Best Microneedling in Tucson, AZ

Full results

Over several months

Follow-up

Every 4 weeks

Right after

Looks like a sunburn

No makeup

For 24 hours after

What is SkinPen microneedling?

Microneedling uses a device with many fine needles that go into the skin and come back out, over and over, leaving a pattern of tiny puncture holes.

SkinPen® is a motorized microneedling pen made by Crown Aesthetics. Each SkinPen needle cartridge holds 14 stainless steel micro-needles and is sterile and disposable.

In March 2018, the FDA granted SkinPen’s De Novo request and created a new device type with it: the “microneedling device for aesthetic use.” Crown Aesthetics describes SkinPen Precision as the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. Today, SkinPen is cleared for adults 22 and older, to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in all Fitzpatrick skin types (a numbered scale for skin color) and wrinkles of the neck in Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV. It is a prescription device, meant for trained healthcare professionals in a clinical setting.

How does Microneedling work?

Collagen is an essential protein that helps keep the skin looking youthful, with a firm, smooth, and stretchy texture. Aging causes the breakdown and weakening of collagen in the skin, contributing to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Skin can also lose collagen due to injuries, such as acne scarring, stretch marks, or other scars. It is important to realize that microneedling is not a quick fix, as it involves the growth of new skin. It can take several months for a person to see the full results of the procedure.

What happens in your skin

Microneedling is also known as percutaneous collagen induction. The needles make controlled punctures at a set depth, creating tiny channels in the skin. As those punctures heal, your body’s wound healing response forms new collagen and elastin. SkinPen’s labeling describes this remodeling as the process that improves the appearance of acne scars and neck wrinkles.

SkinPen’s depth can be set from 0 to 2.5 mm. Its labeling asks a qualified clinician to assess the thickness of the skin in each area before treating, because nerves and blood vessels run beneath the skin.

How can Microneedling help me?

Microneedling creates thousands of tiny injuries to the skin. This triggers a healing response that releases a cascade of growth factors, which in turn boosts production of the body’s own collagen.

Common Reasons for Microneedling

• Large pores
• Wrinkles
• Scarring
• Acne
• Skin pigmentation issues
• Stretch marks
• Skin rejuvenation

A closer look at these concerns

Microneedling has been used to treat acne scars and other scars, stretch marks, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture. The new collagen and elastin can also decrease the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture.

When acne is the concern, acne scarring is generally treated after the acne itself is under control. SkinPen’s labeling also lists active acne among the conditions it has not been evaluated in.

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What should I know before my appointment?

Before your visit

Drink a lot of water 24hrs before treatment!

Please refrain from wearing makeup the day-of your treatment.

If active breakouts occur in your treatment area, or if you are prone to cold sores, please let us know before your treatment. Avoid prolonged sun exposure 24 hours prior to treatment. Stop taking RetinA or Retinol products 24 hours prior to treatment.

What happens during a SkinPen treatment?

During your visit

Your visit starts with questions about your medical history and treatment goals. Your provider will also look at the area to be treated and may take photos.

If you would like numbing, a topical anesthetic may be applied first. The skin is then cleaned and prepared with an antiseptic.

Next, a thin layer of hydrogel goes on to protect your skin from friction. Your provider selects a needle depth and glides the pen over your skin, creating tiny micro-channels. Afterward, the area may be patted with gauze and covered with more hydrogel so it does not dry out.

Our microneedling prep and aftercare instructions list every step. A few to plan around:

• Tell us if you take a blood thinner, aspirin, or any other medication that makes you bleed easily.
• Allow at least 24 hours after any autoimmune therapy before your treatment.
• Wait 6 months after taking oral isotretinoin (such as Accutane).
• Skip sweaty workouts and gym environments for the first 72 hours after treatment.

What to expect after Microneedling treatments?

After your visit

Immediately after treatment, you will look like you have a sunburn. This is okay!

You’ll want to continue avoiding makeup for 24 hours. As well, avoid Alpha hydroxy, Beta hydroxy, Retinol or RetinA for at least 3 days post-treatment.

Drink lots of water and avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours. Refrain from exercise or strenuous activities for 24 hours.

Use a gentle cleanser for 72 hours and be careful to gently dry treated skin.

Always make sure to wash your hands before touching treated areas.

How does microneedling compare with a chemical peel or Cool Peel?

Microneedling is one of several treatments we offer for skin texture, and the FDA lists lasers and chemical peels among its alternatives. Each one works in a different way:

• Microneedling works mechanically. Fine needles puncture the skin to set off its natural healing response.
• Our VI Chemical Peel uses an acid solution instead of needles. VI Aesthetics says its corrective peels reach through the outer layer of skin into the upper part of the dermis.
• Our Cool Peel laser is a fractional CO₂ laser treatment that targets the superficial layers of damaged skin.

Your provider can go over the benefits and risks of each option with you at your consultation.

Am I a candidate for Microneedling?

The microneedling procedure is safe for all skin colors and types.

Who should not get SkinPen microneedling

SkinPen’s labeling says it should not be used on anyone who:

• Has active skin cancer in the treatment area
• Has open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the treatment area
• Is allergic to stainless steel or anesthetics
• Has a bleeding disorder
• Is pregnant or nursing
• Is currently taking isotretinoin (such as Accutane)

The labeling also lists conditions SkinPen has not been evaluated in, where treatment may not be appropriate. These include active acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, keloid scars, active infections such as cold sores, blood thinners, immunosuppressive therapy, and scars or stretch marks less than a year old. Tell your provider about any of these, and they will review your health history before recommending treatment.