By Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC — Owner & Nurse Practitioner, Aura Wellness & Aesthetics
Microneedling with PDGF is one of the most requested treatments in our San Antonio studio — and for good reason. On its own, microneedling is one of the few things that genuinely convinces your skin to rebuild its own collagen; adding a topical PDGF growth factor feeds that repair process while it’s happening. Here’s the plain-English version of what that means.
What is microneedling with PDGF?
Microneedling with PDGF is a two-part skin-rejuvenation treatment: a SkinPen device creates thousands of microscopic channels that switch on collagen production, and a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is applied on top to amplify the skin’s repair response. Together they smooth texture, soften fine lines, and build firmness — usually with only a day or two of downtime.
What microneedling actually does
A SkinPen device makes hundreds of tiny, controlled channels in the skin — micro-injuries too small to really see, but big enough to trigger your body’s natural wound-healing response. That response is the whole point: it switches on fibroblasts, the cells that produce fresh collagen and elastin. Over the following weeks, skin gradually firms, smooths, and evens out as that new collagen matures.
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared microneedling device, which matters — needle depth and sterility are controlled, so you get a consistent, medical-grade treatment rather than a guess.
What PDGF adds
PDGF stands for platelet-derived growth factor — one of the signaling proteins your body naturally uses to coordinate healing. Applied topically right after microneedling, while those micro-channels are briefly open, growth factors give the skin extra “instructions” to repair and build collagen. Think of microneedling as opening the door and PDGF as sending in the crew. In practice, patients often notice a smoother finish and a little less downtime than microneedling alone.
What microneedling with PDGF can help with
- Fine lines and early crepey texture
- Acne scars and uneven surface texture
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Dull or uneven tone
- Overall firmness and glow
What to expect
A single session takes about 30 to 45 minutes after numbing. Most people look flushed — like a mild sunburn — for a day or two, then it settles. Because collagen takes time to build, results appear gradually and keep improving for weeks. For most concerns we recommend a series of three treatments spaced a few weeks apart, which is exactly how our birthday package is built.
Is microneedling with PDGF right for you?
Microneedling suits most skin types and tones, but it isn’t for everyone — active breakouts, certain skin conditions, and some medications are reasons to wait or adjust. That’s why every treatment starts with a quick consult. As a nurse practitioner, I’d rather tell you honestly whether this is the right tool for your goals than sell you a session that isn’t.
Microneedling with PDGF: common questions
Does microneedling with PDGF hurt?
We numb the skin first, so most people feel light pressure and vibration rather than pain. Afterward it feels like a mild sunburn for a day or two.
How many sessions will I need?
Collagen builds gradually, so for most concerns we recommend a series of three treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Our birthday package is built as three.
How much downtime is there?
Usually one to two days of redness and a flushed look, then back to normal. Most people are comfortable in mineral makeup after about 24 hours.
How much does microneedling with PDGF cost in San Antonio?
Our published pricing is on the pricing page. Through our limited-time birthday offer, three SkinPen + PDGF treatments are $1,990 (save $1,025), bookable online through October 24.
Is it safe?
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared device, and every treatment is supervised by a nurse practitioner after a consult to confirm it’s right for your skin.
See it in person — September 24
We’re hosting a live SkinPen + PDGF demo day on Thursday, September 24 for Amanda’s birthday. Come watch the treatment start to finish, ask anything, and — if it’s right for you — take advantage of the limited-time package: three SkinPen + PDGF treatments for $1,990 (save $1,025), bookable online through October 24.
See the birthday special and reserve your spot →
Amanda Curtis, APRN — Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, 946 N Loop 1604 W Ste 118, San Antonio. This article is educational and not a substitute for a personal consultation.