What to expect from SkinPen microneedling

Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for refining texture, softening acne scars, and building long-term firmness — but it asks more of your skin than a HydraFacial. If you are considering a SkinPen session at RAISED, here is an honest look at what the treatment does and what the experience is actually like.

How microneedling works

SkinPen is an FDA-cleared microneedling device that creates thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin. Those micro-injuries trigger your body's natural wound-healing cascade — the same process that repairs a cut, but at a microscopic scale. The result is new collagen and elastin, which gradually rebuild the skin's structure from within.

Because the improvement comes from your own collagen, it develops gradually rather than appearing overnight. That is the trade-off: microneedling takes patience, but the results are structural and lasting rather than surface-level.

Who it is best suited for

Microneedling is particularly effective for acne scarring, enlarged pores, fine lines, and uneven texture. It is not the right choice for active, inflamed acne or open skin — in those cases we start with our acne program first and return to microneedling once the skin is calm.

What the treatment feels like

A topical numbing cream is applied and given time to take effect, so the treatment itself is well tolerated. Most clients describe the sensation as a mild, vibrating pressure rather than sharp pain. Sensitive areas — like the forehead and around the mouth — feel more intense than the cheeks.

• Numbing is applied for 20–30 minutes before treatment
• The SkinPen is passed across the skin in precise, overlapping layers
• Soothing serum is infused into the freshly opened channels
• The full session, including numbing, runs about an hour

The first 48 hours after

Immediately after, the skin looks and feels like a mild sunburn — warm, flushed, and slightly tight. This redness typically lasts 24 to 48 hours, though some clients settle by the next morning and others take a bit longer depending on depth and skin sensitivity. Gentle cleansing, hydration, and SPF are the priority for the first few days.

The days after microneedling matter as much as the treatment itself. Protect the skin, keep it hydrated, and let the collagen do its work.

When results appear

You may notice a brighter, smoother quality to the skin within a week, but the collagen remodeling continues for weeks afterward. For scarring and deeper texture, a series of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is typical — spacing matters because the skin needs recovery time between sessions to rebuild properly.

How it fits into a larger plan

Microneedling pairs well with chemical peels on an alternating schedule, and a consistent home routine extends the work done in the treatment room. As with everything at RAISED, we build the plan around your skin rather than a standard package — and we adjust it as your skin responds.