Rejuvapen: What You Need to Know

This nonsurgical, medical-grade treatment creates micro-perforations in the skin, which trigger its natural repair mechanism—which is why it's considered a natural form of skin renewal. Accelerated cell regeneration and boosted collagen production improves the appearance of the skin. 

Microneedling treatments are done with either a derma-roller device or a smaller, more precise motorized tool, like Rejuvapen. Motorized devices are considered superior to derma rollers for several reasons: The needles puncture the skin vertically (as opposed to at a 45-degree angle), producing cleaner, more even wounds that heal quicker.

“Motorized microneedling devices are basically the same," says New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Luis Cenedese. "Variables include the number of needles per headpiece, the depth of needling, and the speed.” 

Rejuvapen has nine microneedles in a small cylindrical cartridge. Its adjustable needle length means it can enter the skin at varying depths and speeds, to best target various layers of the skin depending on your particular skin issue. 

Also, its disposable tip makes the procedure more sanitary, and the small cartridge makes it easier for the doctor to treat delicate areas, like around the eyes and lips.

RealSelf Tip: Most people need at least four treatment sessions to really see results. “The number of treatments you'll need depends on the level of skin damage, your skin type, and thinness—and the aggressiveness of each treatment,” says Newport Beach, California, plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Nichter.

Pros

• It rejuvenates skin with signs of sun damage.
• There’s little to no downtime after the procedure. 
• Your provider will numb your skin so you won't feel any pain during a Rejuvapen treatment, although you may feel a tickling or slight pinching sensation as the extremely fine needles penetrate the surface of your skin. 
• The Rejuvapen is safe for all skin types and tones, including olive or brown skin.
• The treatment can be performed on many parts of the body.
• It can help smooth textural issues, like acne scarring and stretch marks.
• Side effects are rare when an experienced provider uses the correct technique. 

Cons

• It’s not a good option for people who suffer from rosacea or eczema, or who have a history of keloid or hypertrophic (raised) scars. 
• While the treatment is effective, results can be subtle. “Microneedling treatments may result in mild improvement in fine lines, pigmentary changes, and skin quality. It does not produce skin tightening or reduction of significant wrinkles,” says Dr. Cenedese.  
• You'll also have to be patient. Most people need a series of up to six treatment sessions to see significant results, and it takes several months after that for new collagen to form.
• The quality of your results can depend on who does the procedure—and there are risks, including infection, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. One RealSelf member experienced scarring after being treated by an inexperienced aesthetician. Find an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon. 

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling Side Effects

• Average Cost:
• $690

• Range:
• $159 - $2,000

Your cost will depend on your provider's experience level, their practice location, and how many treatments you have.

Cosmetic procedures like microneedling aren't covered by insurance, but most providers offer payment plans or accept financing.

The procedure takes around 45 minutes. Your provider starts by applying a numbing cream, so you won't feel pain during your procedure. After 10–20 minutes, they’ll clean your skin and begin your treatment, moving and “stamping” the pen over your skin. Depending on how aggressive they are, you may have pinpoint bleeding.

Afterward, your skin will be more receptive to topical ingredients, so some providers apply serums with antioxidants and other potent ingredients to aid healing and enhance your results. 

There’s no major downtime afterward. You’ll experience some redness, like a sunburn, that may last for two to four days, but it can be covered with makeup.

Related: The Best Foundations to Cover Up Redness After Microneedling

You’ll see some results within a few days after your first treatment, with optimal results appearing several months after a series of four to six sessions. 

This isn't a quick fix: expect to see your final results three to six months after your last treatment. It takes that long for new collagen remodeling to occur—the downside of relying on the natural healing property of the skin. 

RealSelf Tip: To boost results, many derms recommend pairing Rejuvapen microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma derived from your own blood), a combo popularly known as a Vampire facial, or other topical skincare with active ingredients.

Results from a Rejuvapen treatment aren't permanent, although it can permanently lighten the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks.

For hyperpigmentation issues and fine lines, you can prolong your results and prevent new sun damage by wearing a wide-brim hat and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. But most people will need annual maintenance treatments, to keep up their results.