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111 E Jackson Ave, Suite 102 · Knoxville
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Home / Treatments / Microneedling
SkinPen for texture and acne scarring. Vybe RF microneedling when tightening is part of the goal.
RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENTMicroneedling
Microneedling is a collagen-induction treatment: a handheld device passes over the skin using a cluster of very fine, short needles to create thousands of microscopic, controlled channels in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing response and the processes involved in new collagen and elastin production.
As we age, changes in collagen production and skin remodeling contribute to gradual changes in texture, firmness, and overall skin quality. Microneedling works with the skin’s own repair process to encourage gradual remodeling over the weeks and months following treatment.
Because the treatment works by prompting the body’s own repair process rather than relying on heat, light, or added volume, traditional microneedling can be an option for a broad range of skin types and tones. Treatment is still individualized based on skin type, medical history, active skin conditions, and the concern being treated.
Some patients begin with a series to address a specific concern, while others incorporate microneedling periodically as part of a longer-term skin health plan. The treatment, number of sessions, and frequency are customized to the individual patient.
Results
Real patients, shared with their permission. Individual results vary.
Vybe RF microneedling
SkinPen microneedling, one session
SkinPen & Vybe RF
At Astra, traditional microneedling is performed using SkinPen, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. SkinPen allows Molly to adjust treatment depth based on the treatment area, skin, and individual concern.
Astra also offers Vybe RF microneedling, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivered into the skin. Both treatments create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin’s remodeling response, but the addition of radiofrequency makes Vybe particularly useful when skin tightening is an important part of the treatment goal.
The distinction matters. SkinPen is often Molly’s choice when the primary goal is improving skin quality, texture, or acne scarring without adding heat. When a patient is also concerned about skin laxity and wants more tightening, Vybe RF microneedling may be the more appropriate option. Neither treatment is automatically “better.” Molly selects between them based on what the patient’s skin actually needs.
Depending on the treatment plan, microneedling may also be incorporated into a broader skin rejuvenation plan with PRP or other complementary treatments. Molly determines treatment combinations and timing based on the patient’s skin and goals.
Microneedling is commonly used to address concerns such as acne scarring, fine lines, uneven texture, and overall skin quality. For patients whose concerns also include skin laxity or loss of firmness, Molly may recommend Vybe RF microneedling instead of traditional SkinPen microneedling.
Often Molly’s choice when the primary goal is texture, acne scarring, fine lines, or overall skin quality, without adding heat.
Adds radiofrequency energy beneath the skin’s surface. May be the more appropriate option when skin laxity and tightening are part of the goal.
A typical SkinPen session takes approximately thirty to sixty minutes depending on the treatment area, including topical numbing beforehand. Most patients tolerate treatment well once the skin is numbed. Afterward, skin typically appears pink or red and may feel warm, tight, or sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. Mild swelling, dryness, or pinpoint bleeding may also occur. These effects generally improve over the first several days, although individual recovery varies.
Topical numbing cream is applied before treatment.
About thirty to sixty minutes for SkinPen, including numbing, depending on the area.
Skin may look pink or red and feel warm, tight, or sensitive. Mild swelling, dryness, or pinpoint bleeding can occur.
The number of sessions and their frequency are customized to your skin and goals.
Most patients experience redness and sensitivity for the first one to three days after SkinPen, although recovery varies. Skin may also feel dry or tight as it heals. Molly provides specific post-treatment instructions, including when to resume makeup and active skincare products.
The number of treatments depends on your skin and what you are trying to improve. A series may be recommended for concerns such as acne scarring or more significant texture changes, while patients focused on general skin quality may need a different schedule. Molly will recommend a treatment series and maintenance plan based on your individual goals and response.
Topical numbing cream is applied before treatment. Most patients describe the sensation as a vibrating, scratching, or prickling sensation and find the treatment very tolerable once the skin is numbed. Sensitivity varies by treatment area.
SkinPen is particularly useful when the primary goals are improving acne scarring, texture, fine lines, and overall skin quality. If skin laxity and tightening are also significant concerns, Molly may recommend Vybe RF microneedling instead.
Both treatments use microneedles to create controlled micro-injuries and stimulate the skin’s natural remodeling response. Vybe RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy beneath the skin’s surface, creating controlled heat in addition to the mechanical microneedling. At Astra, the biggest reason Molly may recommend Vybe over SkinPen is skin tightening. If the primary concern is texture, acne scarring, or general skin quality, SkinPen may be all that is needed. If the treatment plan also needs to address laxity and firmness, the added radiofrequency energy makes Vybe a more appropriate option for many patients.
Not necessarily. More treatment is not always better treatment. SkinPen and Vybe have overlapping benefits, but they are not interchangeable. Molly chooses between them based on the patient’s skin, treatment goals, tolerance for downtime, and whether meaningful skin tightening is part of the goal.
Yes, when appropriate. SkinPen and Vybe RF can be incorporated into a broader skin treatment plan alongside PRP, chemical peels, injectables, or other skin treatments. Molly determines the appropriate combination and timing based on the patient’s skin and goals.
SkinPen and Vybe RF can be used across a broad range of skin tones. SkinPen does not rely on heat or light-based energy, and Vybe RF settings are selected for the patient’s skin. As with any treatment that creates controlled inflammation in the skin, proper patient selection, treatment settings, and aftercare are important. Molly evaluates skin type and treatment history before recommending SkinPen or an energy-based treatment.
What makes Astra's approach different
I offer both traditional SkinPen microneedling and Vybe RF microneedling because I don’t think every patient needs the same level or type of treatment. If the primary goal is improving texture, acne scarring, fine lines, or overall skin quality, SkinPen may be exactly what the skin needs. If laxity and skin tightening are also concerns, I may recommend Vybe because the addition of radiofrequency allows us to address firmness in a way traditional microneedling cannot.
I don’t automatically recommend the more aggressive or more expensive treatment. I look at the skin, the patient’s goals, and what we are actually trying to accomplish, then choose the treatment that makes the most sense. Sometimes that is SkinPen. Sometimes it is Vybe. The treatment should fit the patient, not the other way around.
A common consultation conversation
A common conversation at Astra is with patients who know they want microneedling but aren’t sure whether they need traditional SkinPen or RF microneedling. I explain that the decision often comes down to the primary goal. If we are focused mainly on texture, acne scarring, or general skin quality, SkinPen may be the right choice. If the patient is also noticing laxity and wants more tightening, that is when Vybe becomes especially valuable.
