What Is SkinPen® Precision Elite?
SkinPen® Precision Elite is a professional, FDA-cleared microneedling device designed to improve the appearance of certain acne scars and wrinkles by stimulating your skin's natural remodeling process.
Unlike lasers or radiofrequency treatments, SkinPen does not use heat or thermal energy. Instead, it uses a sterile, disposable cartridge containing 14 very small needles that create thousands of controlled microscopic channels in the skin. As these micro-injuries heal, the body's natural remodeling response helps improve the appearance of the treated skin.
SkinPen Precision Elite is available by prescription and is intended to be used by appropriately trained healthcare professionals.
SkinPen® is FDA Approved for Facial Acne and Neck Wrinkles!
SkinPen Precision Elite is FDA-cleared rather than technically “FDA-approved.”
The FDA has reviewed SkinPen Precision Elite for specific indications and cleared it for:
Facial Acne Scars:
Improvement in the appearance of facial acne scars in adults 22 years of age and older, including all Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI.
Neck Wrinkles:
Improvement in the appearance of wrinkles of the neck in adults 22 years of age and older with Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV.
Other cosmetic uses of microneedling may be performed based on a healthcare provider's clinical judgment, but they should not be represented as FDA-cleared SkinPen indications.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SkinPen®?
SkinPen® Precision Elite may be an excellent option for healthy adults who want to improve the appearance of certain scars, wrinkles, texture concerns, or overall skin quality.
FDA-Cleared Candidates
Facial Acne Scars
Adults 22 years of age and older who want to improve the appearance of facial acne scars. SkinPen® is FDA-cleared for facial acne scars across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI).
Wrinkles of the Neck
Adults 22 years of age and older who want to improve the appearance of neck wrinkles. This indication is FDA-cleared for Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV.
Is SkinPen® Commonly used to treat other Conditions
Yes. In addition to its FDA-cleared indications, microneedling is commonly used by aesthetic healthcare providers to address a variety of other cosmetic skin concerns. Depending on the condition and treatment area, these may be off-label uses of SkinPen® Precision Elite.
At Wellness Weight Loss & Aesthetics, additional microneedling applications are considered individually based on your skin, medical history, treatment goals and your healthcare provider's clinical judgment.
During your consultation, we will discuss whether SkinPen or another treatment option is most appropriate for the results you are trying to achieve.
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Facial Texture & Skin Rejuvenation
Microneedling may be used to improve the appearance of rough or uneven skin texture and support overall facial rejuvenation. By creating controlled microchannels in the skin, microneedling initiates a natural wound-healing and remodeling response.
Enlarged Facial Pores
Patients concerned about the appearance of enlarged pores may consider microneedling as part of an individualized skin-rejuvenation program. Changes in skin texture and remodeling may make pores appear less noticeable, although results vary.
Facial Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Although SkinPen's FDA-cleared wrinkle indication is specifically for neck wrinkles in certain patients, microneedling is also used clinically for the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen Remodeling & Skin Quality
Microneedling creates controlled microscopic injuries that initiate the skin's natural healing and remodeling response. For this reason, it may be incorporated into treatment plans intended to improve overall skin quality, texture and appearance.
Skin Tightening & Elasticity
Some patients seek microneedling for concerns involving mild skin laxity, firmness and elasticity. Your provider can determine whether microneedling—or another aesthetic treatment—is better suited to your particular concern.
Stretch Marks
Microneedling may be considered for the appearance of certain stretch marks, including:
- Abdominal stretch marks
- Pregnancy-related stretch marks
- Stretch marks on other areas of the body
Results depend on factors such as the age, depth, color and location of the stretch marks.
Surgical & Traumatic Scars
Microneedling may also be considered for certain surgical or traumatic scars after the area has adequately healed.
This is different from SkinPen's FDA-cleared indication for facial acne scars.
Body Acne Scars
While SkinPen is FDA-cleared for facial acne scars in adults age 22 and older, microneedling may also be considered for acne scars located on other areas of the body. Treatment of body acne scars is not part of SkinPen's specific FDA-cleared indication.
Hyperpigmentation & Sun-Damaged Appearance
Microneedling may be incorporated into an individualized treatment plan for patients concerned about uneven skin tone or the appearance of hyperpigmentation and photodamage.
Pigmentation disorders require careful evaluation because some conditions may worsen following skin inflammation.
Melasma
Patients with melasma require particular caution. Microneedling has been studied as an adjunctive approach for melasma, but melasma is not an FDA-cleared indication for SkinPen Precision Elite. Because inflammation and sun exposure can contribute to worsening pigmentation, patients with suspected melasma should be evaluated individually before treatment.
