SkinPen® Microneedling
in San Francisco
Regenerative Skin. Backed by Science.
SkinPen® is the gold standard in medical-grade microneedling. It stimulates your body’s natural collagen and elastin production to improve skin tone, texture, firmness, and clarity. By activating your skin’s innate repair mechanisms, microneedling supports true, long-term skin regeneration.
SkinPen® Microneedling Benefits
Your SkinPen® Microneedling Session, Step-by-Step
A Thorough Consultation
Every treatment begins with an in-depth consultation to understand your skin, health history, and goals. We assess concerns such as texture, tone, scarring, and overall skin health, then create a personalized plan designed to deliver natural, long-term results aligned with your needs.
Post-Treatment Care & Recovery
Immediately after your session, a medical-grade bio-cellulose mask is applied to calm the skin, reduce redness, and accelerate healing. You’ll also receive a curated take-home recovery kit for the first 48 hours, complete with restorative serums to support optimal healing, hydration, and results.
Treatment
Your session starts with a prescription, topical numbing cream to ensure comfort, followed by precise microneedling using the SkinPen® device to stimulate collagen and renewal at a deeper level. For a more integrative experience, optional holistic add-ons—such as acupuncture—can be included to support relaxation, regulate the nervous system, and promote whole-body balance during your treatment.
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Not all microneedling pens are created equal. SkinPen® is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device proven safe and effective for treating acne scars and fine lines, including on the neck.
Its advanced, single-use sterile cartridge prevents backflow and significantly reduces the risk of infection—something not all devices can claim. SkinPen also allows for precise, controlled needle depth, creating consistent micro-injuries that stimulate collagen safely and evenly. This level of control and clinical backing leads to more predictable, natural, and long-lasting results compared to other microneedling pens.
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Your treatment begins with a consultation to assess your skin and goals. The procedure involves a precription topical numbing agent for comfort, followed by controlled microneedling using the SkinPen device. Sessions typically take 30–60 minutes depending on the area treated.
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Most clients see optimal results with a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. This timing allows your skin to fully complete its collagen remodeling cycle between sessions. Maintenance treatments every few months can help preserve results long term.
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Most clients experience minimal discomfort thanks to the use of a prescription numbing cream. The sensation is often described as light pressure or a gentle buzzing feeling. Treatment depth can be adjusted for comfort in more sensitive areas of the face.
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Most clients experience mild redness and sensitivity for 24–48 hours, which is significantly improved with the care kit. Normal activities can typically be resumed immediately, and results gradually appear over the following weeks.
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Yes. For the first 48 hours, avoid:
Direct sun exposure or tanning beds
Heavy sweating or intense exercise
Harsh skincare products, active ingredients or exfoliants
Makeup application on treated areas
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Microneedling may not be appropriate if you are pregnant, have active skin infections, certain autoimmune conditions affecting the skin, uncontrolled diabetes, a history of keloid scarring, or are using certain medications such as isotretinoin. A full consultation with our team is required to determine safety.
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Yes. This is one of the ways our approach is unique. Acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support whole-body healing, which can enhance skin regeneration and recovery.
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Many clients notice brighter, more even skin within two weeks of treatment. Deeper changes in texture, scarring, and firmness continue to develop over the following months as collagen rebuilds.
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Yes. SkinPen® is the only microneedling device that is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types when performed correctly, making it a great option for diverse skin tones.
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All SkinPen® treatments are carried out by our practitoners with advanced training in SkinPen® microneedling. Our team’s expertise is complemented by guidance from a licensed medical supervisor to maintain the highest standard of care.
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A post-treatment care kit will be provided for the first 48 hours of recovery, including a bio-cellulose mask and healing serums.
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Yes. After the initial 48-hour recovery period, you can resume your normal skincare routine. Your clinician may also recommend specific serums or moisturizers to maintain and enhance results.
SkinPen® Microneedling FAQs
At AKARA, our SkinPen® microneedling treatments are designed to safely rejuvenate your skin, improve texture, and restore a youthful glow. Performed by extensively trained practitioners under the guidance of a licensed medical supervisor, every session follows strict safety protocols and personalized techniques to achieve optimal results. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about how our expertise, experience, and medical oversight make microneedling both effective and safe.