SkinPen Microneedling

Ridgeland, MS – SkinPen Microneedling at Faces PLLC

SkinPen microneedling uses precise micro-perforations to jump-start natural collagen production, leading to a visible reduction in the signs of aging and lessening of the appearance of acne scars. This minimally invasive treatment offers benefits similar to those of a chemical peel or light laser resurfacing but with less potential for irritation.

SkinPen’s Proven Benefits

Categorized as collagen induction therapy, SkinPen microneedling triggers a collagen-building process that is most evident one week after the procedure. At least 3 treatments are recommended to achieve the best result. Most patients report their skin feels tighter, looks brighter and that they have a more youthful glow following each SkinPen treatment.

How Does SkinPen Work?

SkinPen is an FDA-approved microneedling device. Microneedling, as previously mentioned, is also known as collagen induction therapy, improves skin texture by triggering natural rejuvenation. The SkinPen device creates hundreds of microscopic channels in the skin which activates dormant dermal fibroblasts (a type of biological cell). These fibroblasts then generate collagen to heal the micro-punctures, leading to a dramatic overall improvement in skin tone and elasticity.

Collagen is one of the body’s most essential building blocks. This protein gives skin and connective tissue the tensile strength it needs to stay supple and elastic. Unfortunately, collagen production slowly declines after age 30, gradually weakening the skin. This degenerative process is responsible for the formation of loose, lined skin, as well as an overall loss of skin volume and hydration. Abnormalities in collagen distribution, such as with acne scars, can also negatively affect the appearance of the skin.

Collagen levels rise after SkinPen treatment, so the epithelial structures in your skin become stronger and more resistant to stress. For several months after your microneedling treatment, your skin will slowly tighten, and fine lines and rough patches will disappear as new collagen fully integrates with existing dermal tissue. Because collagen is a humectant (a substance that attracts and bonds with water molecules), skin hydration and volume also noticeably improve following collagen induction therapy.

The healing response triggered by SkinPen microneedling speeds up cellular renewal (the rate at which old skin cells are replaced by new cells), which further smooths the skin. The damaged cells in acne scars, rough patches, and fine lines are naturally shed as the skin heals, and healthy cells take their place. New networks of blood vessels also develop during wound healing, improving circulation to the skin.

Best SkinPen Candidates

Microneedling is safe for virtually everyone, provided that you don’t have a bleeding disorder, a severely compromised immune system, or an inflammatory skin condition, such as vitiligo, lichen planus, or psoriasis. Unlike certain types of laser skin resurfacing, microneedling will not lighten dark skin, cause hyperpigmentation, or irritate sensitive skin.

SkinPen treatments are often recommended for patients with:

  • Dull skin
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Moderate skin sagging
  • Depressed acne scars
  • Scars from trauma
  • Sun damage

SkinPen is NOT recommended for patients with:

  • Immune disorders
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Keloid scars
  • Scleroderma

Because the SkinPen device is one of the least invasive ways to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, and dullness, we often recommend microneedling to patients who want a gentle way to slow the aging process. SkinPen’s ability to fill in depressions in the skin also make it an ideal treatment for those with acne scars.

What happens during a SkinPen microneedling treatment?

To perform SkinPen microneedling, our licensed medical aestheticians begin by cleansing the face and any other area being treated. The face is then dermaplaned (removal of dead skin cells and fine hair) prior to the application of a topical anesthetic cream. This numbing agent remains on the skin for approximately 30 minutes to maximize the patient’s comfort during treatment. After the numbing agent is removed, a topical gel will be applied to allow the Skinpen device to glide smoothly over the surface of the skin.

While most patients tolerate this treatment without difficulty, it can be uncomfortable for those with very low thresholds for pain. It is not unusual for a patient to have pinpoint bleeding during treatment. The area being treated is generally quite red afterwards, but this subsides considerably within 24 hours. Makeup can be applied the following day and patients can resume all normal activities.

A microneedling appointment generally lasts 90 minutes, as it includes cleansing, dermaplaning, numbing of the skin and then the procedure itself.  You’ll start to see results about one week after your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions about SkinPen Microneedling

Because SkinPen microneedling is very gentle, it can be used on multiple areas of the body, and it can safely cover large areas. Our clinic uses SkinPen microneedling to improve the appearance of skin on the face, neck, and decolletage.

Microneedling pairs well with other non-surgical procedures, like BOTOX® and dermal filler injections, and it can also complement facial surgery. If you are interested in an injectable the same day as microneedling, we will schedule you first for the SkinPen treatment and then the injections. When you visit us for a consultation, we’ll discuss your cosmetic goals and create a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve them.

No chemicals are used during SkinPen microneedling, so this procedure itself cannot cause allergic reactions or other serious side-effects. However, if you have an allergy to topical anesthetic creams you will want to discuss this ahead of time with our skincare professionals. After a SkinPen treatment, you may notice some mild redness or feel slight warmth around the treatment area; these symptoms are generally painless and resolve on their own within 24-48 hours. Most patients are able to return to normal activities the day after the procedure.

Having microneedling performed in an accredited clinic protects against bacterial contamination and ensures uniform, visible results. Failing to prevent bacterial contamination during microneedling can lead to breakouts, infection, and (in rare cases) illness, so it’s important to choose a licensed skin care professional for your treatment. At Faces, our medical aestheticians have the training, experience,and expertise needed to help you achieve radiant skin in a comfortable, safe clinical setting.

How many SkinPen treatments you need will vary depending on your age and the specific concerns you want to address. However, most of our patients need between three to five treatments (spaced one month apart) to generate optimal results. To maintain your results, you may choose to have your SkinPen procedure repeated several times per year.

A SkinPen microneedling session costs $300. A series of three treatments is recommended for achieving the best results. The neck and décolleté also respond well to microneedling and can be treated for $300. All SkinPen microneedling sessions begin with and include a dermaplane.

SkinPen Plus is a Faces exclusive treatment and quickly becoming a patient favorite. We utilize the microneedling process as well as a customized topical chemical blend to address your skin’s specific needs. If you are concerned about melasma (brown, discolored patches), hyperpigmentation, discoloration from acne, or redness from rosacea, this is a treatment you will want to discuss with one of our skincare specialists. It is similar to SkinPen in that it is virtually pain-free, with little-to-no downtime, and the results are evident after the very first treatment.

A single SkinPen Plus microneedling session is $385. Skincare services at Faces are highly customized, therefore additional treatments and potential benefits would need to be discussed with your aesthetician. All SkinPen microneedling sessions begin with and include a dermaplane.

Flawless, natural-looking rejuvenation is possible at any age with SkinPen microneedling, even if you have sensitive or blemish-prone skin. To discover the anti-aging benefits of collagen induction therapy or lessen the appearance of acne scars, contact Faces PLLC to arrange your personal consultation. We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly, state-of-the-art clinic in the heart of Ridgeland, Mississippi.