SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING

SkinPen microneedling, sometimes written as skin pen microneedling, uses the SkinPen Precision by Crown Aesthetics, a professional, FDA-cleared microneedling device that creates controlled micro-channels in your skin with fine, sterile needles. Those micro-channels trigger your body's natural production of collagen and elastin without heat, chemicals, or lasers, a process also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT).

Each treatment uses a new, single-use sterile cartridge that is opened in front of you before your session begins. The SkinPen reaches a controlled dermal depth that at-home rollers and consumer-grade pens cannot safely access, which is one of the reasons professional microneedling can produce results that build over a series of treatments.

Once the micro-channels are created, your skin moves through three natural healing phases. Your body begins by sending growth factors to the treatment area. New collagen and elastin then form as the skin enters a proliferation phase. Over the weeks that follow, the skin restructures through a final remodeling phase, which is why many clients notice their results continuing to improve well after their session.

Every SkinPen treatment at Spa Sway is performed by a licensed esthetician credentialed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), using an authentic SkinPen Precision device with a patented single-use sterile cartridge. Your esthetician carefully controls the depth, speed, and angle of the needles throughout your treatment, adjusting for each area of your face and your individual skin concerns.

Which device is used during your treatment matters. Not every microneedling device on the market meets the same safety and regulatory standard. At-home pens and unregulated devices use shorter needles, often without sterile cartridges, and do not offer the controlled dermal depth that an FDA-cleared device provides. At Spa Sway, every session uses the same medical-grade SkinPen Precision, with a sealed sterile cartridge opened at the start of your appointment.

Spa Sway has served more than 150,000 clients across our two Austin-area locations and was named a Best of ATX Editor's Choice by Austin Monthly in 2025. 95% of our first-time clients return for another visit. Whether you visit our Domain location in North Austin or our Westlake location in Rollingwood, you will receive the same equipment, the same standards, and the same level of care.

SkinPen Precision is the first microneedling device to receive FDA clearance, and no other microneedling device on the market has been through the same level of clinical testing.

Here is what sets SkinPen apart from other microneedling devices on the market:

FDA De Novo (Class II) clearance for improving the appearance of facial acne scars in adults 22 and older.
FDA 510(k) clearance for neck wrinkles.
Clinical studies conducted by Crown Aesthetics, the device manufacturer.
90% of patients in those studies said they would recommend SkinPen.
No heat, no chemicals, no laser, making it safe for all skin tones and Fitzpatrick types.
Patented single-use sterile cartridge opened at the start of every session.

Facial acne scars and neck wrinkles are the two FDA-cleared indications for SkinPen. In addition to its FDA-cleared uses, clients commonly book SkinPen microneedling to help improve the appearance of:

Fine lines and wrinkles. The collagen produced in response to treatment can help soften the appearance of fine lines and early creasing.
Uneven texture and tone. As the skin moves through its natural healing phases, many clients notice a smoother, more refined surface over time.
Enlarged pores. Collagen rebuilding around the pores can help reduce their visible size.
Other scarring, including stretch marks. Results can vary depending on scar type and depth, so we recommend discussing your expectations with your esthetician before beginning a series.
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The skin's turnover cycle can help fade uneven pigmentation as fresh skin replaces damaged cells.

Because SkinPen uses no heat or light, it is safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions that may carry a higher risk of hyperpigmentation with laser or light-based treatments.

If acne scarring is your primary concern, SkinPen microneedling is the strongest clinical option and the reason the device earned FDA clearance. For texture and tone without needles, a HydraFacial offers a lighter alternative. For deeper acne scarring or sun damage, your esthetician may recommend pairing SkinPen with chemical peels across alternating sessions.

Here is what your SkinPen session at Spa Sway looks like from start to finish, typically about 60 minutes from arrival to aftercare.

Cleanse. Your esthetician thoroughly cleanses your skin, removing all makeup, oil, and sunscreen to prepare the treatment area.
Topical numbing cream. A numbing cream is applied and left on for approximately 20 minutes until your skin is fully numb.
SkinPen passes. Your esthetician moves the SkinPen across the treatment area in a controlled pattern, adjusting the needle depth for each zone based on your skin and your concerns.
Serum application. A medical-grade serum with hyaluronic acid is applied immediately after treatment while the micro-channels are still open and absorbing.

