Can SkinPen Microneedling Really Improve Acne Scars, Wrinkles, and Texture?

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SkinPen Microneedling has become one of the most talked-about treatments in skin rejuvenation, and for good reason. At HMGS Dermatologists, our eight board-certified dermatologists and talented advanced practice providers bring the kind of academic depth and decades of hands-on experience that makes a real difference in how treatment decisions are made. Call us to learn more about whether SkinPen may be right for your skin.

Contact us for a consultation at our Marlton, Camden, or Hammonton locations.

What Is SkinPen Microneedling and How Does It Work?

SkinPen Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device equipped with fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the upper layers of the skin. The SkinPen Microneedling device, specifically, is FDA-cleared for improving the appearance of acne scars in adults, which makes it a meaningful clinical option rather than simply a trending wellness treatment.

The principle behind microneedling is collagen induction therapy. When the skin detects these micro-channels, it initiates its natural wound-healing response. This process involves three overlapping phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. During the remodeling phase, the body produces new collagen and elastin fibers. Over time, this can help reduce the appearance of depressed acne scars, smooth fine lines, and refine overall skin texture.

What SkinPen Targets

Patients at our South Jersey practice commonly ask about SkinPen for:

  • Pitted or atrophic acne scars, including rolling and boxcar types

  • Fine lines and early signs of skin laxity

  • Enlarged pores and rough skin texture

  • Mild hyperpigmentation, brown spots and uneven tone

It is worth noting that results vary by individual. Deeper ice-pick scars or more significant skin laxity may require a conversation about combining treatments or exploring alternative approaches. Our physicians, who train dermatology residents at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, bring that academic rigor into every treatment recommendation. You can explore the full range of options through our cosmetic dermatology services in South Jersey.

SkinPen Microneedling for Acne Scars: What the Evidence Actually Says

Clinical research suggests that microneedling with devices like SkinPen may produce meaningful improvement in the appearance of atrophic acne scars after a series of treatments. A landmark study supporting the FDA clearance of SkinPen showed statistically significant improvements in acne scar appearance when evaluated by both clinicians and patients. Most participants in that study required multiple sessions.

Realistic Expectations and Treatment Timelines

Most patients at our practice see gradual improvement over several weeks following each session, as collagen remodeling is a biological process that takes time. A typical course may involve three to six treatments spaced approximately four to six weeks apart, though your provider will recommend a plan based on your specific skin type and scar characteristics.

Redness and mild swelling are common in the day or two following treatment. Most patients find this well-tolerated and return to normal activities within 24 to 72 hours. Our team provides detailed post-procedure instructions to help you support your skin’s healing process and protect your results.

Because HMGS providers have contributed to over 620 peer-reviewed publications, the clinical knowledge informing your treatment plan is not secondhand. It is built from research our own physicians have helped advance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SkinPen Microneedling in South Jersey?

SkinPen Microneedling is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and knowing whether you are a strong candidate matters. In our experience, patients who tend to respond well include those with mild to moderate atrophic acne scarring, early textural changes from sun exposure or aging, and realistic expectations about gradual improvement rather than overnight transformation.

Patients with active acne breakouts, certain skin infections, or active inflammatory skin conditions may need to address those concerns before pursuing microneedling. For South Jersey patients managing conditions like acne or rosacea, our physicians can help determine whether your skin is in an appropriate state for treatment. You can read more about how we approach medical dermatology conditions across South Jersey before your consultation.

Skin Tone and SkinPen

A meaningful advantage of microneedling compared to some resurfacing alternatives is its general suitability across a wider range of skin tones. Because SkinPen does not rely on light or heat energy, it carries a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for patients with darker skin tones, though individual responses vary and a board-certified dermatologist should always evaluate your specific situation before proceeding.

Our team includes physicians with subspecialty credentials in dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology, and they bring that depth of skin science to every aesthetic consultation as well.

Why Choose HMGS Dermatologists in South Jersey?

