigmentation. It can be used on any skin type and any skin tone. The tiny punctures are so small that they begin to heal immediately, so there isn’t a risk of infection. This is a great skin improvement treatment for anyone.
How is microneedling done?
For your microneedling session, our medical aesthetician, Lori Baute, first cleans your skin across the treatment areas. Then she applies a topical anesthetic to numb your skin. Next, the SkinPen is moved across the treatment area. It has nine microneedles that rise and fall, puncturing the skin hundreds of times. We can adjust the depth of the needle penetration up to 2mm depending on the specific issues we’re addressing with your skin. Overlapping passes will be made over the treatment areas. When your microneedling is finished, Lori applies soothing serums or creams to finish the procedure.
How many treatments will I need?
Some of our patients feel they only need a single microneedling treatment every year to achieve the results they seek. Most patients opt for 3-6 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, or acne scars, 6-8 sessions will likely be recommended spaced at 6-week intervals.
How do I care for my skin after my microneedling treatment?
Due to the microscopic wounds created in your skin, you don’t return to your normal skincare routine immediately. Lori will discuss this with you. After your session, your skin will look as if you have a mild to moderate sunburn. It will feel warm and somewhat tight. These sensations pass in a day or two. Hyaluronic acid is an ideal ingredient for hydration and to help calm your skin. You should only use gentle cleansers and warm water on your face for three days after your microneedling session. No scrubbing with Clarisonic or exfoliating for one week.
Don’t use makeup for 24 hours, if possible. Protect your skin against sun exposure for 1-2 weeks. Don’t use swimming pools or hot tubs for three days.
When will I see results from my SkinPen microneedling, and how long will they last?
As your skin initially heals and the redness passes, you’ll notice an immediate “glow,” but microneedling is really a progression of results. This is because your collagen and elastin production ramps up and continues. Visible changes with the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Your results can continue to improve for up to six months.
How long your results will last is dependent on your unique body. The new collagen and elastin your body did all the work to produce isn’t going anywhere. The problem is you’re still losing more collagen and elastin every year with aging. You can see this is an ongoing battle. That’s why continuing treatments at Central Florida with Lori are recommended to keep up with these decreases.
Microneedling has to hurt, right?
You’d think puncturing your skin hundreds of times would be quite painful. Not so. Lori applies a topical anesthetic to all of the areas you are treating with microneedling prior to the SkinPen even getting close to your skin. This keeps you comfortable during your treatment. Patients say they equate the feeling of microneedling as being similar to light sandpaper being moved across the skin.
Is SkinPen microneedling safe?
The FDA cleared the SkinPen for microneedling, and the treatment has almost no risks. The only potential risk is infection to the microscopic punctures created by the SkinPen, but these actually heal in just a couple hours so infection isn’t really even possible in that short timeframe. There are no side effects.
What’s Next?
Ask Lori for SkinPen to get the first microneedling device with results and safety cleared by the FDA!
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re interested in learning more about SkinPen microneedling please contact us for a consultation at (352) 237-8400 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.