Microneedling has become one of the most popular non-surgical skin improvement treatments available—and SkinPen is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device on the market, making it the gold standard in the category. At Dr. B. Maya Kato’s Palm Desert practice, SkinPen microneedling is offered as a versatile, evidence-based treatment for a range of skin concerns, from acne scarring and fine lines to overall skin texture and tone improvement.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device containing multiple fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface. These tiny punctures trigger the skin’s natural wound healing cascade—stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, accelerating cellular turnover, and improving the overall architecture and quality of the dermal tissue.
The concept sounds counterintuitive—creating tiny injuries to improve the skin—but the principle is well established in dermatology and cosmetic medicine. The micro-injuries are superficial and heal rapidly, but they initiate a meaningful biological response that produces lasting improvements in skin quality.
What Is SkinPen Specifically?
SkinPen by Bellus Medical is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device in the United States. Its FDA clearance for the improvement of acne scars is based on clinical studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy. SkinPen’s proprietary design features:
- A sterile, single-use disposable tip—ensuring consistent, hygienic treatment
- Adjustable needle depth—from 0.25 mm for surface texture improvement to 2.5 mm for deeper scar treatment
- Precise, controlled needle penetration—ensuring consistent results across the treatment area
What Conditions Does SkinPen Treat?
Acne Scars
Acne scarring is the condition with the strongest clinical evidence base for microneedling. Atrophic (depressed) acne scars—including rolling, boxcar, and icepick scars—respond well to SkinPen treatment. The collagen remodeling stimulated by microneedling fills and smooths the depressed scar tissue over a series of treatments.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
By stimulating collagen production in the dermis, SkinPen improves the depth and visibility of fine surface lines—particularly fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
Skin Texture and Tone
Overall skin texture irregularities—including enlarged pores, rough or uneven texture, and dull, tired-looking skin—improve with SkinPen treatment as cellular turnover increases and new collagen is produced.
Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage
Microneedling can help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and certain forms of sun-related pigmentation by accelerating the turnover of pigmented cells. For more significant pigmentation concerns, SkinPen is often combined with brightening serums or other targeted treatments.
Stretch Marks
SkinPen has been used effectively for stretch mark improvement on the abdomen, thighs, and other areas—stimulating collagen remodeling within the stretch mark tissue.
The SkinPen Treatment Experience
Before the treatment, a topical numbing cream is applied to maximize comfort—typically left on for 20 to 30 minutes. The SkinPen handpiece is then moved systematically across the treatment area. Most patients describe the sensation as a light scratching or vibrating feeling with minimal discomfort after numbing. A full face treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.
After treatment, the skin appears red and slightly flushed—similar to a mild sunburn. This typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Makeup can usually be applied the day after treatment.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Most patients achieve their best results with a series of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. For acne scarring, four to six sessions are typically recommended. For general texture improvement, three to four sessions often produce meaningful results. Maintenance treatments every six to twelve months help sustain and build on results over time.
To schedule a SkinPen microneedling consultation with Dr. Kato, contact her Palm Desert practice today.
Dr. Kato provides SkinPen microneedling to patients in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and throughout the Coachella Valley. Book your appointment today.