Smoother texture, softer acne scars, and a fresher overall look can start with your skin’s own repair process. SkinPen microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin, prompting your body to produce new collagen and elastin over the weeks that follow. Queen City Dermatology now offers the SkinPen Precision Elite, the newest model from the brand behind the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, with an optional PRP upgrade for patients who want a little extra glow.
Every treatment is guided by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kristine Zitelli, MD, FAAD, founder of Queen City Dermatology. Dr. Zitelli completed her dermatology residency at the University of Cincinnati, has published research in journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, and has served on the American Academy of Dermatology’s Professionalism and Ethics Committee. She and our experienced dermatology providers evaluate your skin before recommending microneedling, so your treatment depth, technique, and plan are matched to your goals.
One of the best dermatologists! After visiting numerous dermatologists over the years, I can confidently say she is the best in the field. From the moment I stepped into her office, I felt valued and heard. Dr. Zitelli took the time to genuinely listen and provide thoughtful insights and personalized care. Her approach is warm, professional, and incredibly reassuring, making each visit a breeze. I left feeling not only more informed but also confident about my skin health. If you’re looking for a dermatologist who truly cares and excels in patient interaction, look no further! Highly recommend her!
Expert-Led Microneedling Care
Microneedling results depend on the clinician as much as the device. Needle depth, treatment areas, and the number of passes all need to be matched to your skin, which is why our dermatology providers assess your concerns, skin type, and history before every SkinPen session rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol.
“Microneedling is one of my favorite ways to improve skin quality because it works with your body’s own healing response. We tailor every session to your skin, and for patients who want to take their results one step further, adding PRP is a simple upgrade.” — Dr. Kristine Zitelli
What Is SkinPen Microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, creates precise, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny channels activate the skin’s natural wound-healing process, which remodels collagen and elastin and gradually improves the look of scars, texture, and fine lines. Because the needles create channels without heating the skin, microneedling is suitable for a wide range of skin tones.
SkinPen Precision Elite Technology
The SkinPen Precision Elite received FDA 510(k) clearance in August 2024. Its single-use cartridge holds 14 needles with depth adjustable from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm, so your provider can treat delicate areas gently and address deeper scarring where needed. The device maintains a consistent speed throughout treatment and uses needle retraction technology designed to reduce dragging across the skin.
SkinPen is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults 22 and older of all skin types, and wrinkles of the neck in Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV. Using microneedling for other concerns, such as fine lines on the face, enlarged pores, or pigmentation, is considered off-label, and your provider will explain what to expect before recommending it.
Adding PRP to Your Microneedling Treatment
For an extra level of rejuvenation, you can add platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to your session. PRP is prepared in our office from a small sample of your own blood, which is spun to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. It is then applied to freshly treated skin, where the micro-channels help it reach deeper layers to complement your skin’s natural renewal.
PRP is not necessary to have a great microneedling treatment. It is an optional, elective enhancement, and its use with microneedling is considered off-label. Your provider can help you decide whether adding PRP makes sense for your skin and goals. Individual results vary. Learn more about PRP for hair and skin.
Common Concerns SkinPen Microneedling Can Help Address
Patients most often consider microneedling for:
- Acne Scars: Softens the appearance of rolling and boxcar acne scars, the concern SkinPen is FDA-cleared to treat
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Helps soften the look of fine lines, including wrinkles of the neck
- Uneven Texture: Smooths rough or uneven areas for a more refined surface
- Enlarged Pores: Minimizes the appearance of pores that look stretched or prominent
- Dull, Tired Skin: Supports brighter, firmer, healthier-looking skin as collagen rebuilds
Microneedling may also be part of a personalized combination plan for concerns such as sun spots and brown spots, melasma, and the skin texture around sebaceous hyperplasia. These are off-label uses, and your provider will recommend them only when they fit your skin and treatment goals.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Microneedling is a good fit for many adults who want gradual, natural-looking improvement with little downtime. Because it does not rely on heat, it is often an option for patients with deeper skin tones who may not be candidates for certain lasers. During your consultation, your provider will review your medical history and skin. Microneedling may need to be postponed or avoided if you have active acne breakouts, a skin infection or cold sore in the treatment area, open wounds, a history of keloid scarring, or recent isotretinoin use, or if you are pregnant. Patients considering PRP should also share any blood disorders or blood-thinning medications.
What to Expect During Your SkinPen Treatment
- Before: Your skin is cleansed and a topical numbing cream is applied to help keep you comfortable. If you are adding PRP, a small blood sample is drawn and prepared while the numbing cream takes effect.
- During: Your provider glides the SkinPen across the treatment area. Most patients describe a gentle vibrating sensation with mild warmth or pressure, and most sessions take about 30 minutes.
- After: Expect redness and slight swelling for the first few days, sometimes with mild dryness or flaking as your skin recovers. Makeup is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours, and your provider will review personalized aftercare, including sun protection, before you leave.
You may notice brighter, smoother-looking skin as you heal, with results continuing to build over the following weeks as new collagen develops. Most patients benefit from a series of treatments tailored to their skin and goals, and continued sessions with good medical-grade skincare help maintain and build on your results over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About SkinPen Microneedling
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We apply a topical numbing cream before treatment, and most patients find microneedling very manageable. The sensation is usually described as a gentle vibration with mild warmth or pressure.
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Most patients benefit from a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your concerns, with deeper acne scarring typically needing more sessions than general skin refreshing.
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Redness and slight swelling usually last a few days, and mild dryness or flaking can follow. Most patients return to normal activities quickly and can wear makeup after 24 to 48 hours.
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SkinPen is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of acne scars in all Fitzpatrick skin types. Because it does not use heat, it can be a good option for many patients with deeper skin tones, and your provider will adjust your treatment to your skin.
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PRP is an optional upgrade for patients who want an extra level of rejuvenation. It is prepared from your own blood and applied to freshly treated skin. Learn more on our PRP for hair and skin page.
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Yes. Microneedling pairs well with other skin treatments when they are timed correctly. Your provider may recommend combining it with IPL photofacials, laser skin resurfacing, or medical-grade skincare as part of a complete plan.
Why Choose Queen City Dermatology for Microneedling in Cincinnati
- Dermatologist-Led Care: Treatment plans are guided by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kristine Zitelli and our experienced dermatology providers
- Newest SkinPen Technology: We use the SkinPen Precision Elite, the latest model of the SkinPen system
- Optional PRP Upgrade: PRP is prepared in our office from your own blood for patients who want an added boost
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Needle depth, session count, and combination options are tailored to your skin
- Virtual Cosmetic Consultations: Start planning your treatment from home before your first visit
Schedule SkinPen Microneedling in Cincinnati
If you are ready to improve acne scars, refine your texture, or simply give your skin a fresh start, SkinPen microneedling at Queen City Dermatology may be the right next step. Our team welcomes patients from Cincinnati, Montgomery, Blue Ash, and the surrounding communities. Book a Virtual Cosmetic Consultation or schedule a consultation to learn whether microneedling, with or without PRP, is right for your skin.
Medically reviewed by Kristine Zitelli, MD, FAAD on