Looking for a natural way to smooth wrinkles, fade scars, or give your skin a healthy glow? SkinPen microneedling could be the answer. This advanced treatment helps your skin repair itself, leaving it looking fresher and more youthful.
At LL Aesthetics, Dr. Lisa Lopes, DNP, takes a gentle approach to aesthetics. She’s been helping clients from Weymouth, Abington, and Boston, Massachusetts, feel more confident with cosmetic treatments since 2020. Her goal is to help you look like the best version of yourself!
What Is a Skin Pen?
Microneedling, also called micropenning, takes advantage of your skin’s self-repair process by creating thousands of precise micro-injuries to the dermis. This triggers your skin to create new collagen.
We use SkinPen® at LL Aesthetics – the only FDA-approved microneedling device on the market. SkinPen improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars on the face and body. SkinPen is different from traditional derma-rollers that can bend, break, or even rust, resulting in possible infection or scarring with reuse. It uses disposable, adjustable needles that can work with different skin thicknesses and skin types.
The FDA has also cleared SkinPen to treat wrinkles on the neck. The approval came following a recent clinical study, which demonstrated improved dermal lines on the neck and high patient satisfaction at one month and three months post-treatment. This trial also found that 94% of patients noticed an improvement in their wrinkles one month after the procedure.
Which Conditions Can Skin Pen Treat?
SkinPen is suitable for most skin types and can be customized to address specific concerns on the face and body, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Stretch marks
- Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Neck wrinkles
- Overall skin rejuvenation
How to Prepare for Your Skin Pen Appointment
Stop using chemical peels, Retin-A, and other exfoliating creams at least one week before your appointment to ensure your skin is ready for treatment. You should stay away from the sun, tanning beds, and any harsh skincare products during this time as well, as these can increase skin sensitivity.
On the day of your treatment, please arrive with clean skin, free of makeup, lotions, or other products.
What to Expect During Skin Pen Treatment
Your appointment will be with one of our medical team members. Though treatment is relatively painless, we typically start by applying a topical anesthetic cream twenty to thirty minutes before the procedure to give you a more comfortable experience.
The procedure involves gliding the SkinPen device over your skin to create tiny micro-injuries that stimulate your skin’s natural healing process. Generally, patients report feeling just the slight vibration of the device during the procedure.
After the treatment, your skin may look slightly red, similar to a mild sunburn, and feel warm or tight for a day or two.
Post-treatment Care Tips
It is important to keep your skin hydrated after any treatment while the skin resurfaces with new growth. Moisturizers with anti-inflammatory ingredients following the treatment will soothe the area and calm any redness. Exfoliators and alcohol-based toners should not be used until your skin has healed, and don’t wear makeup for at least 24 hours. Always use a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher – especially after this type of procedure.
The total healing time depends on each individual but should be within two to four days. We can recommend products such as OBAGI-C RX C-Clarifying Serum with vitamin C and hydroquinone as part of your post-procedure home care.
What’s the Science Behind Microneedling?
There are three phases to the wound-repair process triggered by microneedling:
- Phase 1: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow, and begin to create new tissue.
- Phase 2: Proliferation. During this phase, your skin starts to rebuild itself. New, healthy skin cells form to repair the tiny injuries, and fresh blood vessels develop to support the healing process.
- Phase 3: Remodeling. In the final phase, the damaged skin is replaced with new, stronger tissue and improved blood flow. In a study with 60 patients who had acne scars, three microneedling sessions led to a 31% improvement in skin texture, with no changes in skin color. This treatment has been shown to work well for all skin types.
Why Choose LL Aesthetics?
At our practice, you’ll get truly personalized care. Dr. Lisa Lopes, DNP, has been in the medical field since 2016 and began focusing on aesthetics in 2020. With a doctorate in nursing and certifications from the Esthetic Skin Institute, she brings advanced knowledge and hands-on experience to every treatment. Dr. Lopes takes the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and decide on a treatment you’ll feel great about.
We’re not about pushing products or trendy treatments. Instead, we focus on what works for you. From injectables and laser services to skin care maintenance, we have plenty of options to enhance your natural beauty without overdoing it. Whether you’re looking to smooth wrinkles, brighten your skin, or simply maintain a healthy glow, you can trust Dr. Lopes to provide thoughtful care with results that make you feel confident in your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skin Pen Painful?
This is not considered to be a painful treatment, but we use numbing creams for extra protection. In one study of microneedling used to treat acne scars, the patients’ average pain rating was only 1.08 out of 10.
How Is SkinPen Different From Dermal Needling Rollers?
- Adjustable needle depth: Dermal needling rollers are the first generation of needling devices. They have a fixed depth and can’t be adjusted to meet your varying skin needs. We can now address the specific needs of your crow’s feet, lower eyelids, forehead, upper lip, cheeks, and neck with a single needle tip instead of multiple dermal needle rollers.
- Safer: SkinPen is safer than dermal rollers due to its sterile, single-use surgical-grade disposable needle tips.
Faster: SkinPen’s high-speed motor enables quick needle penetration. This provides a more comfortable and shorter treatment experience. - Better results: Safety and control features produce predictable and consistent results.
How Many Skin Pen Sessions Will I Need?
Three to four treatments are usually required for best results. For more severe scarring up to six treatments may be needed. The number of treatments can be determined based on your individual goals and the overall health of your skin. As part of your anti-aging routine, you may opt for one to two procedures a year to help maintain the rejuvenating effects.
Can I Wear Make-up Immediately Following the Treatment?
Patients typically can resume their normal makeup regimen two to three days following the microneedling procedure, depending on the area and depth of needle penetration.
Can Skin Pen Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Yes, as with most of our skin treatments, microneedling can be combined with other restorative procedures to help you reach your goals.
Treatments like laser therapy, injectables, and medical-grade skincare can complement microneedling for better results.
Often these combination treatments must be done separately since the micro-puncturing of the skin triggers the wound-healing process that must be given time to complete.
How Long Does a Skin Pen Session Take?
The total treatment time depends on which part of your body we are treating. For the face, a typical appointment takes about an hour.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects With SkinPen Microneedling?
SkinPen is a safe, FDA-approved treatment, but you may experience temporary redness, swelling, or dryness for one to three days afterward. Mild peeling or sensitivity to sunlight can also occur. Rarely, prolonged redness or irritation may happen, especially if aftercare isn’t followed. Overall, it’s a low-risk procedure when performed by a trained professional.
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Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re interested in becoming an exclusive client of LL Aesthetics, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our Boston office today by calling (781) 629-9008. Let us help you get the youthful look you deserve!