 
Microneedling in Chicago: SkinPen Regenerative and Venus Viva MD RF Microneedling
PURE offers two kinds of microneedling. SkinPen uses fine needles to switch on your skin’s own repair process, and Venus Viva MD adds radiofrequency energy for deeper resurfacing. Both build fresh collagen, so acne scars, fine lines, rough texture and enlarged pores gradually look smoother. Here is how each works, which suits you, what a session and recovery are really like, and where to book at our five Chicago-area clinics.
- 2 devicesSkinPen and Venus Viva MD
- 1 to 3 daysof redness
- 5 clinicscity and suburbs
Microneedling at a glance
- Devices
- SkinPen and Venus Viva MD
- Types
- Mechanical and RF microneedling
- Visit
- About 60 min with numbing
- Feels like
- Light pressure and vibration
- Downtime
- 1 to 3 days (SkinPen), a few more for RF
- Best plan
- 3 to 6 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart
What Is Regenerative Microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, creates thousands of tiny, controlled channels in the skin. Each one is far too small to scar, but it is enough to switch on the skin’s natural repair process. Over the following weeks your skin lays down new collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep it smooth, firm and even.
Three phases of healing
In the first days, the skin calms and seals the channels. Over the next few weeks it builds new collagen fibers. For about three months after that, those fibers mature and reorganize, which is why results keep improving long after redness has gone. A series of sessions builds on each round.
Why we call it regenerative
Nothing is filled or frozen. The change comes from your own tissue renewing itself. The fresh channels also let professional boosters such as PRP or ARIESSENCE growth factors reach deeper than they could on intact skin, which is why many clients choose to add one.
The First FDA-Cleared Microneedling Device
SkinPen Precision was the first microneedling device cleared by the FDA, for improving the appearance of facial acne scars in adults aged 22 and over, across all skin types. That clearance came from a clinical study, not marketing claims.
Every treatment uses a new sterile, single-use needle cartridge. Your provider sets the needle depth for each area, thinner skin around the eyes and deeper scarring on the cheeks, and the pen glides over a protective hydrogel layer for even, consistent passes.
SkinPen is mechanical microneedling. It uses fine needles only, with no radiofrequency energy, heat or light, which is part of why it suits every skin tone.
Venus Viva MD: Microneedling With Radiofrequency
For clients who want more resurfacing and tightening than needles alone can give.
Venus Viva MD uses NanoFractional radiofrequency. Instead of needles alone, a tip with tiny pins delivers radiofrequency energy into the skin in a fine grid. The surface renews like a light resurfacing treatment, while the heat underneath supports collagen and gentle tightening. It is often chosen for deeper lines, rough sun-damaged texture, acne scars and mild laxity.
What recovery looks like
Expect redness and warmth for a day or two, then a faint grid of tiny dots and a sandpaper feel for several days as the surface renews. Most plans use about three sessions spaced around four weeks apart, and collagen keeps building for months afterward.
Controlled heat
Radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layer of skin to tighten and remodel collagen.
Resurfacing and renewal
Tiny pins create micro-zones on the surface, so rough, damaged skin is replaced by smoother skin.
SmartScan delivery
Energy is delivered in a scattered pattern rather than all at once, which helps comfort and recovery.
FDA-cleared
Venus Viva MD is FDA-cleared for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin.
SkinPen is often best for
- Acne scars, pores and texture
- Early fine lines and prevention
- Deeper skin tones and sensitive skin
- The shortest recovery
Venus Viva MD is often best for
- Deeper wrinkles and crepey texture
- Rough, sun-damaged skin
- Acne scars that need more resurfacing
- Mild loss of firmness
Your provider will recommend one device, or a plan that alternates both on separate visits. RF pricing is confirmed at your consultation.
Skin Concerns Microneedling Helps
The reasons Chicago clients book SkinPen most often.
Acne Scars
Rolling and boxcar scars soften as new collagen fills in from below. SkinPen is FDA-cleared for facial acne scars.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fresh collagen and elastin smooth early lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead.
Texture and Enlarged Pores
Rough, uneven skin feels smoother and pores look smaller over a series.
Uneven Tone and Dark Marks
Helps fade marks left after breakouts and dull, uneven tone, without heat.
Neck, Chest and Hands
Improves crepey texture and fine lines on areas that age as fast as the face.
Stretch Marks and Body Scars
Softens stretch marks and healed surgical or injury scars on the body.
Deep ice pick scars and very loose skin may need more than microneedling. We will tell you honestly what a series can and cannot change.
What Happens During a Session
Plan on about an hour in the clinic, most of it while the numbing cream works.
