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By Nikki Rucinsky |

SkinPen® Microneedling

Natural Skin-Remodeling Therapy with a Handheld Device

SkinPen® Microneedling Columbus Ohio

“SkinPen” microneedling is one of the tools we now employ because it’s science-backed, thoughtfully engineered and versatile across many skin concerns.

Our providers continually test, vet and adopt technologies that measurably improve skin health as a dedication to our patients and those seeking better skin health everywhere. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative device can be used as a standalone or in combination with additional aesthetic treatments.

How Does SkinPen Microneedling Work?

SkinPen is designed to create precise, controlled micro-channels in the skin — similar to traditional microneedling treatments. Your body answers with a three-phase repair response:
  1. Inflammation
  2. Proliferation
  3. Remodeling
This natural response stimulates new collagen and elastin, which can refine texture, soften lines and improve the look of certain scars. The device uses no heat or light, contributing to its strong safety profile across skin tones.

SkinPen Microneedling being performed on a Columbus Ohio patient

How Can SkinPen Be Used?

  • Signs of Aging: SkinPen holds an DFA 510(k) clearance to improve the appearance of wrinkles, while improving texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines — especially along the neck.

  • Acne Scarring: SkinPen is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults.

  • Surgical or Body Scars: Microneedling has demonstrated scar-quality improvements in clinical studies; providers may use SkinPen off-label in these scenarios, including to mitigate the appearance of C-section scars.

  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Microneedling can be part of a more comprehensive plan that addresses tone irregularities, often alongside topicals like tranexamic acid and laser treatments.

Closeup of SkinPen microneedling after topical numbing has been applied to the skin

How Many SkinPen Sessions Are Necessary?

Most aesthetic goals require a series. SkinPen microneedling can address mild acne scarring and fine lines in as few as 3 sessions, spaced 30 days apart. Deeper, long-standing scars and fine lines can need more. Microneedling traditionally can effectively address most generalized concerns in 4-6 sessions. Most sessions take about 30 minutes after topical numbing has fully set in.

In our experience, plans typically range 3–9 treatments, before entering the maintenance phase.

Is SkinPen Microneedling Safe?

Yes, SkinPen microneedling is safe when performed by trained professionals and when you’re a good candidate. SkinPen earned FDA De Novo classification as the first microneedling device cleared to improve facial acne scars in adults (22+), and later a 510(k) clearance to improve the appearance of wrinkles of the neck.

What Are the Side Effects?

Common short-term responses include redness, tightness, dryness, and tenderness for 1–3 days. Serious events were not observed in the pivotal data set.

Avoid SkinPen Microneedling If You:

  • Are pregnant or nursing
  • Are on isotretinoin
  • Have active infections or open wounds
  • Have been diagnosed with certain bleeding disorders
  • Are allergic to nickel or anesthetic

Can SkinPen Be Used On All Skin Tones?

Yes. Because SkinPen uses mechanical micro-injury (no heat/light), it is considered safe across Fitzpatrick I–VI when proper technique and aftercare are employed. The device’s FDA review included higher Fitzpatrick types, and dermatology literature supports a favorable safety profile in skin of color compared to many energy-based procedures.

Women patients of various skin tones and types who are candidates for SkinPen Microneedling

SkinPen Microneedling vs. “Traditional” microneedling

Microneedling (as we’ve come to know it) uses a manual device to create a smaller number of micro-injuries per minute but can insert needles at an angle and with variable force. Motorized pens like SkinPen deliver perpendicular, depth-controlled channels at high speed for consistency across large areas.

Both approaches can be effective. The best choice depends on your skin, goals and provider technique.

Do Donaldson Providers Recommend SkinPen Microneedling?

We do recommend SkinPen treatments when it’s the right fit for your goals. It also pairs especially well with other professional skin-health strategies. Here’s how we use it at our practice:

SkinPen + Superficial Chemical Peels

Texture (SkinPen) + tone/brightness (gentle peel) can complement one another. Trials also show that combining microneedling with superficial acids can enhance acne-scar outcomes vs microneedling alone; timing and peel choice are personalized.

SkinPen + Ariessence/PDGF

This combination of SkinPen microneedling and advanced growth factor rejuvenation is often used post-procedure or between sessions to support barrier recovery and visible radiance. Important: SkinPen’s FDA classification explicitly does not include transdermal delivery of drugs and/or biologics; our team selects medical-grade topicals and applies them in a manner consistent with device labeling.

SkinPen + BBL (BroadBand Light) + Growth Factor Topicals

BBL laser therapy addresses redness and sun-related pigment, while SkinPen refines texture and scars. Many patients benefit from staged plans (sequenced weeks apart) so skin can fully recover between each session. Your provider will curate the order and intervals based on your comfort and how your body responds to the treatments.

Claire Hinkle, PA-C, performing BBL Hero treatments in our Dublin Ohio office

Additional Benefits of SkinPen Our Providers Value:

  • Precise & Consistent: SkinPen contains a 14-needle sterile cartridge allowing for about 1,600 micro-channels/second with an emphasis on consistent needle geometry and retraction.

  • Effective Depth Range: Up to 2.5 mm maximum penetration (with neck wrinkle indication); providers select depth based on anatomy and goals.

  • Reciprocating Mechanism: Delivers even insertion/retraction for uniform channels, supporting effective treatment with less unnecessary irritation.

  • Efficient Treatments: The device makes an estimated 3 million micro-channels in a 30-minute session (area-dependent).

  • Cordless & Lightweight: The device is easy to maneuver in the treatment room, allowing providers to target scarring and fine lines more effectively.

About The Author

Nikki Rucinsky, LME is a senior medical aesthetician at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. She specializes in providing advanced spa facials, chemical peels and customized acne-focused care. Nikki takes an education-forward approach to her craft by working one-on-one with patients and helping them understand the “why” behind the medical and pharmaceutical-grade skincare products that make up their routine.

Nikki Rucinsky, LME author photo

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