SkinPen® Microneedling

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Restore your glow and rejuvenate your skin with SkinPen®—the first FDA-cleared microneedling device clinically proven to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin texture. This non-invasive, collagen-inducing treatment uses the body’s natural healing process to help you achieve smoother, firmer, more radiant skin—no surgery required.

Dr. Paul Phelps, a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon and member of the Oculofacial Society, offers customized SkinPen® treatments designed to refresh your complexion and boost your confidence. Whether you’re struggling with acne scars, early signs of aging, or dull, uneven skin tone, SkinPen® can help revitalize your appearance with minimal downtime.
Ready to get started? Contact Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery online or call (312) 888-5754.

Before and After Photos

About

SkinPen® microneedling works by creating thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural wound-healing process. This response boosts collagen and elastin production—key proteins that help your skin remain strong, elastic, and youthful.

SkinPen® is suitable for all skin tones and types, and it’s a highly effective option for those looking to improve the appearance of:

  • Acne scars
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven skin tone or texture
  • Enlarged pores
  • Skin laxity
  • Stretch marks (off-label)

Because SkinPen® does not rely on heat or chemicals, it minimizes the risk of hyperpigmentation or irritation, especially in patients with more melanin-rich skin.

How it Works

Microneedling with SkinPen® harnesses the skin’s natural ability to heal. As the device glides across the skin, it creates precise microchannels that stimulate a healing cascade. These tiny injuries trigger new collagen formation, which helps tighten, smooth, and refine the skin from within.

Each treatment is performed with a sterile, single-use needle cartridge for optimal safety and hygiene. A topical numbing agent is applied beforehand for comfort, and most sessions last about 30-45 minutes depending on the treatment area.

Benefits

After a SkinPen® treatment, patients often experience a visible improvement in skin texture and tone. Additional benefits include:

  • Non-invasive, no surgery or injections
  • Little to no downtime
  • Safe for all skin tones
  • Minimal risk of side effects
  • Natural-looking results
  • Suitable for face, neck, décolletage, and more

Results improve over time as your skin continues to produce collagen in the weeks following treatment. For optimal outcomes, a series of treatments may be recommended.

Ideal Candidates

SkinPen® is ideal for anyone seeking a gentle, effective way to rejuvenate the skin without the need for aggressive procedures. You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have mild to moderate acne scars or fine lines
  • Want smoother, brighter, more even skin
  • Are looking for a treatment that fits into a busy schedule
  • Are not currently using strong retinoids or taking blood thinners

During your consultation, we will evaluate your skin concerns, review your medical history, and help determine if SkinPen® or another treatment would be most beneficial.

Personal Consultation

Your aesthetic journey begins with a one-on-one consultation. We will assess your skin’s condition and discuss your goals in detail. Depending on your needs, we may suggest a series of SkinPen® sessions or combine the treatment with other complementary procedures for even greater results.

Preparation

To prepare for your SkinPen® treatment, you should:

  • Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, and direct sun exposure for 3–5 days before your appointment
  • Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy skincare routine

Procedure

Quad Blepharoplasty Chicago, IL

After applying a topical numbing cream, we will gently glide the SkinPen® device across the targeted areas. Most patients describe the sensation as a light vibration or mild prickling. The microneedles create microchannels in the skin to stimulate natural healing. The full procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you’ll be free to resume most normal activities shortly after.

Recovery and Aftercare

You may experience mild redness or sensitivity similar to a sunburn for 1–3 days following treatment. We will provide post-treatment care instructions and recommend medical-grade skincare products to support healing and enhance results.

Avoid direct sun exposure, vigorous workouts, and makeup for the first 24 hours. With proper aftercare, your skin will look and feel smoother, firmer, and more radiant within a few days.

Results

Patients often notice visible improvements after their first session, with continued enhancement over the following weeks. Collagen remodeling takes time, and full results typically appear within 4–6 weeks.

For best results, a series of 3 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart is often recommended. Many patients also return for maintenance treatments a few times a year.

About Dr. Paul Phelps

Board-Certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon · Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery

Board certification
American Board of Ophthalmology (verify)
Education and training
  • Drexel University College of Medicine (8/08/2005 – 5/21/2010)
  • Division of Ophthalmology, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County – Chicago, IL
  • Internal Medicine (6/24/2010 – 6/30/2011) University of Illinois College of Medicine – Chicago, IL
  • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (7/01/2015 – 6/30/2017) Department of Ophthalmology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
  • Ophthalmic Pathology (7/01/2014 – 6/30/2015) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
  • University of Minnesota Twin Cities (9/08/1998 – 6/20/2003)
  • MD, Drexel University College of Medicine (2005-2010)
  • Internship, Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine – Chicago, IL (2010-2011)
  • Residency, Ophthalmology, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County – Chicago, IL (2011-2014)
  • Fellowship, Ophthalmic Pathology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI (2014-2015)
  • Fellowship, Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY (2015-2017)
  • BS, Chemistry, University of Minnesota Twin Cities (1998-2003)
  • BA, Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Twin Cities (1998-2003)
  • Junior Year Abroad, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom (2000-2001)
Hospital affiliations
  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
  • Cook County Health 1969 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
  • 900 N Surgical Center 60 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Memberships
  • Clinical Assistant Professor – Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
  • Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology (3/31/2021 – 9/30/2021) University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
  • Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology (7/01/2017 – 3/31/2021) University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Member 12/05/2017
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • AAO – Oculoplastics PQRS Measure Development Committee Member (2019)
  • AAO – YO Advocacy Subcommittee Member (2018-2021)
  • ISEPS – Treasurer Board of Directors (2019-2022)
  • AAO – EyeWiki Editorial Board Member (2017-present)
  • ASOPRS – Oral Board Examiner Committee Member (2019-present)
  • ASOPRS – Industry Relations Workgroup (2023-present)
Awards
  • America's Best Plastic Surgeons (Eyelid Surgery) – Newsweek (2026)
  • Physician Excellence Award – NorthShore University HealthSystem (2020)
  • Shining Star Award – NorthShore University HealthSystem (2019)
  • EyeWiki Contest Winner – Canalicular Trauma (2015)
  • Advocacy Ambassador Award – IL Association of Ophthalmology (2013)
  • Best Research Project of the Year – Cook County Residency (2012)
  • Medical Humanities Award – Drexel University College of Medicine (2010)
  • Fulbright Scholarship – Aravind Eye Hospital (2008)
  • Alpha Omega Alpha – Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Award (2006)
  • Teacher of the Year Award – Chicago Curriculum on Ophthalmology (2024)
NPI
1003131657
Offices
Chicago · Winnetka Aesthetic Studio

Read Dr. Paul Phelps's full bio