What’s Microneedling? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Ready for smooth, glowing skin?
We sat down with nurse practitioner and Skin Pharm Nashville provider Madeline Stoffer to chat through all things microneedling, one of our favorite multitasking treatments.
Microneedling at a glance
|
Details |
What to expect |
|
Treatment type |
Minimally invasive, in-clinic collagen induction therapy |
|
Benefits |
Improves fine lines, acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, tone and texture |
|
Appointment length |
45-60 minutes |
|
Numbing time |
10-15 minutes (topical) |
|
Needling time |
~15 minutes |
|
Needle depth |
0.5-2.5 mm (customized per patient) |
|
Treatment areas |
Face, neck, or chest |
|
Downtime |
Redness and mild swelling for 1-3 days |
|
Recommended frequency |
Every 4-6 weeks for targeted concerns; every 12 weeks for maintenance |
|
Results timeline |
Visible in 4-6 weeks; peak at 3-6 months |
|
Pregnancy-safe |
Yes (with OB-GYN approval) |
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin care treatment that uses a pen-like device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-wounds in the top layer of the skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating new collagen, elastin and capillaries for smoother, brighter, plumper skin. At Skin Pharm, our board-certified providers can customize needle depths (typically 0.5-2.5mm) based on your skin concerns.
What are the benefits of microneedling?
Microneedling targets a wide range of skin concerns in a single treatment. Benefits include improvement in:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin laxity
- Dullness
- Uneven skin texture and tone
How long does it take to see results from microneedling?
Because microneedling works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, results continue to build over time. Most patients see visible improvement in 4-6 weeks and peak results at 3-6 months post-treatment.
ON THE BLOG: When Will I see Microneedling Results >
What types of microneedling treatments do you offer?
At Skin Pharm, our curated treatment offerings are safe, effective and evidence-based. Your provider can walk you through our different microneedling options and determine the best option for you based on your unique skin goals.
|
Treatment |
How it works |
|
Microneedling |
Stimulates natural collagen for smoother, healthier-looking skin |
|
Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) |
Amplifies collagen stimulation with your body’s own growth factors |
|
Microneedling with PDGF (Platelet-derived growth factors) |
Enhances skin quality and recovery with concentrated, biocompatible growth factors |
What is a typical microneedling appointment like?
A Skin Pharm microneedling appointment lasts approximately 45-60 minutes. You’ll cleanse your skin upon arrival and meet with a board-certified provider to ensure microneedling is the best treatment for your concerns and goals.
We’ll then use a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable during your treatment. After numbing for 10-15 minutes, we’ll remove the numbing cream and begin treatment. We’ll apply Super Serum, our proprietary blend of antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, to your skin and begin needling. This takes approximately 15 minutes. Once needling is complete, we’ll apply Recovery Lotion to soothe and heal the skin, and you’re finished!
The process for microneedling with PDGF is very similar, but along with Super Serum, we’ll microneedle PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) into your skin. We’ll apply any remaining PDGF topically post-treatment to support healing and recovery.
If you’re getting microneedling with PRP, we’ll start your appointment by drawing a small amount of blood (don’t worry; we’re quick!) so we can spin it down and isolate your platelet-rich plasma, aka “liquid gold.” After you numb, we’ll microneedle your PRP into the skin and apply the rest topically post-treatment.
ON THE BLOG: What to Expect During Your Microneedling Treatment >
Is microneedling painful?
Microneedling is well-tolerated by most patients thanks to our top-notch topical numbing. Most people are surprised how little they feel. Some even say they find this treatment relaxing. If you choose to add PRP (platelet-rich plasma), the most uncomfortable part is the blood draw, but all it takes is one tiny pinch to collect about a tablespoon of blood.
How many microneedling sessions do you recommend?
We recommend 4-6 microneedling sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for concerns like melasma or scarring. For skin health, maintenance and age management, we recommend one session every 12 weeks.
Is there downtime after microneedling?
It’s common to experience redness, soreness and mild swelling immediately after treatment, which significantly improves within the first 24 hours. Your skin may look and feel like a windburn or sunburn for approximately 1-3 days post-treatment, depending on sensitivity. We’ll send you home with a post-procedure kit (including our Recovery Lotion and Gentle Cleanser) to support proper healing and optimal results. Adding PRP or PDGF to your microneedling treatment can also help speed up your recovery time.
Who’s a good candidate for microneedling?
Microneedling is a safe, effective treatment for most patients looking to plump skin, reduce scarring or target fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity and dullness.
With the exception of PDGF, microneedling is also considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding patients, making it one of the few collagen-stimulating options available during this season. (That said, we always recommend approval from your OB-GYN or pediatrician prior to treatment.)
Who should not get microneedling?
Microneedling may not be appropriate if you have any of the following:
- Active acne breakouts or cystic acne
- Active rosacea flares
- Current or recent (within 6 months) Accutane use
- A personal history of keloid scarring
- Active skin infections (including cold scores in the treatment area)
- Open wounds or recent sunburn on the treatment area
Your Skin Pharm provider will review your medical history during your consultation to confirm microneedling is the right fit.
ON THE BLOG: Pregnant? Let’s Treat Your Skin, You Deserve It! >
How does microneedling differ from other treatments?
Wondering how microneedling compares to other collagen-boosting or resurfacing options? Here’s a quick overview:
|
Treatment |
Best for |
Downtime |
Pregnancy-safe |
|
Microneedling |
Fine lines, scarring, texture, tone melasma |
1-3 days |
Yes |
|
Chemical peel |
Surface-level tone, texture, mild pigmentation |
3-7 days (depending on peel) |
No |
|
BBL photofacial |
Sun damage, redness, acne, deeper pigmentation |
0-1 day |
No |
|
Moxi |
Tone, texture, early fine lines, melasma |
7-10 days |
No |
Key takeaways on microneedling
-
What it is: a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine needles (0.5–2.5 mm) to stimulate collagen, elastin and capillary production
-
What it treats: fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, dullness and uneven texture or tone
-
How many sessions: 4-6 sessions every 4-6 weeks for targeted concerns; one session every 12 weeks for maintenance
-
Downtime: redness and mild swelling for 1-3 days; results visible in 4-6 weeks; results peak at 3-6 months
-
Pain level: minimal, thanks to 10–15 minutes of topical numbing
-
Pregnancy-safe: yes, with OB-GYN approval
About the expert
Madeline Stoffer, MSN, NP-BC is a board-certified nurse practitioner at Skin Pharm Nashville, our flagship clinic. She specializes in injectables, microneedling, PRP and custom skin care protocols and has performed thousands of in-clinic treatments. Follow her on Instagram.
