SkinPen Microneedling by Lindsey Rapp Skin
What is SkinPen Microneedling & how does it work?
SkinPen is a skin remodelling microneedling treatment that helps to improve the look and feel of skin. It uses tiny needles to penetrate deep into scar tissue or stretch marks creating micro-injuries in the epidermis and dermis which triggers your body’s natural healing process and production of collagen without damaging any healthy tissue. This leads to healthier looking skin with improved texture, tone, elasticity, reduced fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars.
The procedure involves the use of a small hand piece with 12 very thin needles at its tip. The depth can be adjusted from 0.25mm – 3mm depending on what area you’re treating and your individual needs for optimal results.
During a SkinPen treatment, there can be some slight discomfort but most patients report no more than mild pinching sensation as the needle penetrates the top layer of skin. Afterward there will be some redness or minor swelling that should resolve within 24-48 hours or less post-treatment.
What skin conditions can be treated with SkinPen Microneedling?
Using SkinPen microneedling can help you address various aesthetic concerns such as:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars
Sun damage
Hyperpigmentation
Enlarged pores
Stretch marks
Surgical scars
However, SkinPen is suitable for anyone who simply wants to maintain young, supple and healthy skin!
Who can get SkinPen Microneedling treatments?
Generally speaking, anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their skin or has certain skin conditions that need to be treated can benefit from SkinPen microneedling. Furthermore, this type of treatment is safe for all skin types and tones. So no matter what type of skin you have or how light or dark it may be, you’ll likely find success with skinpen microneedling. Additionally, since there are no harsh chemicals used during the process, it doesn’t pose any long-term risks either.
It’s important to note that everyone’s body responds differently to treatments, so it’s best to consult with an experienced aesthetic practitioner before getting SkinPen microneedling done. They will help you determine if this procedure is right for you based on your individual goals and needs.
Who Should Not Use It?
People with active infections on the face, eczema, psoriasis, atrophic scarring from chickenpox or other causes may not be suitable candidates for skinpen microneedling as they can develop further complications.
People with open wounds should not use skinpen microneedling. This is because it can cause further complications, like infection and worsening of the wound or sore. Plus, if any bacteria enters the body through the small needle punctures, it could lead to serious health issues. Therefore, those who have active infections or open wounds on their face should definitely consult a medical professional before going through the procedure.
If you have allergies, it’s best to consult with your practitioner or doctor before trying it out.
Is SkinPen Microneedling Safe?
When used properly by a trained professional, SkinPen is generally considered safe. The device is FDA-cleared and has been shown to be effective in multiple clinical trials. But, like any other medical treatment, using SkinPen can have some risks and side effects, such as temporary redness, swelling, and pain during the treatment.
What does a SkinPen Microneedling treatment involve?
Prior to the treatment
Before getting skinpen microneedling treatment, it’s important to prepare for the procedure.
Before your appointment, your practitioner may ask you to stop taking certain medications or supplements that could interfere with the treatment.
They may also ask you to avoid sun exposure for a few days prior to your appointment as this can lead to increased sensitivity during treatment.
You should avoid waxing, plucking, or any other skin treatments for a few days before the treatment.
You should also avoid tanning for at least one week prior to the procedure as this could affect the healing process.
If you’ve had wrinkle relaxing (Botox) injections within four weeks of the treatment, you will need to inform your practitioner before proceeding.
Make sure you are properly hydrated and have a clean face free of makeup or oils.
The Procedure
The SkinPen microneedling device, which contains multiple tiny sterile needles, will be gently passed over the treatment area. As the needles penetrate the skin, they create micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing response and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Afterwards, you will likely feel some warm sensations on your skin caused by the needles as they penetrate through the surface layers. Your skin may also appear red or flushed immediately afterwards – don’t worry, this is normal!
Post treatment
Once you’ve had a session of skinpen microneedling, it’s important to take the proper steps in order to ensure that your skin heals and recovers optimally.
After a treatment avoid all makeup, moisturisers, SPF and any activities that are going to make you sweat for the first 24 hours
Avoid sun exposure in the first 48 hours as it can cause adverse reactions on your skin. Sun damage can be a major issue following microneedling, as these tiny needles create pathways in your skin that are more susceptible to burning and other forms of UV damage. It also helps to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days or indoors. This will help prevent any further irritation caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Watch out for any side effects that may occur after the treatment. Redness, swelling and itching are all common symptoms of post-treatment healing, but if these become more severe or persist longer than expected it could be an indication of something else going on. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection like pus-filled pimples or changes in skin color around the treated area. While rare, infections can sometimes happen when needles penetrate the skin and create pathways for bacteria to enter.
Is a SkinPen treatment painful?
SkinPen treatments are not overly painful, but you may experience slight discomfort with the procedure. Many people liken it to a feeling of sandpaper on your skin as the tiny needles puncture the dermis layer.
Most patients feel little or no pain after their SkinPen treatment, though some areas can be more sensitive than others depending on individual tolerance levels.
To make your SkinPen treatment comfortable and relaxing:
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever 15 minutes prior to your appointment
Talk to your practitioner about numbing cream if needed for more sensitive areas
Apply a cooling mask or enjoy a cool air fan directed at the treated area afterwards
Apply the prescribed aftercare gels you will be given by your practitioner
Overall, while there may be minor discomforts associated with this outpatient procedure, they will be minimal and temporary.
How long does it take to see a result?
The results of Skinpen microneedling can start to be seen within a few days with the production of new collagen, but the full result is usually visible after about four weeks. During this time period, your skin will continue to improve for up to 9 months as new collagen and elastin are generated.
To ensure maximum benefit from SkinPen treatments it is recommended to have multiple sessions (approximately 3-6) over a period of time – typically 4 weeks apart per session until desired results are achieved. With each passing session, additional improvements can be seen in terms of overall appearance of your skin’s health and vitality.
