Microneedling
Microneedling is one of the most consistently effective and broadly applicable treatments in aesthetic medicine. SkinPen, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, creates thousands of microscopic channels in the dermis that trigger a controlled wound-healing response, stimulating new collagen and elastin production. The result is progressive improvement in texture, tone, scarring, and overall skin quality with minimal downtime and no heat or laser energy involved.
How does SkinPen microneedling work?
SkinPen creates a controlled pattern of micro-injuries in the skin using a sterile, single-use cartridge of fine needles adjusted to the appropriate treatment depth. These microscopic punctures trigger the skin's wound-healing cascade: growth factors are released, fibroblasts are activated, and new collagen and elastin are synthesized over the following weeks and months.
The key to microneedling effectiveness is this collagen induction response. Unlike chemical peels or laser resurfacing that work by removing or heating tissue, microneedling works by stimulating the skin to repair and rebuild from within. The result is genuine structural improvement, not just surface change.
SkinPen's FDA clearance covers both general skin rejuvenation and acne scarring, making it one of the few devices with clinical evidence supporting its use specifically for scar reduction. Treatment sessions take 30 to 45 minutes for a full face, and most patients complete a series of three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.
Who is a good candidate for microneedling?
Microneedling is one of the most broadly applicable treatments available. It is safe across all skin tones including darker skin types where laser treatments carry higher risk, appropriate for all skin areas including face, neck, and décolletage, and effective for patients across a wide age range.
The ideal candidates for microneedling are patients with textural concerns (acne scarring, large pores, rough or uneven surface) and those seeking progressive collagen stimulation to improve overall skin quality. Patients with fine lines and early skin quality decline are also good candidates.
Microneedling is not appropriate for patients with active acne breakouts in the treatment area, active skin infections, or bleeding disorders. Patients taking oral retinoids are typically asked to pause before treatment. Very fresh post-operative skin or recently treated radiation fields are also contraindicated.
Your treatment experience:
A topical anesthetic is applied 30 to 45 minutes before your SkinPen session to ensure comfort. The SkinPen device is moved systematically across the treatment area; the sensation is a mild vibration and brief prickling, well-managed with the anesthetic.
Immediately after treatment, the skin appears pink to red, similar to a mild sunburn. This redness typically fades significantly within 24 to 48 hours. Micro-pinpoint bleeding may be visible during treatment; this is normal and resolves immediately. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days.
Topical treatments, including PRP, growth factors, or customized serums, can be applied immediately post-treatment when the micro-channels are open, dramatically increasing the absorption and effectiveness of these adjuncts. Your provider will recommend the appropriate post-treatment protocol for your skin.
Microneedling enhanced with PRP
SkinPen microneedling at WMA can be combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for enhanced results. PRP is derived from a small sample of your own blood, concentrated to isolate the growth factors and platelets that drive tissue regeneration. Applied immediately post-treatment when micro-channels are open, PRP significantly amplifies the collagen-induction response, producing faster and more pronounced improvement than microneedling alone. This combination is particularly effective for acne scarring and for patients seeking accelerated results.
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FDA-cleared for skin rejuvenation and acne scarring2
Safe across all skin tones including darker Fitzpatrick types3
Can be combined with PRP for enhanced collagen stimulation4
No heat or laser energy: minimal risk of pigmentation changes
What results to expect, and when?
Results from microneedling are progressive and cumulative; each session builds on the last. Patients typically notice improved skin smoothness and radiance within one to two weeks of each session as initial healing is complete. Deeper structural improvements (reduction in acne scar depth, improved firmness, visible pore refinement) develop progressively over the following two to three months as new collagen matures.
Patients who complete a full series of three to four sessions consistently describe meaningful improvement in skin texture and evenness. Acne scar improvement of 50% or more is commonly documented in before-and-after photography at three months post-series.
What to Expect
Does it hurt?
Managed with topical anesthetic: mild discomfort only
What is the recovery?
1–2 days of redness; most patients return to work next day
Frequently Asked Questions
Neuromodulator treatments do not require recovery. Treatments are quick and you can return to all regular activities immediately.
Anti-Wrinkle Injection treatments are quick and relatively comfortable. At most, you may experience a small pinprick sensation.
Neuromodulator treatment results manifest over a period of 3-14 days and last an average of 3-6 months depending on the treated area and how quickly an individual’s body metabolizes the treatment.
Your Trusted Providers
At Whistler Medical Aesthetics, every treatment is physician-directed. Dr. Sarah Kennea and the WMA team bring a standard of care that reflects both deep clinical expertise and the precision standard you expect from Canada's premier mountain destination.
Dr. Tara Lynn Teshima
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Sarah Kennea
Medical Director
Dr. Natalie Waller ND
Doctor
Krista Stephens
Lead Consultant
