FDA-cleared microneedling that creates thousands of micro-channels to trigger your skin's natural healing response. Smoother texture, smaller pores, and reduced scarring with each session.
Acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines, uneven texture, stretch marks, dull complexion, and patients who want collagen stimulation through controlled micro-injury. SkinPen is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device for a reason.
SkinPen's 14 medical-grade needles oscillate at high speed, creating thousands of micro-channels in the skin. This triggers a three-phase wound-healing response: inflammation sends growth factors to the area, proliferation builds new collagen and elastin, and remodeling tightens and strengthens the new tissue over weeks to months.
We use SkinPen specifically because it's FDA-cleared and delivers consistent, controlled micro-injury depth. Your provider adjusts needle depth based on your skin type and treatment area. No generic settings. Personalized microneedling at our Lincoln Park clinic.
We're here to answer your questions and provide the best services for your needs. Schedule a consultation to learn how to reach your aesthetic goals.
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"I had my very first facial today with Hailey and it was such a great experience! I booked the aromatherapy, dermaplaning, glass skin facial, and LED light treatment, and she walked me through every step so I felt comfortable the whole time. She made sure I was comfortable and explained what each product was doing. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending this place to friends!"
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"My esthetician was incredibly nice and took the time to explain the entire process to me, which really put me at ease. I appreciated how she tailored the treatment to my skin's needs, ensuring I received the best possible results. After the session, she provided me with thorough aftercare instructions, which I found very helpful."
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"Grace did a fantastic job. I don't have anything to compare it with, but the full service felt amazing. I was surprised by the number of steps included and how involved it ended up being. Head massage, facial massage, neck and shoulder massage, forearm and hand massage, all while working through multiple steps of the facial cleanse and treatment process. It was great. I'll be back again."
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SkinPen microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries, triggering the body's natural collagen and elastin production. It is the first microneedling device to receive FDA clearance in the United States, and it has been clinically validated to improve the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture with minimal downtime. At Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park, Chicago, SkinPen is one of four microneedling options we offer. Learn what SkinPen does, how sessions work, who it is best suited for, and what results to realistically expect before your treatment.
SkinPen uses 14 medical-grade needles that oscillate at high speed, creating thousands of micro-channels in the skin's surface during a single pass. These controlled micro-injuries activate a three-phase wound-healing response:
The medical term for this process is collagen induction therapy. Because SkinPen's needle depth is adjustable (0.25mm to 2.5mm), your provider can customize each pass for different areas of the face and different skin concerns. Shallower depths work well for fine lines and surface texture. Deeper settings target acne scars and areas with more significant damage.
Your provider at our Lincoln Park clinic starts every session with a thorough skin analysis, followed by cleansing and application of a prescription-strength numbing cream. The SkinPen treatment itself takes about 20-30 minutes for a full face. Including prep and post-treatment serum application, expect to be in the treatment room for 45-60 minutes total.
SkinPen is versatile enough for a wide range of skin concerns, but it works especially well for:
One important note: SkinPen works on the surface and mid-layers of the skin. If your primary concern is deeper skin laxity or sagging, RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy for tightening that SkinPen alone cannot achieve. If your concern is volume loss (hollowed cheeks, thinning lips), dermal fillers are better suited for that.
SkinPen works across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I through VI). Unlike many laser treatments, it does not rely on light energy, which means it carries a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for darker skin tones. This is one of the reasons microneedling has become a go-to treatment for clients across Chicago's diverse population.
You may be a good candidate if you:
SkinPen may not be the best fit if you:
Not sure where you fall? That is what a consultation is for. Many of our clients on Chicago's North Side come in thinking they need one treatment and leave with the best-suited plan for their individual goals.
Before your appointment: Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, and direct sun exposure for 3-5 days. Arrive with a clean face (no makeup). If you take blood thinners or NSAIDs, discuss this with your provider in advance.
During treatment: After numbing (15-20 minutes), the SkinPen device passes over your skin in a systematic pattern. Most clients describe the sensation as light scratching or a sandpaper-like feeling. It is not comfortable, but it is very tolerable with proper numbing. The treatment itself takes 20-30 minutes for a full face.
Immediately after: Your skin will look red and feel warm, similar to a moderate sunburn. Your provider will apply a calming serum (often hyaluronic acid or growth factors) to support healing while the micro-channels are still open.
Days 1-2: Redness and mild swelling gradually fade. Avoid makeup, active skincare (vitamin C, retinol, AHAs/BHAs), direct sun, and strenuous exercise. Use only a gentle cleanser and the moisturizer your provider recommends.
Days 3-5: Surface-level flaking or dryness is common as the skin sheds. You can typically return to makeup and your normal skincare routine after 48-72 hours, following your provider's specific instructions.
Weeks 2-4: This is when the first visible improvements appear. Skin texture feels smoother, pores look tighter, and your overall tone brightens.
Weeks 6-12: Peak collagen production. The most noticeable improvements in scarring, fine lines, and firmness emerge during this window.
Most clients at Better Med Spa schedule 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, depending on their skin concerns. Maintenance sessions every 4-6 months help preserve the results.
Wondering if SkinPen is the right choice for your skin? Book a consultation at our Lincoln Park clinic. Your provider will assess your concerns, walk you through your options (including whether a different microneedling treatment might be a better fit), and build a treatment plan around your goals. No pressure, no obligation.
Book Your Consultation | Call (312) 285-2618
FDA-cleared device, experienced providers. We use the SkinPen Precision system, the first and only Class II FDA-cleared microneedling device in the U.S. Our team has performed thousands of microneedling treatments across all skin types, and every treatment plan is developed under the oversight of Medical Director Dr. Brett Brechner, DO.
Four microneedling options, not just one. Many Chicago clinics offer a single microneedling device. Better Med Spa carries SkinPen, Vampire Facial (PRP), Rejuran Healer, and RF microneedling. That means your provider recommends the treatment that fits your skin, not just the only device available.
Combination treatment expertise. SkinPen results compound when paired with other treatments. Our providers regularly combine microneedling with chemical peels, facials, PRP, or medical-grade skincare for accelerated results. A layered approach builds on each treatment's strengths.
Consistently top-rated. Better Med Spa holds a 4.8/5 rating across 130+ reviews. Our Lincoln Park clinic serves clients from Lakeview, Gold Coast, Old Town, Bucktown, Wicker Park, River North, and neighborhoods across Chicago's North Side.
SkinPen microneedling at Better Med Spa is available as individual sessions or discounted packages:
Your consultation will confirm which treatment plan and pricing tier fits your goals.
Ready to see what SkinPen microneedling can do for your skin? Schedule a consultation at Better Med Spa, 2117 N Halsted St, Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60614.
During your visit, your provider will examine your skin under proper lighting, discuss your goals and concerns, and recommend a treatment plan with realistic timelines. If SkinPen is not the right fit, they will tell you. That is the whole point.
Schedule Your Consultation | Call (312) 285-2618
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