You may notice redness afterward, similar to a moderate sunburn. That redness typically fades within two to three days. Most clients return to normal activity the next day with mineral sunscreen and no makeup for the first 24 hours.

Many clients describe the sensation during treatment as a light scratching or vibration once the numbing cream takes effect. The forehead and jawline tend to be more sensitive than the cheeks, and your esthetician checks in throughout and can adjust depth or speed based on your comfort.

What Is SkinPen Microneedling?

SkinPen microneedling is a collagen induction therapy that uses the SkinPen Precision, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, to create controlled micro-channels in your skin with sterile, single-use needles. Your body responds by producing new collagen and elastin, which can help improve the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, texture, and tone over a series of sessions.

What Is the Difference Between Microneedling and SkinPen?

SkinPen is a specific, FDA-cleared device within the broader microneedling category. Traditional microneedling refers to the general procedure, which can be performed with a variety of devices. Not all of those devices are FDA-cleared, and many lack sterile cartridges and controlled depth. SkinPen Precision is the only microneedling device with FDA De Novo clearance for facial acne scars.

Is SkinPen FDA-Cleared?

Yes. SkinPen holds FDA De Novo (Class II) clearance for improving the appearance of facial acne scars in adults 22 and older, and FDA 510(k) clearance for neck wrinkles. It is the first and only microneedling device to receive either clearance. The correct term is "FDA-cleared," as the FDA clears devices and approves drugs.

How Much Does SkinPen Microneedling Cost in Austin?

At Spa Sway, a single SkinPen face session is $400, face and neck is $500, and face, neck, and décolletage is $550. Package pricing is available and can reduce the per-session cost over a series. Sway Club members receive additional savings through preferred pricing.

How Many SkinPen Sessions Do I Need?

Most clients benefit from a series of three to six sessions spaced approximately four weeks apart. Some improvement may be visible after a single session, especially for general texture and tone. Maintenance sessions every six to twelve months can help maintain your results once you complete your initial series.

Is SkinPen Microneedling Worth It?

For acne scars and texture concerns, SkinPen has the strongest clinical documentation of any microneedling device currently available. 90% of patients in Crown Aesthetics' clinical studies said they would recommend the treatment. Results develop gradually over a series, and your esthetician can give you a realistic picture of what your skin is likely to achieve during a consultation.

Does SkinPen Microneedling Hurt?

Most clients describe the sensation as a light scratching or vibration once the numbing cream takes effect. Sensitivity varies by area, with the forehead and jawline typically more noticeable than the cheeks. Your esthetician can adjust depth and speed throughout the session based on your comfort.

What Does SkinPen Treat?

SkinPen is FDA-cleared for facial acne scars and neck wrinkles. It is also commonly used to help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. The treatment is safe for all skin tones and Fitzpatrick types.

Is SkinPen Safe for All Skin Tones?

Yes. SkinPen uses no heat or light, which makes it safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker skin tones that may carry a higher risk of hyperpigmentation with laser or light-based treatments.

What Is the Downtime After SkinPen Microneedling?

You may notice redness similar to a moderate sunburn for approximately two to three days following your session. Most clients return to normal activity the next day. We recommend avoiding direct sun exposure, wearing mineral sunscreen, and skipping makeup for at least the first 24 hours.

Ready to book SkinPen microneedling in Austin? Book a SkinPen microneedling treatment at Spa Sway's Domain location in North Austin or our Westlake location in Rollingwood, or start with a complimentary skin consultation.

If you are unsure whether SkinPen microneedling is the right treatment for your skin, your licensed esthetician will evaluate your complexion and help you choose the best place to start during your consultation.

You can also explore our complete med spa services menu to compare treatments or contact the Spa Sway team with questions before booking.

Spa Sway Domain
11011 Domain Dr., Suite 124
Austin, TX 78758
512-873-0999
hello@spasway.com

Spa Sway Westlake
701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Suite E-500
Rollingwood, TX 78746
512-615-6113
westlake@spasway.com

Teachers, military members, and first responders receive 10% off every session. Spa Sway gift cards are also available if you would like to give SkinPen microneedling as a gift.