If you’re considering microneedling, you probably have questions about how many treatments you need, how often treatments should be performed, when you’ll see results, and whether SkinPen is right for your skin concerns.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions we hear about microneedling and SkinPen at Coastal Wellness MD.
How many microneedling sessions do you need to see results?
Many patients begin to notice improvement after their first microneedling treatment, but a series of approximately three treatments is often a reasonable starting point for more noticeable and consistent results.
The number of treatments you ultimately need depends on what you are treating. Acne scars, for example, may require more sessions than someone who is primarily looking to improve overall skin texture.
Your treatment plan should be based on your skin, the severity of your concerns, your goals, and how your skin responds to treatment.
Is 3 microneedling sessions enough?
For many patients, three sessions can provide meaningful improvement in skin texture and overall appearance. However, three treatments should not be viewed as a guarantee or a maximum.
In the clinical study supporting SkinPen for facial acne scars, patients received three treatments approximately 30 days apart, on day 1, day 30, and day 60, with follow-up continuing after the treatment series.
At six months after treatment, 55% (11 of 20) of subjects showed improvement on the clinician-rated Acne Scar Assessment Scale compared with baseline.
Some patients may benefit from additional treatments depending on the severity and type of their scarring, their individual response, and their treatment goals.
How often should you get microneedling?
Microneedling treatments are generally spaced out rather than performed back-to-back. A common approach is to allow several weeks between treatments so the skin has time to recover and the remodeling process can occur.
The SkinPen acne-scar clinical study used approximately 30-day intervals between the three treatment sessions.
Your ideal treatment interval may be different depending on the area being treated, treatment intensity, skin condition, and how your skin heals.
How long does it take to see SkinPen results?
Some patients notice early improvement in skin texture or overall appearance after the initial healing period. However, changes associated with microneedling develop gradually.
SkinPen creates controlled microscopic punctures in the skin. As these micro-injuries heal, the skin undergoes a remodeling process that can gradually improve the appearance of treated concerns.
Because this process takes time, results should be evaluated over the weeks and months following treatment rather than immediately after the procedure.
Does SkinPen really work for acne scars?
SkinPen is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults aged 22 and older.
Its clinical study included adults across different Fitzpatrick skin types and evaluated improvement in the appearance of acne scars after a series of treatments.
However, acne scars are not all the same. The type, depth, severity, and location of a scar can affect how well it responds to microneedling.
Some patients may also benefit from a broader treatment plan that addresses different types of acne scarring.
Can one microneedling treatment make a difference?
Yes. Some patients notice improvement in skin texture and overall appearance after one treatment.
However, if your goal is to address acne scarring, more significant textural concerns, or progressive skin rejuvenation, we generally recommend thinking about microneedling as a series rather than relying on a single treatment.
Your provider can help determine whether one treatment or a series makes the most sense for your goals.
How many SkinPen treatments are needed for acne scars?
There is no universal number of SkinPen treatments that every patient needs.
A series of three SkinPen treatments is supported by the device’s clinical study protocol for facial acne scars, which used treatments approximately one month apart.
Patients with more extensive or deeper acne scarring may benefit from additional treatments, while others may require a combination of procedures to address different scar types.
The appropriate treatment plan should be determined after evaluating your individual skin and scarring.
Does microneedling permanently remove acne scars?
No. We would not describe microneedling as permanently removing acne scars.
The goal of treatment is to improve the appearance and texture of scars through controlled skin remodeling. The degree of improvement varies from person to person.
In SkinPen’s clinical study, 55% (11 of 20) of subjects showed improvement on the clinician-rated Acne Scar Assessment Scale at six months compared with baseline.
It is important to approach acne-scar treatment with realistic expectations. Improvement is possible, but complete scar removal should not be promised.
How long should you wait between SkinPen treatments?
The appropriate interval depends on the treatment area, your skin, and your individual healing response.
In the SkinPen clinical acne-scar study, treatments were performed on day 1, day 30, and day 60.
For that reason, treatments should not simply be scheduled closer together in an attempt to accelerate results. Your skin needs appropriate time to heal and undergo the remodeling process between sessions.
What is the difference between regular microneedling and SkinPen?
