SkinPen Microneedling
Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco offers SkinPen microneedling in downtown San Francisco. If you are looking for a minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of acne scars or neck wrinkles, this page explains what SkinPen is, how it works, and what to expect from treatment with our team.
What Is SkinPen Microneedling?
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared microneedling device that uses fine, sterile needles to create tiny micro-channels in the skin. These controlled micro-injuries trigger your body’s own healing response, prompting it to produce fresh collagen and elastin.
As your skin repairs itself, it gradually rebuilds a stronger, healthier structure. Over time, this natural remodeling process can improve the appearance of acne scars and soften the look of wrinkles on the neck.
SkinPen does not use heat, lasers, or chemicals. Because it works with your skin’s own repair process rather than an external energy source, it is considered a gentler option for patients who want visible improvement without a more aggressive procedure.
What Can SkinPen Treat?
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, SkinPen microneedling is used to improve the appearance of:
- Facial acne scars
- Wrinkles on the neck
Because SkinPen prompts your skin to rebuild from within, results develop gradually as your body produces new collagen, rather than through an immediate cosmetic change.
Why Do Patients Choose SkinPen?
Patients often look for options that fit into a busy schedule and do not require an extended recovery. SkinPen offers a way to address acne scarring or neck wrinkles without surgery or a significant break from normal activities.
Reasons our patients choose SkinPen include:
- It is minimally invasive, with little to no downtime.
- It does not rely on heat or chemicals, working instead with the skin’s natural healing process.
- Treatment sessions are quick, typically around 30 minutes.
- It is an FDA-cleared option specifically for improving the appearance of facial acne scars and neck wrinkles.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SkinPen?
SkinPen may be a good option for patients who are bothered by the appearance of acne scars on the face or wrinkles on the neck and are looking for a minimally invasive treatment.
A thorough evaluation and discussion of your goals and medical history will help determine whether SkinPen is the right choice for you. During your consultation, we will review your skin and talk through whether SkinPen, or another treatment we offer, best fits your particular concern.
What Should You Expect During Your SkinPen Treatment?
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, our team cleanses the treatment area and applies a topical numbing cream before your session begins, allowing time for it to take effect and help minimize discomfort.
Once your skin is numb, your provider gently passes the SkinPen device over the treatment area. The device creates tiny, controlled micro-channels in the skin. Most patients feel light pressure or a mild buzzing sensation during treatment. A typical session takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
What Is Recovery and Aftercare Like?
Following your SkinPen treatment, it is common to notice redness in the treated area, similar to a mild sunburn. Some patients also experience temporary dryness, tightness, or light peeling as the skin heals.
These effects are a normal part of the healing process and typically subside within 24 to 72 hours. Makeup and sunscreen can generally be applied about 24 hours after treatment.
What Results Can You Expect?
SkinPen works with your body’s own collagen production, so results build gradually rather than appearing right away. Some patients notice an improvement in their skin after a single treatment, though optimal results are typically seen after a series of treatments.
Ongoing improvement in the appearance of acne scars and neck wrinkles can continue for several months after your last session, as your skin continues to remodel. During your consultation, we will talk with you about a treatment plan and realistic timeline based on your specific skin and goals.
Why Choose Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco for SkinPen?
Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco has served San Francisco patients from our Post Street office for well over a century. Our board-certified dermatologists bring together decades of combined training, including academic appointments at UCSF, and take a collaborative approach to patient care, often reviewing individual cases together to arrive at the best recommendation.
We are thoughtful about the treatments we add to our practice. Before offering any new device or technique, including SkinPen, we make sure it meets our standards for safety and effectiveness, and that our team receives the training needed to deliver consistent, well-supervised results. To learn more about our team, visit our Meet the Doctors page, or browse our full range of cosmetic dermatology services.
How Do You Schedule Your SkinPen Consultation in San Francisco?
If you are curious whether SkinPen microneedling is right for you, the next step is a consultation with our team. We will review your skin, discuss your goals, and help you decide whether SkinPen or another treatment is the best match.
Call Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco at 415-362-2238 or visit our Contact Us page to reach our San Francisco office. Our team is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and we look forward to helping you learn more about SkinPen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SkinPen the same as other microneedling devices?
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared microneedling system. It is specifically cleared to improve the appearance of facial acne scars and neck wrinkles.
Does SkinPen hurt?
We apply a numbing cream before treatment to help minimize discomfort. Most patients describe feeling light pressure or a mild buzzing sensation during the session.
Is there any downtime after SkinPen?
SkinPen is considered minimally invasive, with little to no downtime. Some patients notice temporary redness, dryness, or light peeling that generally resolves within 24 to 72 hours.
When will I see results from SkinPen?
Results build gradually as your skin produces new collagen. Some patients notice improvement after a single treatment, though optimal results are typically seen with a series of sessions.
How many SkinPen treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on your specific goals and the concern being treated. We will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your skin during your consultation.
Can I wear makeup after SkinPen treatment?
Makeup and sunscreen can generally be applied about 24 hours after your session, once any initial redness begins to subside.
Who performs SkinPen treatments at Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco?
SkinPen treatments at our office are performed by our clinical team under the supervision of our board-certified dermatologists.
