Help Your Skin Rebuild Itself
Both treatments work the same basic way: they create tiny, controlled injuries that tell your skin to make fresh collagen. Microneedling smooths texture, scars and fine lines. Plasma Pen tightens loose, crepey skin, especially around the eyes. Jennifer will tell you which one fits, or if you'd do best with both.
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What Are Microneedling and Plasma Pen?
At the Osteopathic Center for Healing in Rockville, MD, Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP offers microneedling, microneedling with PRP and Plasma Pen skin tightening. Microneedling uses fine needles to trigger collagen for acne scars, fine lines, large pores and uneven texture, usually in a series of three to six sessions. Plasma Pen uses a tiny plasma arc to tighten loose skin on the eyelids, around the mouth and on the neck, with about a week of downtime.
Which One Is Right for You?
Microneedling
Texture, scars and glow- Best For
- Acne scars, fine lines, large pores, rough texture, dull skin, stretch marks
- How It Works
- Fine needles create tiny channels that kick-start collagen
- Sessions
- Usually 3 to 6, about 4 weeks apart
- Downtime
- 1 to 3 days of pink, sunburn-like skin
- Skin Tones
- Safe for all skin tones
Plasma Pen
Tightening and lift- Best For
- Hooded or crepey eyelids, lines around the mouth, crow's feet, loose skin on the neck and jawline
- How It Works
- A tiny plasma arc creates pinpoint dots on the surface, and the skin tightens as it heals
- Sessions
- Often 1, sometimes 2 or 3
- Downtime
- About 5 to 7 days while small dots flake off
- Skin Tones
- Best for lighter skin tones. Jennifer will check if it's right for you
What Does Microneedling Treat?
What Does Plasma Pen Treat?
Can PRP Boost Your Results?
For more stubborn scars and dull skin, Jennifer can add PRP from your own blood or a growth factor serum during microneedling. The channels let it soak deeper into your skin to support healing and collagen. Learn about PRP
What Happens on Treatment Day?
Microneedling
- Numbing cream for 20 to 30 minutes
- Treatment, about 30 to 45 minutes
- A soothing serum
- Home looking pink, like a mild sunburn
Plasma Pen
- Numbing cream for 20 to 30 minutes
- Treatment, 30 to 60 minutes depending on the area
- Aftercare products to take home
- Small dots form and flake off in 5 to 7 days
What Does Recovery Look Like, Day by Day?
| When | Microneedling | Plasma Pen |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pink and tight | Swelling, more around the eyes |
| Days 2 to 3 | Mild flaking | Dots darken |
| Days 4 to 7 | Back to normal | Dots flake off |
| Weeks 2 to 12 | Collagen keeps building | Skin keeps tightening for about 90 days |
Microneedling Results
A glow within a week or two, with real change in texture and scars building over the full series.
Plasma Pen Results
Tighter skin shows once the dots come off and keeps improving for about three months.
Results can last a year or more, and longer with good skincare and sunscreen.
How Should You Care for Your Skin After?
- Gentle cleanser and the post-care products we give you
- Mineral makeup only for the first few days after microneedling
- Let Plasma Pen dots fall off on their own, don't pick
- Sunscreen every day, and stay out of the sun while you heal
- Skip retinoids, exfoliants and sweaty workouts for a few days
Who Should Wait
Active acne or a skin infection in the area, Accutane in the last 6 months, a history of keloid scarring, pregnancy, or a recent sunburn. Plasma Pen is generally not recommended for darker skin tones, because of the risk of dark spots. Jennifer reviews your history and skin at the consult.
Who Is Jennifer Gularson?
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP has over 20 years of aesthetic experience and is a certified functional medicine practitioner. She keeps results natural and looks at what affects your skin from the inside too.
What Do People Ask About Microneedling and Plasma Pen?
Does Microneedling Hurt?
With numbing cream, most people feel light pressure or a scratchy feeling.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
Microneedling usually takes 3 to 6 sessions about 4 weeks apart. Plasma Pen often takes 1, with a second if needed.
Can I Wear Makeup After?
After microneedling, mineral makeup is fine the next day. After Plasma Pen, wait until the dots come off.
Is Plasma Pen Safe Around the Eyes?
Yes, in trained hands. It's one of the most popular areas, and the eye is protected during treatment.
Is Microneedling Safe for Dark Skin?
Yes. It's one of the safer collagen treatments for all skin tones.
Can I Combine Microneedling and Plasma Pen?
Yes, but not on the same day in the same area. Jennifer will space them out.
What's the Difference Between Microneedling and Tixel?
Both build collagen. Microneedling uses fine needles and Tixel uses heat. Jennifer will recommend one based on your skin and how much downtime you can take.
Request an Appointment
Tell us what you'd like to change about your skin, and our team will reach out to schedule your consult with Jennifer.
Let's Talk About Your Skin
Book a consult with Jennifer in Rockville, MD.
Not ready to book? Start with a free 15-minute call