Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses a device with many very fine needles to make controlled, microscopic punctures in the skin. The skin responds as it would to any small injury: it repairs itself, and in doing so it lays down new collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. Over a series of treatments, that repair process gradually improves the texture and tone of the skin.
It is a practical treatment for people bothered by acne scars, rough or uneven texture, enlarged pores and fine lines who want improvement without surgery or long recovery. It works slowly and it works on the skin itself, which makes it a good partner for injectables that address muscle movement and volume.
At NYMD Center, microneedling is part of our medical spa, which operates inside a multi-specialty medical practice. Your skin is assessed and your medical history reviewed before any needle touches it.
What microneedling treats
According to the Cleveland Clinic, microneedling is used for acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and fine lines, enlarged pores, loose or crepey skin and uneven skin tone. It is most often done on the face, which is where we focus. Scars from acne, particularly the rolling and shallow types, and overall skin texture tend to respond well. Deep, narrow "ice pick" scars, significant sagging and deep folds improve less, and we will tell you if another approach would do more.
Microneedling does not relax the muscles that cause frown lines or replace lost volume. For those, Botox and dermal fillers are the right tools, and many patients combine treatments over time.
How we evaluate your skin
At your consultation your provider examines your skin, asks what you most want to change and looks at the type and depth of any scarring, pore size, pigment and skin laxity. We review your medications and history, because several things affect whether and when microneedling is safe. We ask about isotretinoin (Accutane) and other acne medicines, blood thinners, a history of cold sores, keloid or thick scarring, and skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. We then recommend a plan, including how many sessions are likely to be needed and whether a stronger option would suit you better.
Treatment options
Microneedling
Standard microneedling is the gentler of the two collagen-building treatments we offer. After cleansing, a numbing cream is applied and left to work. The device is then passed over the skin in sections. Most people feel pressure and a light scratching sensation rather than pain. The treatment itself is relatively short, but with numbing time allow up to two hours for the whole visit.
Collagen builds slowly, so one session is rarely enough. The Cleveland Clinic recommends treatments three to eight weeks apart, with full results appearing over three to six months, and some patients choose periodic maintenance treatments after that.
Morpheus8: microneedling with radiofrequency
Morpheus8 is also a microneedling treatment, but its needles deliver radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers of the skin as they go. As the Cleveland Clinic describes radiofrequency microneedling, those insulated needles deliver heat to the targeted tissue to stimulate collagen production. That added heat makes it better suited to skin laxity and deeper scarring, generally with a somewhat longer recovery. For people whose main concerns are texture, pores and mild scarring, standard microneedling may be enough; for loose skin along the jaw and neck or more significant scarring, Morpheus8 is usually the stronger choice. Your provider will help you decide.
Recovery and side effects
Expect your skin to look and feel like a moderate sunburn afterward. The Cleveland Clinic notes that skin is usually mildly red for about 24 hours and most people resume their normal routines within a day, though redness and swelling can last up to five days in some people. Tightness, dryness and light flaking are common for several days as the skin renews. Most people are comfortable returning to work within one to three days, depending on how much redness they are willing to show.
For the first several days, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, avoid makeup for at least the first day, and skip retinoids, acids and exfoliants until your skin has settled. Protect your skin from the sun carefully, since freshly treated skin is more prone to discoloration. Less common side effects include bruising, infection, a flare of cold sores and, rarely, scarring or pigment changes.
Who should wait or avoid microneedling
We postpone treatment if you have active acne breakouts, a skin infection or an active cold sore in the area. The Cleveland Clinic advises stopping isotretinoin (Accutane) six months before microneedling; if you have taken it recently, we will time your treatment accordingly. If you have a history of cold sores, your provider may prescribe an antiviral to start before treatment. People who form keloids, have certain bleeding disorders or have active eczema or psoriasis in the area may not be good candidates. We do not perform elective microneedling during pregnancy, and we care for adults only.
What to expect at your visit
Come with clean skin, free of makeup if possible. Stop exfoliating products for about a week beforehand, and tell us about any blood thinners. After numbing and treatment, a soothing product is applied and you go home with aftercare instructions. We schedule your next session before you leave. If you have an event coming up, plan treatment at least a week ahead so any redness has resolved.
When to call us
Call our office if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus or crusting, blisters, or a cold sore outbreak after treatment. These can signal an infection that needs prompt care.
Questions patients ask
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
Most people need a series. Sessions are usually spaced three to eight weeks apart, and collagen continues to build for months, so full results appear over roughly three to six months. The number depends on your concern: mild texture and pore issues may need fewer sessions than acne scarring. Your provider will suggest a plan at your consultation.
How much downtime is there after microneedling?
Usually little. Skin is typically mildly red for about a day, though redness and swelling can last up to five days in some people. Tightness and light flaking are common for several days. Most people return to work within one to three days. Avoid makeup for the first day and protect your skin from the sun carefully while it heals.
Can I have microneedling if I recently took Accutane?
Usually not yet. The Cleveland Clinic advises stopping isotretinoin (Accutane) six months before microneedling, because the drug affects how skin heals. Tell us about any acne medications you have taken in the past year so we can time your treatment safely. We also postpone treatment during active breakouts or skin infections.
What is the difference between microneedling and Morpheus8?
Both use fine needles to trigger collagen production. Morpheus8 adds radiofrequency energy delivered through the needles, heating the deeper layers of the skin. That makes it stronger for loose skin and deeper scarring, usually with somewhat more recovery. Standard microneedling is gentler and often enough for texture, pores and mild scars.
Does microneedling hurt?
Most people find it quite tolerable. We apply numbing cream beforehand, and during treatment you mainly feel pressure and a light scratching or vibrating sensation. Bony areas such as the forehead can feel more intense. Afterward the skin feels warm and tight, similar to a mild sunburn, for a day or so.