Décolletage & Chest Rejuvenation
Microneedling may be considered for concerns involving skin texture, fine lines and the appearance of sun damage on the chest and décolletage.
These treatment areas are not included in SkinPen's specific FDA-cleared indications.
Hand Rejuvenation
Microneedling may also be considered for patients seeking improvement in the texture and overall appearance of aging skin on the hands.
What About Active Acne?
SkinPen® should not be presented as a treatment for active acne. The manufacturer states that SkinPen Precision Elite has not been evaluated in patients with active acne, and current instructions advise avoiding treatment over active breakouts or open lesions. Acne should first be appropriately controlled before considering microneedling for the scarring left behind by acne.
How Does SkinPen® Work?
SkinPen creates thousands of controlled microscopic channels in the outer layers of the skin.
These tiny micro-injuries initiate the body's natural wound-healing and tissue-remodeling response. As the skin heals and remodels, the appearance of acne scars or neck wrinkles can gradually improve.
Unlike radiofrequency microneedling, SkinPen does not deliver heat or radiofrequency energy into the skin.
This is an important distinction because traditional SkinPen microneedling and RF microneedling are different technologies with different risk profiles. The FDA issued a 2025 safety communication regarding serious complications reported with certain uses of RF microneedling; those concerns relate to devices that deliver radiofrequency energy and should not be confused with SkinPen's mechanical microneedling mechanism.
What Is Skinfuse® Lift HG?
During a SkinPen treatment, Skinfuse® Lift HG Hydrogel is applied to the skin to help protect against abrasion and friction as the SkinPen moves across the treatment area. It may also be applied on the day of treatment to help prevent the skin from drying out afterward.
Lift HG is a hydrogel wound dressing and does not contain drugs or biologics.
Who Should NOT Receive SkinPen®?
SkinPen® Precision Elite should not be used in patients who:
- Have active skin cancer in the treatment area
- Have open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the treatment area
- Have a known allergy to stainless steel
- Have an allergy to the anesthetic being used
- Have a bleeding disorder or bleeding dysfunction
- Are pregnant
- Are breastfeeding/nursing
- Are currently taking isotretinoin (such as Accutane®)
SkinPen’s pre-procedure instructions additionally state to wait six months following oral isotretinoin use before treatment.
Who Requires Additional Evaluation Before Treatment?
SkinPen Precision Elite has not been evaluated in patients with certain conditions. Having one of these does not necessarily mean treatment is absolutely prohibited, but it should be discussed with the healthcare provider before proceeding:
- Active acne or active breakouts
- Actinic/solar keratosis
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Other chronic skin conditions in or outside the treatment area
- Active bacterial infection
- Active fungal infection
- Active viral infection, including herpes simplex/cold sores
- Warts
- Raised moles in the treatment area
- History of contact dermatitis
- Diabetes
- Collagen vascular disease
- Cardiac abnormalities
- Scleroderma
- History of keloid scarring
- Poor or impaired wound healing
- Current immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapy
- Current anticoagulant/blood-thinner therapy
- Scars or stretch marks less than one year old
How Is a SkinPen® Procedure Performed?
Before treatment, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, examine your skin and discuss your treatment goals.
The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed. A topical numbing medication may be applied beforehand to help minimize discomfort.
A thin layer of Skinfuse Lift HG is then applied to reduce friction between the SkinPen and your skin.
Your provider selects an appropriate needle depth and systematically moves the SkinPen across the treatment area. The sterile cartridge rapidly moves the microneedles in and out of the skin, creating controlled microchannels.
After treatment, additional Lift HG may be applied to help prevent the skin from drying out.
A new sterile, single-use needle cartridge should be used for every treatment. SkinPen cartridges are not intended to be cleaned, resterilized or reused.
Skinfuse® Lift HG Allergy Considerations
Patients should also tell the provider if they are allergic or sensitive to any ingredients in Skinfuse® Lift HG, which is used as the hydrogel during the SkinPen procedure.
The manufacturer lists:
Purified water, glycerin, carbomer, potassium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, and sorbic acid.
Sensitivity or allergy to these ingredients may make treatment inappropriate.
Additional Pre-Treatment Restrictions
Before SkinPen treatment, the manufacturer’s instructions also recommend:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure or sunburn for at least 24 hours before treatment
- Stop topical retinoids 24 hours before treatment
- Do not treat over active breakouts or open lesions
- Allow at least 24 hours after autoimmune therapies
- Wait 6 months after oral isotretinoin
Important Treatment Limitation
SkinPen Precision Elite is not intended to deliver cosmetics, medications, biologics, or other topical products through the microchannels into the skin.
