SkinPen® microneedling, Omaha Nebraska

Overview

Schlessinger MD has added SkinPen® microneedling to their treatments for fine lines, uneven skin texture, melasma, and acne scars. At Schlessinger MD and LovelySkin Spa in Omaha, Nebraska, board-certified dermatologists Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger, their physician assistants, and their team of licensed aestheticians offer a range of customizable SkinPen® treatments — from a gentle collagen-stimulating session to deeper, corrective protocols — so that every patient receives the level of treatment that matches their goals and their skin.

What is SkinPen® microneedling?

SkinPen® is the first microneedling device cleared by the FDA for improving the appearance of facial acne scars and neck wrinkles. Developed by Crown Aesthetics, it is a precision-engineered, handheld device that uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural repair process, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin for smoother, firmer, more radiant-looking skin.

“SkinPen is one of the most evidence-backed and popular microneedling devices available,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. “With over 90 validation studies supporting its safety and efficacy, it gives our patients a highly reliable, well-studied path to skin rejuvenation.”

Unlike heat-based or chemical treatments, SkinPen® works entirely through the skin’s own biology. There are no harsh chemicals involved and no thermal energy delivered to the tissue — just a precise, mechanical stimulus that prompts your skin to renew itself from within.

SkinPen® treatment levels: who treats what, and why it matters

One of the features that sets SkinPen® apart is its adjustable needle depth, which ranges from 0.25mm to 2.5mm. Treatment depth is not a one-size-fits-all decision — it is determined by your skin concerns, skin thickness, and the outcome you want to achieve. At Schlessinger MD, the depth of your treatment also determines which provider performs it.

Collagen treatment (0.25-0.5mm) — performed by licensed aestheticians

At 0.25mm -0.5mm, the needles work on the skin’s surface to gently stimulate collagen production, boost skin radiance and improve the absorption of nourishing serums applied during the session. This level of treatment is ideal for patients who are new to microneedling, seeking a skin-brightening or maintenance protocol, or looking to enhance the results of their at-home skin care routine. It produces minimal redness and typically requires no downtime. Our licensed aestheticians are trained and equipped to perform SkinPen® treatments at this depth.

Corrective treatments (0.5mm–2.5mm) — performed by RNs (registered nurses), physician assistants and/or dermatologists

For patients with more significant concerns, including acne scarring, melasma, neck wrinkles, deeper lines or pronounced texture irregularities, greater depth is required to reach the dermal layers where meaningful structural remodeling occurs. As depth increases, the treatment produces progressively stronger collagen induction and more targeted correction:

Depths in the 0.5mm to 1.0mm range are well-suited for fine lines, mild texture concerns and enlarged pores, reaching into the upper dermis to support firmer, smoother-looking skin.

Depths from 1.0mm to 1.5mm address more moderate concerns, including early acne scarring and more established wrinkles, stimulating deeper layers of collagen for longer-lasting improvement.

Depths from 1.5mm to 2.5mm target the reticular dermis, the structural foundation of the skin and are reserved for patients with more significant acne scarring, deeper wrinkles or neck rejuvenation goals. At these levels, the skin’s regenerative response is more pronounced, and results are correspondingly more dramatic.

Because these deeper treatments involve greater stimulation of the skin’s healing cascade, they are performed at Schlessinger MD exclusively by registered nurses (RNs), physician assistants and board-certified dermatologists, who have the clinical training and scope of practice to safely calibrate depth, assess tissue response and manage the full range of patient presentations.

“Having both aestheticians and other medical professionals performing SkinPen® allows us to match every patient to exactly the right level of treatment,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “A collagen treatment is a meaningful and effective option for many patients — and for those who need more corrective results, we have the clinical expertise to take the treatment deeper, safely and precisely.”

During your consultation, your provider will assess your skin concerns, review your goals and recommend the appropriate depth and provider level for your protocol.

How SkinPen® works

SkinPen® microneedling is built on the science of collagen induction therapy. When the device’s fine needles create micro-openings in the skin, three stages of the body’s healing cascade are activated:

• Inflammation: Blood flow increases as immune cells move to the treatment area, preparing the skin to repair and regenerate.
• Proliferation: New skin cells and structural proteins, including collagen and elastin, begin to form, rebuilding the treated area with fresh, healthy tissue.
• Remodeling: Over the weeks following treatment, the skin continues to reorganize and strengthen, resulting in a gradually smoother, firmer and more even complexion.