HMGS Dermatologists have served South Jersey families for generations, across three locations in Marlton, Camden, and Hammonton. That reach across Burlington, Camden, and Atlantic counties is intentional: we want quality dermatologic care to be accessible wherever you live in the region.

Our eight board-certified dermatologists include physicians who serve as professors and program directors for the Dermatology Residency at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. One of our physicians received the 2025 Master Dermatologist Award from the American Academy of Dermatology, among the most prestigious recognitions in the specialty. Our practice has been featured in Philadelphia Magazine, AP News, and Business Insider, and has been recognized by NJ Monthly as Top Doctors more times than any other dermatology group in South Jersey.

When you come to us for SkinPen Microneedling, you are not seeing a cosmetic spa with a device. You are being evaluated by physicians who have spent decades advancing the science of skin. Schedule a consultation with our South Jersey team today.

Frequently Asked Questions About SkinPen Microneedling

How many SkinPen Microneedling sessions will I need to see results?

Most patients benefit from a series of three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. Individual results vary based on your skin type, the depth of scarring, and your skin’s natural healing response. During your consultation, a board-certified dermatologist at HMGS will evaluate your skin and recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. Results develop gradually as collagen remodeling continues between and after sessions.

Is SkinPen Microneedling painful?

Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or light scratching. A topical numbing cream is typically applied before treatment to enhance comfort, and most patients find the procedure well-tolerated. Sensitivity varies depending on the area being treated and individual pain thresholds. Your HMGS provider will walk you through what to expect before your first session so there are no surprises on treatment day.

Can SkinPen Microneedling be combined with other dermatology treatments?

In some cases, your provider may recommend combining microneedling with other treatments to address multiple concerns at once. This is particularly common for patients managing both acne scarring and conditions like melasma or sun damage. Our comprehensive scope of care at HMGS means your cosmetic and medical dermatology needs are handled under the same roof by the same team. Explore our full cosmetic dermatology services for more information.

Is SkinPen Microneedling safe for patients with a history of skin conditions like rosacea or eczema?

Patients with active inflammatory skin conditions are generally not candidates for microneedling until those conditions are well-managed. If you have a history of rosacea, eczema, or other chronic skin concerns, a thorough evaluation by one of our board-certified dermatologists is an essential first step. HMGS treats the full spectrum of skin conditions across South Jersey, so we are well-positioned to assess your overall skin health before recommending any cosmetic procedure.

Does HMGS offer SkinPen Microneedling at all three South Jersey locations?

Treatment availability can vary by location and provider. We encourage you to contact our team directly to confirm availability at the Marlton, Camden, or Hammonton office most convenient for you. Our staff can help match you with the right provider based on your needs and schedule. You can also review our patient reviews to hear from South Jersey patients who have experienced our care firsthand.

If you are ready to take the next step toward smoother, clearer skin, HMGS Dermatologists is here to help. Our South Jersey team brings board-certified expertise and decades of experience to every SkinPen Microneedling consultation. Call us or request your consultation online at our Marlton, Camden, or Hammonton location today.

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Board Certified Dermatologists and Partners

Dr. Warren Heymann, Dr. Steven Manders, Dr. Justin Green, Dr. Lacy Sommer, Dr. Patrick McMahon, and Dr. Camille Introcaso, MD
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The partners of HMGS Dermatology represent some of the most highly trained, accomplished, and respected dermatologists in the region, bringing together decades of expertise across general, pediatric, surgical, and academic dermatology. With education and training from some of the nation’s top institutions—including the University of Pennsylvania, UCSF, Temple, and Rutgers—they are board-certified in multiple subspecialties such as dermatology, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. Many serve as professors and program directors at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, shaping the future of dermatology through teaching, research, and leadership. Collectively, they have held prestigious roles such as division heads, board directors, and presidents of dermatologic societies, while earning recognition through numerous “Top Doctor” awards and lifetime achievement honors. Whether advancing innovation in pediatric care, cutaneous oncology, or medical education, the HMGS partners are united by their commitment to excellence and providing the highest standard of compassionate, expert skin care to their patients.