For profound skin improvement without downtime, Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics is proud to offer our patients in Minnesota SkinPen® microneedling. This quick procedure is an alternative or complement to our extensive range of laser skin treatments.
WHAT IS SKINPEN® MICRONEEDLING?
SkinPen microneedling is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure designed to improve your skin’s appearance and health. This innovative treatment uses ultra-fine needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in your skin, triggering your body’s natural healing response and the release of growth factors. As a result, you’ll experience increased collagen and elastin production that leads to smoother, firmer and more youthful skin.
One of the key advantages of SkinPen microneedling is its minimal downtime compared to more invasive procedures, allowing you to return to your daily activities quickly. Additionally, this versatile treatment is safe for all skin types and tones, making it an excellent option for a wide range of patients.
HOW DOES SKINPEN® MICRONEEDLING WORK?
The SkinPen device utilizes advanced technology to deliver precise, controlled micro-injuries to your skin. These tiny punctures stimulate your skin’s natural regenerative processes, promoting the growth of new, healthy tissue.
The procedure works on multiple levels:
- Collagen induction: By creating micro-injuries, SkinPen triggers your body to produce more collagen, the protein responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity.
- Enhanced product absorption: The micro-channels allow for better penetration of topical skincare products, maximizing their effectiveness.
- Scar tissue breakdown: The needling process helps break down existing scar tissue, promoting smoother skin texture.
- Cell turnover: The treatment accelerates your skin’s natural cell turnover process, revealing fresher, younger-looking skin
WHAT SKIN CONCERNS CAN MICRONEEDLING ADDRESS?
SkinPen microneedling is a versatile treatment that can address a wide range of mild to moderate skin concerns, including:
- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin texture
- Large pores
- Hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots
- Stretch marks
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH SKINPEN® MICRONEEDLING?
A SkinPen microneedling treatment can be performed on almost all areas of the body that could use a boost of collagen and elastin, with the face, neck and decollete being the most common treatment areas. Patients concerned about stretch marks on the abdomen and thighs can also benefit from a series of microneedling treatments. Other areas of the body that SkinPen microneedling can treat include the hands, buttocks and chest. The SkinPen device offers customizable treatment depth, enabling us to tailor the procedure to your skin concerns and the area being treated.
If you do not see your particular skin concern or area of the body listed, please schedule a consultation by contacting us at 952-460-1970 or visiting our appointment request page. Our team would be happy to discuss treatment options to address your specific needs
The SkinPen® Microneedling Procedure
Before Your Treatment
Prior to your SkinPen microneedling session, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Leslie Smith or one of our other aesthetic specialists. They’ll assess your skin concerns, discuss your goals and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
During Your SkinPen® Session
On the day of your treatment, here’s what you can expect:
- Cleansing: Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any makeup, oils or debris.
- Numbing: A topical numbing cream will be applied to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
- Treatment: Once your skin is numb, Dr. Smith or one of our skilled aestheticians will use the SkinPen device to create thousands of microscopic channels in the treatment area.
- Serum application: After the microneedling is complete, a specialized serum may be applied to further enhance your results.
The entire procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your treatment area.
SkinPen® Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Depending on the depth of the needles used, there may be some pinpoint bleeding immediately after your procedure, which is completely normal. The treated area may also feel dry and tight right after microneedling. These side effects usually subside within 24 hours. There will be slight redness for two to four days following your treatment, and the area may feel tender, like it has a mild sunburn. Depending on the intensity of your treatment, some skin flaking or peeling can be expected. This is typically short-lived and should subside within a few days.
Your team at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, which may include:
- Avoiding the gym, swimming and anything that will make you sweat for at least 24 hours post-treatment
- Using gentle, non-irritating skincare products
- Staying hydrated to support your skin’s healing process
- Avoiding sun exposure for several days
- Applying a high-quality SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
The Importance of Sun Protection After Microneedling
You must wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 following your microneedling treatment and for several weeks afterward, especially if you are completing a series of microneedling sessions. Skin cell renewal and new collagen production take several weeks to take maximum effect and show visible results. During this time, it is critical to protect your skin from UV damage that can hinder your microneedling results.
SkinPen® Microneedling Results
When Will I See Results From a Microneedling Treatment?
Most patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin following a SkinPen microneedling treatment. Once any peeling and redness have subsided, you will be able to see a firmer, plumper and more radiant complexion. However, the real magic happens over the following weeks as your body produces new collagen and elastin. You can expect to see continued improvement in your skin’s texture, tone and overall appearance for up to six months post-treatment.
Are the Results From Microneedling Permanent?
The results from microneedling are long lasting, but your skin will continue to age and be affected by the environment. You may need more than one microneedling session initially to meet your goals, and you may require regular maintenance treatments to sustain your results indefinitely. A maintenance schedule can be established based on the severity of your skin concerns and your overall goals.
Ready to Transform Your Skin With SkinPen® Microneedling?
If you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin, reduce signs of aging and improve your skin texture and tone, SkinPen microneedling could be the perfect solution. This innovative treatment offers impressive results with minimal downtime, making it an excellent choice for those with busy lifestyles.
Experience the difference SkinPen microneedling can make by booking a treatment at our Minneapolis aesthetic practice. Call 952-460-1970 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions About SkinPen®
How Many Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?
While most patients see an initial improvement in skin clarity, texture and tone following their microneedling treatment, the best and most dramatic results will be seen after a series of microneedling sessions. Our patients love the fact that microneedling treatments build on the results of previous sessions, allowing you to enjoy beautiful skin all year round.
