SkinPen Microneedling

A naturally smooth & firm complexion with little-to-no downtime

Your skin is ever-evolving, but when unwelcome changes arise—like dark spots, wrinkles, or acne scars—they can take a toll on your confidence. Even if you are dedicated to at-home skincare, these stubborn blemishes typically persist, requiring professional treatment.

SkinPen microneedling is a versatile, minimally invasive, yet highly effective treatment for these and other common skin concerns, requiring little to no downtime to see dramatic results. Learn how it works, and whether it may be a solution for you.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses very fine needles to puncture the skin surface, triggering the body’s healing response, in a process called collagen induction therapy. As a result, the body sends the proteins collagen and elastin (the building blocks of healthy skin) to the treatment area, remodeling the skin to be smoother, firmer, and more balanced in tone.

Treat the following areas:

Microneedling is very versatile, and can be used to address several common concerns and provide on the following areas:

• Face
• Neck
• Hands
• Back
• Arms
• Legs

Who is a good candidate for microneedling?

Patients who have seen changes to their skin following pregnancy, aging, sun damage, acne, surgery, or an injury may be a good candidate for this treatment. Microneedling treatment is helpful for the following skin concerns:

• Fine lines and wrinkles of the face and neck
• Scars, i.e. acne scarring
• Hyperpigmentation, i.e. melasma
• Age spots and sun damage
• Uneven skin tone
• Rough skin texture
• Enlarged pores
• Mild skin laxity
• Stretch marks

While microneedling is safe for most of our Reading medspa patients, you may need to avoid microneedling or take a preventative medication if you are prone to cold sores, which could be activated by the treatment.

Why we prefer SkinPen for microneedling

While at-home and other forms of microneedling are available, a professional microneedling procedure with SkinPen is the gold standard. SkinPen was the first FDA-cleared microneedling device to be adopted by aestheticians and medical aesthetic providers, and it is both safe and effective. SkinPen tips consist of a sterile, one-time-use needle cartridge, among other thoughtful design features that result in a professionally clean and effective treatment system.

Is there any downtime after SkinPen microneedling in Reading?

There is no downtime required after microneedling, but some redness or mild swelling is a possible side effect (similar to the effect of a mild sunburn). This usually clears up in a matter of days. You may choose to take some “social downtime” from your normal activities if you experience this visible reaction to the treatment.

How many microneedling treatments do I need?

Most patients require a series of microneedling treatments to see the transformative results they are looking for. Particularly if you have a goal in mind, such as reducing the appearance of acne scars or hyperpigmentation, expect to commit to anywhere from a series of 3 to 6 treatments, each spaced at least a month apart.

The benefits of SkinPen microneedling

Some of the benefits of SkinPen over other facial skin treatments include:

• Completely natural treatment, without any lasers, harsh chemicals, or exfoliants
• Non-surgical and non-invasive
• FDA-cleared
• Trusted by numerous plastic surgeons and aestheticians
• Achieves dramatic, visible results with a series of in-office treatments
• Little-to-no downtime
• Can be used in both the face and neck, as well as other areas
• Safe for all skin types and tones

Of course, choosing a treatment is only half of the decision-making involved; it is equally important to choose a provider with the right experience and credentials. At Berks Plastic Surgery, our aesthetic skincare providers are experts at the treatments they offer and are prepared to help you reach your goals with a customized plan. Patients love that we provide them with individualized attention in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The advantages of choosing a professional microneedling appointment over at-home devices

While you may have heard of at-home microneedling, professional microneedling offers a far more effective and safe treatment: our medspa providers customize your treatment based on (1) your concerns and (2) the treatment areas, using the appropriate needle depths to provide more comprehensive results in each area. Compared with at-home microneedling using non-sterile devices, this is both safer and more effective, as we are able to use the maximum needle depth, where appropriate, for the best possible result. Microneedling is non-surgical, but is minimally invasive, and the micro needles on an at-home device can tear or damage the skin if used improperly.

After Treatment: Side Effects and Results

Immediately following your SkinPen microneedling treatment, your skin will likely be a bit red (similar to a mild sunburn) and you may experience some slight swelling and tightness. Your skin will also be sensitive in the treated areas. However, these initial side effects typically subside within a few hours to a couple of days post-procedure.

In the days following your treatment, your skin will start its natural regeneration process, and you will begin to see your results: smoother, more radiant skin. It is crucial to avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the newly sensitive skin from UV damage during this time.

In the weeks following your treatment, your skin’s appearance will continue to improve as collagen production is stimulated, helping to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. Optimal results are typically visible within four to six weeks post-treatment, as the skin needs time to heal and rejuvenate. Individual healing time and results can vary, so it is essential for you to follow your specific aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible outcome from your SkinPen microneedling treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the needles hurt?

The tiny needles used in microneedling might cause some discomfort, but the procedure is generally not considered to be very painful. To minimize discomfort, your provider will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area before your treatment begins. This numbing cream significantly reduces any pain or discomfort associated with the treatment, making the process much more tolerable for patients.

Do I have to use special skin care after my treatment?

Yes, special skincare is often recommended after microneedling to aid in the healing process and optimize results. We typically advise our microneedling patients to use a gentle cleanser, a soothing moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin, as it will be quite sensitive following treatment. We also recommend that you avoid using products with harsh chemicals, retinoids, or acids until the skin has healed, which typically takes a few days to a week. Please be sure to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your aesthetic provider to ensure proper healing and the best outcomes from your treatment.

How is SkinPen different than RF microneedling?

SkinPen microneedling primarily focuses on creating micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and promote collagen production, thus improving the skin’s texture and appearance. On the other hand, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling combines traditional microneedling with the delivery of radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers of the skin. RF energy further enhances collagen and elastin production, but also skin tightening and body contouring effects. While SkinPen microneedling addresses issues like fine lines, wrinkles, and scars, RF microneedling provides the additional benefits of skin tightening, and can be more effective on deeper wrinkles and lines. We can help you determine which kind of microneedling treatment is best for you during a personal consultation.

Schedule your microneedling consultation at Berks Plastic Surgery in Reading, PA

For all of your skin rejuvenation needs—from injectables to facials to dermatology services and VI peels—Berks Plastic Surgery’s medspa team is here for you! Led by board certified surgeons, our team members are highly experienced in the aesthetic services we offer. Schedule your consultation today by calling 610-320-0200 or contacting us online.