“What makes microneedling so compelling is that we’re engaging the skin’s own regenerative capacity,” explains Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. “Since there is no heat or energy delivered with the treatments, it is also generally safe in all skin types.”

This process unfolds gradually and naturally, which is why results tend to deepen and refine across a full course of treatment rather than appearing all at once.

What SkinPen® can treat

SkinPen® is FDA-cleared for two specific indications. For facial acne scars, it is indicated for adults of all Fitzpatrick skin types. For neck wrinkles, it is cleared for Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV. It is safe for use across a wide range of patients and concerns:

• Facial acne scars
• Neck wrinkles
• Fine lines and wrinkles on the face
• Uneven skin texture and tone
• Enlarged pores

What to expect during treatment

A SkinPen® session at Schlessinger MD begins with a thorough skin assessment and a discussion of your goals. Your provider will then apply a topical numbing cream to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the skin is prepared, the SkinPen® device is moved carefully across the treatment area in a precise pattern, creating thousands of micro-channels in the skin.

Each session typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild prickling feeling. Because topical anesthesia is applied beforehand, significant discomfort is uncommon.

“We customize the treatment depth and technique based on each patient’s skin concerns and goals,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “That individualized approach is what allows us to achieve consistent, meaningful results for such a wide variety of patients.”

Following treatment, your provider may apply a soothing serum or mask to support the skin’s initial recovery phase.

SkinPen® results and recovery

One of the most appreciated aspects of SkinPen® microneedling is the minimal downtime involved. After treatment, it is normal to experience redness and mild swelling similar to a moderate sunburn. These effects typically resolve within 24 to 72 hours. Most patients are comfortable returning to regular activities the following day and can apply makeup within 24 hours if needed.

Initial improvements in skin texture and tone are often noticeable within two to four weeks of the first session. Because collagen production continues in the weeks and months following treatment, results deepen progressively across a complete series.

“Patients are sometimes surprised that the results continue to improve for several months after their last session,” notes Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “That ongoing collagen remodeling is exactly what we want to see — it means the skin is doing the work we set in motion.”

A standard SkinPen® protocol typically involves three to six sessions spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by periodic maintenance treatments to sustain results. 

SkinPen® aftercare

Proper aftercare is an important part of protecting your results and supporting your skin as it heals. In the days immediately following treatment, your provider will recommend:

• Avoiding active skin care ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C for several days
• Using a gentle cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer to support barrier recovery
• Waiting 24 hours before resuming sunscreen, then applying it daily while continuing to minimize sun exposure for the full 72 hours post-treatment
• Refrain from using makeup for 24-48 hours after treatment, and then use clean makeup brushes
• Refraining from strenuous exercise and excessive heat for 72 hours

“The aftercare period is not the time to experiment with new or aggressive skin care products,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Your skin is in active repair mode, and giving it gentle, consistent support will make a meaningful difference in your final results.”

Your provider at Schlessinger MD will give you personalized aftercare instructions based on the depth and areas of your treatment.

Am I a good candidate?

SkinPen® microneedling is well-suited for a broad range of patients and skin types. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Are 22 years of age or older
• Have facial acne scars or post-inflammatory marks
• Want to improve the appearance of fine lines or neck wrinkles
• Are looking for a minimally invasive treatment with minimal downtime
• Have uneven skin texture, tone or enlarged pores
• Prefer a treatment that works with your skin’s natural biology

A consultation with Drs. Joel or Daniel Schlessinger is the best way to determine whether SkinPen® is the right treatment for your specific concerns. SkinPen® is not recommended for patients with active skin cancer or open wounds in the treatment area, a known allergy to stainless steel or anesthetics, a hemorrhagic or hemostatic disorder, or those who are pregnant or nursing.

SkinPen® at Schlessinger MD

At Schlessinger MD, SkinPen® microneedling is performed under the direction of board-certified dermatologists with decades of combined experience in cosmetic dermatology and skin rejuvenation. Our team takes a results-driven, individualized approach to every treatment plan, ensuring that each session is calibrated to your skin’s needs and your aesthetic goals.

SkinPen® can also be integrated with other treatments available at Schlessinger MD, including neurotoxins, dermal fillers and laser therapies, for a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Our team will help you determine the combination that best addresses your concerns.

The cost of SkinPen® microneedling varies based on the number of sessions recommended and the areas being treated. A consultation with our team will give you a personalized treatment plan along with a clear understanding of the associated investment.

If you’re ready to learn more about SkinPen® microneedling in Omaha, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Drs. Joel or Daniel Schlessinger through our appointment portal today.