Dullness, uneven texture, acne scars, enlarged pores, and early signs of aging can make the skin look less smooth or refreshed than you would like. Microneedling is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical solution that creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to support the body’s natural repair process and encourage collagen and elastin production.
Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery offers microneedling options in Denver, CO, and Beverly Hills, CA, including SkinPen® Microneedling and RF microneedling. Dr. Keith Ladner is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on cosmetic facial procedures. His team develops treatment plans based on each patient’s skin concerns, skin quality, goals, and overall aesthetic plan.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique, and results may vary.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling uses tiny sterile needles to create controlled channels in the skin. As the skin heals, collagen and elastin production may increase, helping improve texture, tone, fine lines, and certain types of scarring.
Because skin concerns vary from patient to patient, microneedling is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The right approach depends on factors such as skin type, sensitivity, acne history, pigmentation concerns, previous treatments, and whether the patient may benefit from traditional microneedling, RF microneedling, or another skin rejuvenation option.
SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen Microneedling is an FDA-cleared microneedling treatment that uses sterile, single-use needle cartridges to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. It does not use heat, chemicals, or radiofrequency energy.
SkinPen may be recommended for patients who want to improve the appearance of:
- Acne scars
- Uneven texture
- Fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Dull or rough-looking skin
- Mild tone irregularities
Treatment is commonly performed on the face, though candidacy and treatment areas are determined during an evaluation. Many patients choose SkinPen because it can support gradual, natural-looking skin improvement with limited downtime.
RF Microneedling
RF microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. While the needles create controlled micro-injuries, the device also delivers heat beneath the skin’s surface. This added thermal energy may help address concerns involving texture, mild laxity, wrinkles, scars, and overall skin quality.
At Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery, RF microneedling may be recommended when a patient needs a more intensive treatment than traditional microneedling alone. The depth, energy settings, and treatment plan can be adjusted based on the patient’s skin, goals, and comfort level.
SkinPen vs. RF Microneedling
SkinPen and RF microneedling both support collagen remodeling, but they work differently. SkinPen uses mechanical microneedling without heat, making it a strong option for patients focused on texture, acne scars, and general skin refreshment. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy, which may help patients with mild skin laxity or deeper textural concerns.
During the consultation, the Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery team can explain which option may be more appropriate based on the patient’s skin quality, treatment history, and desired downtime.
Meet Dr. Keith Ladner
Dr. Keith Ladner is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Denver, CO and Beverly Hills, CA. His world-class training and accomplishments are virtually unmatched. Dr. Ladner pairs exceptional technical skills with an approachable personality that earns 5-star reviews from his patients.
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Who Is a Candidate for Microneedling?
You may be a candidate for microneedling if you want a nonsurgical treatment for smoother, brighter, healthier-looking skin. Microneedling may be appropriate for patients with early signs of aging, acne scars, uneven texture, enlarged pores, or dullness.
A consultation is important because some patients may need to delay treatment or consider another option, especially if they have active acne, skin infection, certain medical conditions, recent sun exposure, or a history of abnormal scarring. The provider will also review current skincare products, medications, and recent cosmetic treatments before recommending a plan.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before treatment, the skin is cleansed, and a topical numbing cream is typically applied to help improve comfort. Once the skin is prepared, the microneedling device is moved across the treatment area in a controlled pattern.
Most sessions are relatively brief, though timing depends on the treatment area and whether SkinPen or RF microneedling is being performed. Patients often describe the sensation as light pressure, vibration, or scratching. After treatment, a soothing product or post-treatment skincare may be applied based on the patient’s needs.
Recovery and Results
Downtime varies depending on the treatment type, settings, skin sensitivity, and the patient’s individual healing response. Redness, mild swelling, tenderness, tightness, dryness, or flaking can occur after microneedling. RF microneedling may involve a different recovery timeline because it uses heat beneath the skin.
Patients are usually given specific aftercare instructions, which may include temporarily avoiding makeup, direct sun exposure, strenuous exercise, exfoliating products, and certain active skincare ingredients. Results develop gradually as the skin’s repair process continues. Many patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments when appropriate.
Microneedling may also be recommended alongside other nonsurgical services, such as chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, or dermal fillers, depending on the patient’s skin and facial rejuvenation goals.
Microneedling FAQs
The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns, treatment type, and goals. Some patients schedule a series of treatments for acne scars, texture, or aging concerns, while others use microneedling as part of a maintenance plan.
Yes. Microneedling may be part of a broader plan that includes medical-grade skincare, chemical peels, laser treatments, injectables, or other nonsurgical services. The timing of each treatment should be planned carefully to protect the skin and support the best possible outcome.
Not necessarily. RF microneedling is not automatically better; it is different. SkinPen may be a better fit for some patients, while RF microneedling may be recommended for others based on skin laxity, scarring, texture, and treatment goals.
Microneedling can support overall skin quality, which may complement other facial treatments. It does not replace surgery, fillers, neurotoxins, or laser treatments, but it may help maintain smoother, healthier-looking skin as part of a long-term aesthetic plan.
Why Choose Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery for Microneedling?
Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery offers microneedling in a physician-led facial plastic surgery practice where skin treatments are planned with attention to facial anatomy, skin quality, and long-term aesthetic goals. Dr. Keith Ladner is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. His advanced training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery helps guide an individualized approach to both surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.
Patients benefit from a team of trained nurses and aesthetic specialists, carefully selected treatment options, and clear guidance before and after treatment. Whether SkinPen, RF microneedling, skincare, or another option is recommended, the goal is to support refreshed, natural-looking results.
Refresh Your Skin With Microneedling in Denver, CO, and Beverly Hills, CA
Microneedling can help improve the appearance of texture, dullness, acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin quality. Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery offers SkinPen Microneedling and RF microneedling for patients in Denver, CO, and Beverly Hills, CA. To schedule a consultation, call the Denver office at (303) 253-7686 or the Beverly Hills office at (213) 457-7740.