SkinPen is a specific FDA-cleared microneedling system. It uses a motorized device with sterile, disposable needle cartridges to create controlled microscopic punctures in the skin.
Not every device marketed as a “microneedling pen” is SkinPen.
The device itself is also only one part of treatment. Appropriate patient selection, sterile technique, treatment settings, provider training, and medical evaluation all contribute to a safe and appropriate treatment plan.
Can SkinPen be used on different skin types?
For facial acne scars, SkinPen is FDA-cleared for adults aged 22 and older across all Fitzpatrick skin types.
However, this does not mean that every person is automatically a candidate for treatment.
Certain medical conditions, medications, or active skin concerns may make treatment inappropriate or require additional consideration.
SkinPen’s patient labeling lists situations in which the system should not be used, including active skin cancer in the treatment area, open wounds or irritated skin, certain bleeding disorders, pregnancy or nursing, current isotretinoin use, and certain allergies related to treatment materials or anesthetics.
A medical evaluation before treatment is important to determine whether microneedling is appropriate for you.
Can SkinPen be used on the neck?
Yes. SkinPen is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of wrinkles on the neck in adults aged 22 and older with Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV.
The skin of the neck differs from the face, so treatment should be individualized based on the treatment area, skin characteristics, and patient goals rather than simply using the same approach everywhere.
What should I expect after a SkinPen treatment?
After treatment, you may experience temporary redness, warmth, tightness, tenderness, dryness, or mild swelling as the skin begins to heal.
Your provider will give you specific post-treatment instructions, including guidance on skincare, sun exposure, and when to resume your normal products and activities.
More irritation does not necessarily mean a better result. The goal of microneedling is controlled treatment while allowing the skin to heal appropriately.
Following your aftercare instructions is an important part of the treatment process.
Can microneedling be combined with other treatments?
Microneedling may be incorporated into a broader skin-rejuvenation or acne-scar treatment plan depending on the individual patient.
However, not every patient needs additional procedures or add-ons.
The right approach depends on what you are actually trying to improve, whether that is acne scarring, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, or overall skin quality.
It is also important to distinguish between combining procedures as part of an overall treatment plan and using microneedling to deliver products into the skin. SkinPen is not intended for the transdermal delivery of cosmetics, drugs, or biologics.
A consultation can help determine which treatments are appropriate for your individual concerns and how they should be scheduled.
How long do microneedling results last?
Microneedling does not stop the natural aging process, so results should not be considered permanent.
Your skin continues to age and experience environmental exposure after treatment. Sun exposure, skincare habits, genetics, age, and lifestyle can all influence how your skin changes over time.
Some patients choose periodic maintenance treatments after completing their initial series, while others return when they feel they would benefit from additional improvement.
Consistent skincare and sun protection can also play an important role in maintaining overall skin quality.
Is SkinPen worth it?
For the right patient, SkinPen can be a useful minimally invasive option for improving the appearance of facial acne scars and other concerns within its cleared indications.
However, we do not recommend choosing a treatment simply because it is popular.
The better question is:
Is microneedling the right treatment for your specific skin concern?
The answer depends on your skin, your goals, your medical history, and what you are trying to improve.
That is what we evaluate during a consultation at Coastal Wellness MD.
Where can I get SkinPen microneedling in Newport Beach?
At Coastal Wellness MD, we offer SkinPen microneedling as part of our physician-led approach to skin rejuvenation in the Newport Beach area.
During your consultation, our team can evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and determine whether SkinPen microneedling is appropriate for you.
If microneedling is recommended, we can also discuss how many treatments may make sense, how they should be spaced, and whether other treatments should be considered as part of your overall plan.
Our goal isn’t to sell you the most treatments. It’s to create the right treatment plan for your skin.
Schedule a SkinPen Consultation in Newport Beach
If you’re considering SkinPen microneedling for acne scars, skin texture, or other skin concerns, the first step is determining whether the treatment is appropriate for your skin.
Contact Coastal Wellness MD to schedule a consultation with our team in Newport Beach and learn more about your personalized treatment options.
Individual results vary. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace an individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations, eligibility, number of sessions, and expected outcomes vary based on the patient and treatment indication.