Does SkinPen® Hurt?
Most patients tolerate SkinPen well.
A topical anesthetic can be applied before treatment to help minimize discomfort.
Patients may still experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during or immediately following treatment.
Afterward, the skin may feel similar to a mild-to-moderate sunburn, with temporary redness, tightness or sensitivity.
How Many SkinPen® Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments depends upon your skin, treatment goals and the condition being treated.
For facial acne scars, SkinPen's clinical study used a series of 3 treatments approximately 4 weeks apart.
For neck wrinkles, the clinical study used 4 treatments approximately 4 weeks apart.
Your provider may recommend a different individualized treatment plan based on your response and treatment goals.
Results are gradual because skin remodeling continues after the procedure. Additional maintenance treatments may eventually be appropriate.
What Can I Expect After SkinPen®?
Temporary reactions are expected following microneedling.
These may include:
- Redness
- Dryness
- Rough skin
- Tightness
- Itching
- Peeling or flaking
- Tenderness
- Mild discomfort
- Burning or sensitivity
Most common reactions resolve within several days, although individual recovery varies.
The SkinPen patient instructions recommend avoiding sweaty exercise and sun exposure during the first 72 hours following treatment.
Patients should also avoid another facial aesthetic treatment for approximately one month following SkinPen treatment.
What Are the Possible Side Effects and Risks?
Microneedling is a medical procedure and, although most reactions are temporary, risks are possible.
Common reactions associated with microneedling can include dryness, roughness, tightness, redness, itching, peeling, discomfort, burning, bruising, bleeding or crusting.
Less common complications can include changes in skin pigmentation, reactivation of cold sores, infection and other skin reactions.
Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience increasing redness, warmth, swelling, itching, pus or other signs suggesting infection, or if they experience an unexpected or concerning reaction.
Can PRP, Exosomes, Serums or Medications Be Microneedled Into the Skin?
Can PRP, Exosomes, Serums or Medications Be Microneedled Into the Skin?
This is an important distinction.
The FDA states that microneedling devices have not been cleared to deliver cosmetics, topical medications, vitamin solutions, drugs or blood products such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the skin. The FDA has therefore not reviewed the safety and effectiveness of these device-product combinations.
SkinPen's own labeling similarly states that the device is not intended for transdermal delivery of cosmetics, drugs or biologics.
Skinfuse Lift HG is different: it is the hydrogel wound dressing included in the SkinPen treatment system and is used to reduce abrasion and friction during treatment.
When Will I See Results?
SkinPen results develop gradually as the skin undergoes its natural remodeling process.
In the facial acne-scar clinical study, improvement was evaluated 6 months after the third treatment. For neck wrinkles, results were evaluated 3 months after the fourth treatment.
This means SkinPen should not be viewed as an instant-result treatment. Your skin continues remodeling after the initial redness and sensitivity have resolved.
Individual results vary, and additional treatments may be necessary to achieve or maintain your desired result.
Why Choose SkinPen® Precision Elite?
SkinPen offers several advantages for appropriate patients:
FDA-cleared technology for specific indications
- No heat or radiofrequency energy
- Sterile, single-use needle cartridges
- Adjustable treatment depth based on the treatment area and provider assessment
- Minimal downtime for many patients
- Suitable for facial acne scars across all Fitzpatrick skin types in adults 22+
- Natural skin-remodeling approach
Most importantly, SkinPen is a medical microneedling procedure, so treatment should be performed following appropriate patient evaluation and manufacturer protocols.
Schedule Your SkinPen® Consultation
Every patient's skin is different. During your consultation at Wellness Weight Loss & Aesthetics, we will evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns and treatment goals, review your medical history and determine whether SkinPen Precision Elite is appropriate for you.
Our goal is not simply to perform a procedure—it is to develop an individualized treatment plan designed around your skin and your goals.
Skinfuse® Lift HG Allergy Considerations
Patients should also tell the provider if they are allergic or sensitive to any ingredients in
Skinfuse® Lift HG, which is used as the hydrogel during the SkinPen procedure.
The manufacturer lists:
Purified water, glycerin, carbomer, potassium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, and sorbic acid.
Sensitivity or allergy to these ingredients may make treatment inappropriate.
Additional Pre-Treatment Restrictions
Before SkinPen treatment, the manufacturer’s instructions also recommend:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure or sunburn for at least 24 hours before treatment
- Stop topical retinoids 24 hours before treatment
- Do not treat over active breakouts or open lesions
- Allow at least 24 hours after autoimmune therapies
- Wait
6 months after oral isotretinoin
