SkinPen® Microneedling

Are you looking for a nonsurgical treatment that can give you smoother, firmer, blemish-free skin? Microneedling’s effectiveness in treating lax neck skin, acne scars, skin discoloration, and other aesthetic concerns has made the minimally invasive procedure a popular treatment option at Gulf Coast Medical Center Dermatology & Aesthetics. Our dermatology providers perform FDA-approved SkinPen microneedling at our Trinity, Port Richey, and Spring Hill, FL, dermatology offices.

How Does SkinPen Microneedling Work?

The tip of the SkinPen device includes 14 fine microneedles that create hundreds of thousands of tiny punctures in the treatment area as one of our providers moves it across the skin. These micro-wounds stimulate the natural healing process without causing the development of scar tissue.

The wound-healing process involves 3 steps:

Inflammation: The punctures trigger a natural immune response that guards against infection, removes debris, increases blood flow, and stimulates the creation of new tissue.

Proliferation: Fresh connective tissue that includes new collagen and a network of microscopic blood vessels rebuilds the micro-wounds created during the SkinPen treatment.

Remodeling: Tissue rich in collagen and elastin—proteins that are the building blocks of smooth skin—smooth uneven texture, tighten skin, and minimize hyperpigmentation.

What Happens During a Microneedling Treatment?

Before beginning a SkinPen microneedling treatment, a provider applies a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. As the provider starts to move the hand-held SkinPen device across your skin, the needles puncture the surface. Your provider can customize the depth of the treatment depending on your skin concerns and treatment area. Patients typically don’t feel much sensation during the treatment.

Once the procedure is finished, we apply a serum to calm the skin, which might appear mildly to moderately sunburned. Most of the redness and tenderness resolve within 24 hours. There is no downtime, but you should avoid applying makeup or doing anything that might cause excessive sweating for 1 or 2 days.

Applying high-quality sunscreen that includes physical blockers, such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide, is crucial after your treatment.

What Concerns Does Microneedling Treat?

One of the benefits of SkinPen microneedling is that it can treat a range of skin conditions. It’s most commonly used to improve:

• Skin laxity
• Acne scars
• Uneven skin texture
• Uneven skin tone

A feature that sets SkinPen apart from many other microneedling devices is that it is safe for all skin tones and skin types.

How Much Does Microneedling Cost?

The cost of SkinPen microneedling depends on the condition being treated and the size and number of treatment areas. Microneedling tends to cost less than other treatment alternatives.

How Long Before Results Appear?

You may see the initial results within a week of your first treatment, but it can take longer to see optimal results for patients who want to reduce the appearance of acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or loose skin. The healing process is gradual, and you’ll continue seeing improvement over time after your final treatment. We recommend a series of at least 3 treatments for most patients.