Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate your skins natural healing response, producing new collagen for improved texture, tone, and firmness.
At a Glance
Treatment Time
30-45 min
Recovery
1-3 days
Board-Certified
ABPS Surgeon
Starting Cost
$300+
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy (CIT) or percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create thousands of microscopic puncture wounds in the skin. This controlled "micro-injury" triggers your body's natural wound healing cascade: an initial inflammatory response followed by proliferation of new tissue and remodeling with fresh collagen and elastin. The result is smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin with improved texture and reduced scarring. Unlike ablative treatments that remove skin layers, microneedling works from within, stimulating your skin to regenerate itself. The treatment can be performed at various depths depending on your concerns: shallower for fine lines and pore size, deeper for acne scars and stretch marks. Medical-grade microneedling devices used in our office reach adjustable depths of up to 2.5mm, far deeper than at-home rollers (typically 0.25mm), which is why professional treatments produce dramatically better results. One of microneedling's advantages is its suitability for a wide range of skin types, including many darker skin tones that may not be candidates for certain laser treatments due to pigmentation risks. The treatment can be enhanced by adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood, which floods the micro-channels with growth factors for accelerated healing and enhanced collagen production, this combination is often called a "Vampire Facial."
Technique Options
Dr. Kurtzman offers multiple facelift techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals:
Standard Microneedling
Professional microneedling with a medical-grade device at optimal depth for your concerns. Includes topical hyaluronic acid application. Excellent for general skin rejuvenation, fine lines, and pore reduction.
Best for: Patients seeking overall skin improvement with minimal downtime and natural collagen stimulation.
Microneedling with PRP (Vampire Facial)
Combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma derived from your own blood. The growth factors in PRP penetrate through the micro-channels to supercharge collagen production and healing.
Best for: Patients wanting maximum collagen stimulation and faster, more dramatic results.
Deep Microneedling for Scars
Aggressive treatment using deeper needle penetration to break up scar tissue and stimulate remodeling of acne scars, surgical scars, or traumatic scars.
Best for: Patients with significant scarring who want to improve skin texture without laser treatments.
Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Body treatment targeting stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or breasts. The micro-injuries stimulate the skin to produce new collagen in areas where it has been stretched and damaged.
Best for: Patients with stretch marks from pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or growth spurts who want to improve skin texture.
Ideal Candidates
Microneedling is remarkably versatile and effective for a wide range of skin concerns. During consultation, we assess your skin and develop a specific treatment plan:
- Have fine lines and wrinkles they want to reduce without aggressive treatments or significant downtime
- Struggle with acne scars, surgical scars, or other textural irregularities that affect skin appearance
- Want to reduce enlarged pores that make skin look aged or uneven
- Have stretch marks on the body (abdomen, thighs, breasts) from weight changes or pregnancy
- Experience mild skin laxity and want to tighten and firm the skin naturally
- Have darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) and want an option that is generally safer than many light-based treatments
- Want to enhance absorption of skincare products by up to 300% through the micro-channels
- Seek a natural treatment that works with your body's own healing mechanisms rather than adding foreign substances
The Procedure
Microneedling is performed using professional medical-grade devices that create precise, controlled micro-channels in the skin. The treatment is comfortable and takes approximately 30-45 minutes:
1. Consultation & Assessment
Your skin is evaluated for concerns, type, and appropriateness for microneedling. We determine optimal needle depth settings, shallower for fine lines and general rejuvenation, deeper for scars. A treatment plan is specific for your needs.
2. Skin Preparation
The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed to remove makeup, oils, and debris. Topical numbing cream is applied and left for 20-30 minutes for complete comfort during the procedure.
3. PRP Preparation (if selected)
For PRP-enhanced treatments, a small blood draw is performed. Your blood is processed in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, which is rich in growth factors that will supercharge your results.
4. Microneedling Treatment
The device is passed over the skin in a systematic pattern. Needle depth is adjusted for different areas of the face, deeper for scarred areas, shallower for delicate zones. You may feel mild pressure or vibration sensation.
5. Growth Factor/PRP Application
Immediately after needling, while micro-channels are open, PRP or a professional growth factor serum is applied. The micro-channels allow these beneficial factors to penetrate far deeper than topical application ever could.
6. Post-Treatment Care
A soothing, hydrating mask or serum is applied to calm the skin. You receive detailed aftercare instructions including sun protection, product recommendations, and what to expect during healing.
Recovery & Results
Microneedling has minimal downtime compared to more aggressive treatments. Day 1: Skin appears red and feels warm, similar to a moderate sunburn. Some pinpoint bleeding may have occurred during treatment but stops immediately. Days 2-3: Redness begins to fade. Skin may feel tight, dry, or slightly rough. Days 3-5: Most visible redness resolves. Skin may flake lightly as it renews itself, don't pick! Day 7: Most patients look completely normal with no signs of treatment. During healing: Use gentle, hydrating products. Avoid active ingredients (retinoids, acids) for 5-7 days. Strict sun protection is essential, SPF 30+ daily. Avoid makeup for 24 hours. Skip strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours.
Improvement begins immediately as the micro-channels heal, but the real results develop over 4-6 weeks as new collagen and elastin form. Your skin continues to improve for up to 6 months after treatment as collagen remodeling progresses. A series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart produces optimal results for most concerns. Deeper acne scars may require 6 or more treatments. After your initial series, annual maintenance treatments help preserve results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microneedling painful?
With proper topical numbing (applied 20-30 minutes before treatment), most patients experience minimal discomfort. The sensation is typically described as light pressure, mild vibration, or scratching, not pain. Some areas like the forehead or upper lip may be more sensitive, but the treatment is very tolerable.
How is professional microneedling different from at-home devices?
Professional devices reach adjustable depths of up to 2.5mm, penetrating to the dermis where collagen is produced. At-home rollers use needles of 0.25mm or less, which only affect the epidermis and cannot stimulate significant collagen production. The difference in results is substantial. Additionally, professional devices are sterile and precisely calibrated.
Can microneedling be combined with other treatments?
Yes! Microneedling is often combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for the "Vampire Facial" effect, the growth factors in PRP enhance collagen production. It can also be combined with professional serums, LED light therapy, or used in conjunction with chemical peels and laser treatments as part of a full skin rejuvenation plan.
Why is PRP beneficial with microneedling?
PRP contains concentrated platelets from your own blood, rich in growth factors that stimulate healing and collagen production. When applied through the micro-channels created by needling, these growth factors penetrate deeply and signal your skin to produce new collagen more rapidly. Studies suggest that adding PRP can improve outcomes and patient satisfaction compared with microneedling alone.
Is microneedling safe for dark skin?
Microneedling is generally considered a safer option for darker skin tones than many laser treatments, because it does not use heat or light that can trigger hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin. It can be used across Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI with appropriate settings and aftercare, though post-inflammatory pigmentation is still possible, which is why a professional assessment matters.
How many treatments will I need?
For general rejuvenation and fine lines: 3-4 treatments. For acne scars: 4-6+ treatments depending on severity. For stretch marks: 4-6 treatments. Treatments are spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Annual maintenance treatments help preserve results after your initial series.
Your Expert for Microneedling
Lawrence C. Kurtzman, MD
MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Why We Excel
- Medical-grade devices with adjustable depth settings for optimal treatment of your specific concerns
- PRP enhancement available for accelerated collagen production and superior results
- Effective treatment for acne scars, surgical scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, and stretch marks
- A gentler option for many darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) that may not tolerate laser treatments
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from Kurtzman Plastic Surgery patients
Ready to Learn More About Microneedling?
Schedule a private consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options with our expert team.