If you’ve spent any time on skincare TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen someone rolling a little pen-shaped device across their face and swearing by the results. That’s microneedling, and it’s become one of the most talked-about treatments in cosmetic dermatology – for good reason. It’s quick, it works with your skin instead of against it, and unlike a lot of trending treatments, this one actually has FDA clearance behind it.
Here at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Twinsburg, we offer microneedling using SkinPen® by Bellus Medical – the first microneedling device in the world cleared by the FDA. So we figured it was time to break down what it is, how it works, and whether it’s worth adding to your routine.
What Is Microneedling, Really?
Microneedling is a treatment that uses very fine, sterile needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in the top layer of your skin. That might sound counterintuitive – why would poking your skin make it look better? – but those micro-injuries are the whole point.
Your skin’s natural response to injury is to heal itself, and part of that healing process involves producing more collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth, and bouncy. Microneedling essentially tricks your skin into kicking that repair process into gear, without the actual damage a cut or burn would cause. You get the rebuilding benefits without any real trauma to work through.
SkinPen does this in a controlled, consistent way, which is a big part of why it’s the standard we use. The depth and pattern of the needles are precise, so you’re getting a treatment that’s been clinically shown to be both safe and effective – not something improvised with a drugstore roller.
What Can It Treat?
SkinPen is FDA-cleared specifically for treating facial acne scars in patients 22 and older. That’s the headline use, and it’s a big deal, because acne scarring is notoriously hard to treat and a lot of patients have tried creams and peels that just don’t touch it.
Beyond scarring, patients also come to us for microneedling to help with:
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
- Uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Overall dullness and loss of tone
It’s not a treatment that erases every skin concern overnight, and we won’t tell you it is. But for scar remodeling and general texture improvement, it’s one of the more reliably effective tools we have.
What Actually Happens During Treatment
A microneedling session is faster and easier than most people expect. We’ll cleanse the skin and apply a topical numbing cream first, so you’re comfortable throughout. Then the SkinPen device passes over the treatment area, creating those micro-injuries at a controlled depth.
Most sessions take somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Afterward, your skin will look a bit flushed – kind of like a mild sunburn – and it may feel warm or tight for a day or so. That typically settles down within 24 to 48 hours, which means downtime is minimal compared to more aggressive resurfacing procedures.
How Many Treatments Do You Need?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you’re treating. For acne scarring specifically, SkinPen has been shown to be effective with as few as three treatments, spaced about 30 days apart. That spacing matters – it gives your skin time to actually go through the full collagen-building process before the next round.
Some patients see improvement after their first session, but the real results build over the full course of treatments, and they continue to improve for weeks after your last appointment as collagen production keeps working in the background.
Is Microneedling Safe?
Yes, when it’s done by trained professionals with a device that’s actually been through FDA clearance. That’s an important distinction, because not every “microneedling” tool on the market – including a lot of at-home rollers – has been tested or regulated the same way. SkinPen has clinical data behind it specifically for safety and effectiveness, which is why we chose to offer it.
As with any in-office procedure, there are some patients who aren’t good candidates – active acne breakouts, certain skin conditions, or being under 22, since the FDA clearance specifically applies to ages 22 and up. That’s exactly the kind of thing we’ll go over with you at your consultation, so you’re getting a plan that actually fits your skin. You can read more about the FDA’s guidance on microneedling devices here.
Why See a Dermatologist for This Instead of a Spa or an At-Home Device
Microneedling has gotten popular enough that you can find it almost everywhere – med spas, salons, even drugstore shelves. But there’s a real difference between a treatment performed under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist and one done somewhere else.
Dr. Monique S. Cohn and our team don’t just run the device and send you home. We’re looking at your skin as a whole – what’s causing the scarring or texture issue in the first place, whether microneedling is even the right tool for your specific concern, and how it fits alongside anything else going on with your skin. That’s the kind of individualized care we build every treatment plan around, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Ready to Talk About It?
If acne scarring, texture, or fine lines have been bothering you, microneedling might be worth a conversation. Give us a call at 330.425.7600 and ask about SkinPen, or schedule an appointment online at our Twinsburg office. We’re open six days a week with same-day appointments available, so getting started is easier than you’d think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients describe it as mild discomfort rather than pain. We apply a topical numbing cream beforehand, so the sensation is generally well tolerated.
Since microneedling works by stimulating your skin’s own collagen production, results tend to build gradually and can last several months to a year, depending on your skin and how well you maintain it afterward with good skincare and sun protection.
Yes — this is actually the primary FDA-cleared use for SkinPen. It’s specifically shown to safely and effectively treat facial acne scars in patients 22 and older.
Minimal. Expect redness similar to a sunburn for a day or two. Most patients are comfortable returning to normal activities the next day, though we recommend avoiding direct sun exposure while your skin heals.
SkinPen is the first microneedling device cleared by the FDA, which means it’s been through a level of safety and effectiveness testing that a lot of other devices – including at-home rollers – simply haven’t.