- Step 1
Consult and cleanse
Your provider reviews your skin and goals, sets the depth for each area and cleanses the skin.
- Step 2
Numbing
A topical numbing cream sits for 20 to 30 minutes so the treatment feels comfortable.
- Step 3
SkinPen treatment
The pen glides over a hydrogel layer, creating fine, even channels. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the face.
- Step 4
Calm and protect
A soothing serum or your chosen booster goes on, and you leave with simple aftercare steps.
Regenerative Add-Ons
Optional boosters applied during your session, chosen with your provider.
PRP
Platelet-rich plasma from a small sample of your own blood, applied during treatment to support healing and collagen.
ARIESSENCE PDGF+
Concentrated platelet-derived growth factor for mature or sun-damaged skin. About ARIESSENCE.
Growth Factor Serums
Professional growth factor and peptide serums that pass through the fresh channels to support firmness.
GHK-Cu Copper Peptide
A naturally occurring peptide that supports repair and adds antioxidant protection.
Who Microneedling Suits
A short consultation confirms it, but this is a helpful starting point.
Often a good fit
- Rolling or boxcar acne scars
- Rough texture, enlarged pores or early fine lines
- Dark marks left after breakouts
- Crepey skin on the neck, chest or hands
- Stretch marks or healed surgical scars
- All skin tones, including deeper skin
Best to wait or discuss first
- Active acne breakouts, infection or open wounds in the area
- An active cold sore (preventive medicine may be needed)
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 6 months
- Pregnancy
- Bleeding disorders or blood thinners
- A history of keloid scarring, or current chemotherapy or radiation
Please share your medications, skin products and any history of cold sores at your consultation, so your provider can plan safely.
What to Expect, Day by Day
Most face treatments follow this pattern. Deeper scar work can mean an extra day of redness.
- Day 0
Pink and warm
Skin looks and feels like a mild sunburn. Use only the products your provider gives you.
- Days 1 to 3
Redness fades
Pinkness settles and skin may feel tight. Most people go back to work the next day.
- Days 3 to 7
Light flaking
A little dryness or fine flaking is normal. Moisturize and never pick.
- Weeks 4 to 12
Collagen builds
New collagen keeps forming for about 3 months. Your next session is booked at 4 to 6 weeks.
SkinPen vs Venus Viva MD vs a Chemical Peel
Three different ways to renew skin, all offered at PURE. Many plans combine two of them on separate visits.
| SkinPen microneedling | Venus Viva MD RF microneedling | Chemical peel (VI Peel) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fine needles create channels that trigger collagen | Tiny pins deliver radiofrequency energy in a fine grid | Acid layers lift damaged surface cells |
| Heat or energy | None | Yes, radiofrequency | None |
| Best for | Acne scars, texture, pores, fine lines | Deeper lines, rough texture, sun damage, mild laxity | Pigment, melasma, acne, dull skin |
| Downtime | 1 to 3 days of redness | A few days of redness and a sandpaper feel | About a week of light peeling |
| Skin tones | All skin tones | Many skin types, with settings adjusted | All skin tones |
Microneedling and a chemical peel are never done on the same day. For pigment and acne marks, alternate them about every 4 to 6 weeks.
Before and After Your Session
Simple steps that keep treatment comfortable and results even.
Before your session
- Pause retinol 3 days before and prescription retinoids 7 days before
- Avoid sunburn and tanning for a week
- Hold antibiotics for 7 days unless your doctor says otherwise
- Arrive with a clean face, no makeup or products
After your session
- Use only the serum your provider gives you on day one
- Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water for two days
- SPF 30 or higher every day, and avoid strong sun for 24 hours or more
- Skip the gym, pools and steam rooms for 24 hours
- Wait 7 days before retinoids, AHAs or BHAs
The Best Time of Year for Microneedling in Chicago
Because SkinPen uses no heat or light, you can have it in any season. Fall and winter are still the easiest time to start a series: the sun is weaker, you spend more time indoors and a few pink days are easy to plan around.
Plan backward from your event
Collagen takes time. For a wedding or big occasion, start your series about four to six months ahead and book the last session at least two weeks before the date, so any pinkness has long settled.
How Microneedling Pricing Works
Pricing is per session, and packages lower the cost of each visit. You will know your total before your first session.
SkinPen Microneedling from $249
1 session $249, 3 sessions $699 or 6 sessions $1,299. Holiday Sale: 2 VI Peels plus 2 microneedling sessions for $999.
Book MicroneedlingRegenerative Add-Ons
Add PRP or ARIESSENCE growth factors during your session for mature, sun-damaged or scarred skin.