The number of treatments required varies depending on your individual skin concerns and goals. Generally, a series of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is recommended for optimal results. For patients with deeper wrinkles and more severe skin concerns, more treatments may be needed. For maintenance, many patients choose to have touch-up treatments every six to 12 months.
During your consultation at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, one of our clinicians will be able to assess your skin concerns and design a treatment plan that is right for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SkinPen® Microneedling?
SkinPen microneedling is suitable for all skin types and can be an excellent option if you’re looking to improve your skin’s texture, tone and overall appearance without significant downtime. It is a great treatment for younger patients who wish to slow down future signs of aging by increasing collagen production early on. Microneedling is also suitable for older patients who wish to treat existing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles poor texture and loss of skin elasticity.
Who Is Not a Candidate for Microneedling?
While SkinPen can treat a variety of patients, it is not appropriate for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active acne or skin infections
- Have diabetes
- Have certain skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
- Are taking blood thinners, isotretinoin or have a bleeding disorder
- Have a history of keloid scarring
A consultation with one of our experienced practitioners can help determine if SkinPen microneedling will be a safe and effective treatment for you.
Can Microneedling Be Performed on All Skin Tones?
Yes! Unlike laser treatments that usually have contraindications for darker skin tones, microneedling has proven to be safe and effective for all skin types. As no heat from a laser is delivered to the skin during the treatment, there is no risk of collagen coagulation, hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation.
Does SkinPen® Microneedling Hurt?
Before your microneedling treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied and allowed to absorb, making the treatment relatively painless. Depending on the depth of the needles used, there may be slight discomfort, but the entire treatment is easily tolerated by most patients.
Can I Resume My Normal Skincare Routine After Microneedling?
Your skin will be delicate in the days immediately following your microneedling treatment. It’s recommended to avoid any makeup and harsh skincare products, such as those containing retinoids and chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, for one to three days post-treatment.
After your microneedling treatment is over, your clinician will advise you on a skincare routine to follow for optimal results. They will also go over any other aftercare instructions and be happy to answer any questions you may have so you’ll understand how to care for your skin.
Does Microneedling Leave Scars?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive nonsurgical treatment that does not leave scars. While the treatment does use needles, the needles are very tiny because only small injuries are needed to trigger a healing response. Any pinprick marks that result will fade away within a few days.
Is SkinPen® Microneedling Similar to Dermal Rollers?
Unlike at-home treatments such as the popular dermal roller, each SkinPen treatment uses a disposable tip containing extremely fine, surgical-grade needles, reducing the likelihood of contamination and infection. The device is also capable of much more consistent delivery of vertical needle penetration into the skin. This consistency stands in contrast to dermal rollers, which drag across the skin and result in tearing wounds and uneven treatment.
A medical-grade microneedling treatment at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics can also deliver more collagen-boosting results, as our device is fully adjustable and can be customized for your skin condition and needs.
Can I Combine Exosome Therapy With SkinPen® Treatment?
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, we offer exosomes as an add-on treatment to microneedling. We can apply our exosome products to your skin after SkinPen microneedling to significantly enhance your treatment results and speed your recovery.
Exosomes send signals to your cells that prompt them to repair aged and damaged tissue in the target area. Our exosome products also contain powerful growth factors, peptides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and coenzymes. These materials work together with the exosomes to encourage regenerative activity in your cells.
Why Choose SkinPen® Over Other Microneedling Devices?
SkinPen is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, setting it apart from many other options on the market. Here’s why SkinPen is a top choice for microneedling treatments:
- Precision: SkinPen’s advanced technology allows for precise depth control and consistent needle penetration.
- Safety: The device uses sterile, single-use needle cartridges to minimize the risk of infection.
- Versatility: SkinPen can be used on various areas of the face and body.
- Comfort: The device’s design and precision make the treatment more comfortable compared to many other microneedling options.
- Proven Results: Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of SkinPen for improving skin texture and appearance.
Is SkinPen® Microneedling or Morpheus8 Better?
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Minneapolis, we offer microneedling with SkinPen and Morpheus8, two cutting-edge devices that promote the appearance of healthier, clearer skin with microneedling technology. Both SkinPen and Morpheus8 work by creating thousands of tiny micro-wounds within the skin to induce collagen production and skin cell renewal. We love both these devices for different reasons.
Morpheus8 takes microneedling one step further with the inclusion of radiofrequency energy. Building upon traditional microneedling treatments like SkinPen, the Morpheus8 device simultaneously releases radiofrequency energy while the needles penetrate to gently heat the skin. Morpheus8 goes deeper than other microneedling devices, penetrating the subdermal tissue up to 7 mm. Combining heat with microneedling allows for greater results and increased collagen production than when microneedling is performed alone. This makes Morpheus8 microneedling a powerful treatment option for patients who have more severe skin concerns.
For patients with mild to moderate skin concerns such as those listed above, a SkinPen microneedling treatment may be sufficient. However, for more severe skin concerns that respond best to deeper penetration within the skin tissue, we may recommend Morpheus8.
Additionally, the Morpheus8 system has benefits that extend all over the body. At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, we offer Morpheus8 for cellulite removal, a treatment that can specifically treat cellulite on areas of the body that are more difficult to target, such as the thighs, buttocks and legs.
Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling can help with the following skin concerns on all areas of the body:
- Cellulite
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin laxity
- Acne scarring and other types of scarring
- Stretch marks
If you have questions or concerns about which of these treatments is right for you, one of the aesthetic professionals at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics can help you determine whether SkinPen or Morpheus8 is best suited for your skin concerns and overall goals.