The SkinPen® treatment creates thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin to trigger the body’s natural wound healing process. The result is skin remodeling, which results in new, healthy collagen. Like all collagen remodeling treatments, full results may not be visible for six months, but many patients report skin appearing smoother and rejuvenated within a few short weeks.

Prior to treatment, the skin is thoroughly cleaned, and a topical numbing cream is applied to the skin for 30-45 minutes to allow for a comfortable treatment. Once the numbing cream is removed, the SkinPen® device is rolled over the skin in multiple directions to ensure full coverage. Additional passes may be performed for targeting of deeper lines, scars, or other concerns. Further customization is made with the needle depth due to varying skin thickness and needs. Treatment has very mild post-procedure effects – a mild sunburn sensation typically resolves within one hour, and redness typically dissipates within 1-2 days.

You should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen 7-10 days prior to the treatment to minimize the risk of bruising. If you are taking aspirin under the direction of a physician, please do not discontinue the medication. Contact our office for further instructions.

You should also avoid supplements including ginkgo biloba, garlic, cod liver oil, coQ10, flax oil, fish oil, vitamin E, St. John’s wort, as well as other omega supplements.

You should let us know if you are taking any blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin®, Plavix®, Xarelto®, Lovenox®, Eliquis®, etc) but do not stop these medications. If you are taking Coumadin and regularly get your INR checked, please report any abnormalities to us prior to your appointment.

Discontinue retinoids (such as Retin-A®), benzoyl peroxide, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, depilatory creams, and other potential irritating ingredients three days before treatment. Avoid laser and light-based treatments, electrolysis, waxing, laser hair reduction, neuromodulator treatment, filler and other injections in treatment area. If instructed, follow specific skin prepping guidelines for indicated time frame to minimize risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If instructed, take prescribed medication(s) to help prevent cold sores and/or infection.

If you develop an infection, rash, or cold sore prior to your appointment, please call the office to speak with our medical staff.

You should avoid alcohol consumption for 2 days prior to treatment as alcohol consumption can increase the risk of bruising.

SkinPen® treatment has very mild post-procedure effects – a mild sunburn sensation which  typically resolves within one hour, and redness typically dissipates within 1-2 days.

As with most collagen remodeling treatments, full results may not be visible for six months, but many patients report skin appearing smoother and rejuvenated within a few short weeks. For optimal results, a series of three treatments repeated every 4-6 weeks is recommended. And due to the natural aging of the skin, it is recommended that the series of three treatments is repeated yearly for maintenance.

Additional skin rejuvenation can be achieved when using Defenage® 8-in-1 Bio Serum after SkinPen® treatment.  Studies have demonstrated that the natural growth factors in Defenage® 8-in-1 Bio Serum used after SkinPen® can provide more benefit than SkinPen® with PRP (platelet rich plasma).  The growth factors in Defenage® 8-in-1 Bio Serum can signal a greater wound healing response than SkinPen® alone or SkinPen® with PRP, allowing for more substantial dermal growth.

You should not have SkinPen® treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The procedure should also not be performed if you have open cuts, wounds, abrasions or are currently experiencing cold sore breakouts or significant acne breakouts.

If you are currently taking isotretinoin or have recently completed a course of isotretinoin, you should wait six months before receiving SkinPen® treatment.