About ARIESSENCESave All Year
PURE members save on wrinkle relaxers and facials with one simple monthly plan.
Compare PlansMicroneedling Near You
Every PURE clinic offers SkinPen microneedling with the same standards. Each clinic page covers what clients there ask about most.
Gold Coast
875 N Dearborn St, Suite 300, Chicago
Near River North, Streeterville, Old Town
Microneedling in Gold Coast →Roscoe Village
2152 W Roscoe St, Chicago
Near Lakeview, Lincoln Square, North Center
Microneedling in Roscoe Village →Skokie
4801 Golf Rd, Suite 200, Skokie
Near Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview
Microneedling in Skokie →Oak Brook
17W506 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace
Near Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Elmhurst
Microneedling in Oak Brook →Naperville
1620 Pebblewood Ln, Suite 124, Naperville
Near Aurora, Lisle, Wheaton
Microneedling in Naperville →Microneedling Questions, Answered
What is SkinPen Regenerative Microneedling?
It is collagen induction therapy performed with the SkinPen Precision device. Fine sterile needles create thousands of tiny, controlled channels in the skin, and your body responds by repairing them with new collagen and elastin. We call it regenerative because the result comes from your own healing response, and it can be boosted with options such as PRP or ARIESSENCE growth factors.
Do you offer RF microneedling?
Yes. PURE offers RF microneedling with the Venus Viva MD, which uses NanoFractional radiofrequency delivered through tiny pins with SmartScan technology. SkinPen is different: it is mechanical microneedling with no heat. See our comparison guide for how they differ.
Should I choose SkinPen or Venus Viva MD?
SkinPen suits acne scars, pores, texture and fine lines with the shortest recovery, and is a strong choice for deeper skin tones. Venus Viva MD adds controlled heat, so it is often chosen for deeper wrinkles, rougher sun-damaged texture and mild laxity, with a few more days of recovery. Your provider will recommend one, or a plan that uses both on separate visits.
Is SkinPen FDA-cleared?
Yes. SkinPen was the first microneedling device to receive FDA clearance, for improving the appearance of facial acne scars in adults aged 22 and over, across all skin types.
Does microneedling hurt?
A numbing cream goes on for about 20 to 30 minutes first, so most people feel only light pressure and a vibration as the pen moves. Bony areas such as the forehead can feel a little more noticeable.
How much downtime is there?
Expect pink, sunburn-like skin for 24 to 72 hours, then a few days of light dryness or flaking. Most people are back at work the next day, and makeup can usually go on after 24 hours.
How many sessions will I need?
Most plans use 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Acne scars and deeper texture usually need the full series, followed by one or two maintenance sessions a year. Read how many sessions you really need.
When will I see results?
A brighter, smoother look often shows within a week. Collagen keeps building for about 3 months after each session, so the biggest change is usually seen 1 to 3 months after your last treatment.
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Because SkinPen uses no heat or light, it is a good option for all skin tones, including deeper skin that is prone to dark marks. Your provider still checks your skin first and sets the depth for each area.
Book SkinPen Microneedling at PURE
Choose your clinic and a time that works for you. Not sure about add-ons? Your provider will talk through them with you at the visit.
- SkinPen and Venus Viva MD RF microneedling
- About an hour, including numbing
- Open at all five PURE clinics
Prefer to talk? Call 312.312.PURE
More Reading on Microneedling
Plain-English guides written by our team.
How Microneedling Improves Texture
What changes, and how fast.
Read the guide →Microneedling guideMicroneedling for Acne Scars
Why it works on rolling and boxcar scars.
Read the guide →Microneedling guideMicroneedling for Pores
Realistic results for enlarged pores.
Read the guide →Microneedling guideRecovery, Day by Day
What your skin does after each session.
Read the guide →Microneedling guideHow Many Sessions?
Planning a series that works.
Read the guide →Microneedling guideRF Microneedling for Acne Scars
Does adding RF help scars and texture?
Read the guide →Microneedling guideMicroneedling vs RF Microneedling
Needles only, or needles plus heat.
Read the guide →Microneedling guideRF Microneedling After Weight Loss
Firmer skin after losing weight.
Read the guide →Related Treatments
Chemical Peels
VI Peels pair with microneedling on alternate visits for pigment.
Learn more →ARIESSENCE
Growth factor treatment that can boost microneedling.
Learn more →HydraFacial
A no-downtime glow between microneedling sessions.
Learn more →SKINVIVE
Injectable hydration for smoother, dewier skin.
Learn more →