Microneedling is one of the most clinically supported treatments for improving acne scarring, fine lines, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture. At SkinArt Aesthetics, every microneedling session is performed with professional-grade equipment, careful technique, and a thorough consultation process to ensure every session is appropriate and safe for your skin.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling — also called collagen induction therapy — is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses a professional device with fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels in the surface of the skin. At SkinArt Aesthetics, microneedling is performed using the SkinPen, a professional-grade collagen induction device.
These micro-channels trigger the skin’s natural wound-healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin to repair and remodel the treated tissue over time. The result, typically visible over a series of treatments, is skin that may appear firmer, smoother, and more even in tone and texture. Microneedling does not produce dramatic immediate results — its benefits build gradually as new collagen forms beneath the surface.
Needle depth at SkinArt Aesthetics ranges from 0.25 mm to 1.00 mm depending on the area being treated and your skin’s specific needs. This is determined at your consultation and may be adjusted as your treatment plan progresses.
What Concerns May Microneedling Help Improve?
Microneedling is designed to support the skin’s natural renewal process and may help improve the appearance of:
- Atrophic acne scars (shallow, pitted, or rolling scars)
- Fine lines and superficial wrinkles
- Enlarged or congested pores
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Mild skin laxity or loss of firmness
- Uneven skin tone or post-inflammatory discoloration
Results vary based on the individual, the depth and extent of the concern, the number of sessions completed, and the consistency of aftercare and sun protection. Microneedling is not a treatment for active acne, open breakouts, or raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scarring. If you have active acne, we typically recommend addressing that first before beginning a microneedling course.
Microneedling Options at SkinArt Aesthetics
Microneedling with Serum
A professional microneedling session followed by infusion of a targeted serum matched to your skin’s needs. Choose from:
- Hydrate — barrier repair and moisture restoration
- Firm — collagen support and anti-aging
- Radiance — brightening and even tone
- Hair Booster — scalp and hairline stimulation
Microneedling with PDRN+ (Salmon DNA)
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), derived from purified salmon DNA, is a regenerative ingredient studied for its role in supporting skin tissue repair and hydration. This option pairs the collagen induction of microneedling with PDRN infusion for enhanced recovery support.
All serums and post-treatment products used at SkinArt Aesthetics are selected for safety and compatibility with professional microneedling protocols.
Buy a course of 4 or more microneedling sessions and receive 15% off.
A series of 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart is typically recommended for optimal results.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Microneedling may be appropriate for adults in generally good skin health who want to address the concerns listed above. A consultation is required before your first microneedling session — this allows us to review your skin history, current medications, and any conditions that may affect how your skin responds.
Contraindications
Microneedling may not be appropriate if you:
- Have active acne, active cold sores, or open skin infections in the treatment area
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are currently using isotretinoin (Accutane) or have used it within the past 6–12 months — consult your prescribing provider
- Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- Have certain blood-clotting disorders or are taking blood-thinning medications
- Have had recent laser treatment, chemical peels, or filler injections in the treatment area
- Have active eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea in the treatment area
This is not a complete list. If you have a medical condition that affects skin healing or immune function, please consult your physician before booking. Estheticians are skin care professionals, not medical providers — for complex medical skin concerns, a dermatologist or physician is the appropriate primary provider.
What to Expect During a Microneedling Session
Before Your Appointment
A consultation is completed before your first session to review your skin history, treatment goals, and any medications or conditions that may affect candidacy. On the day of your appointment, arrive with clean skin — no heavy products or makeup.
Numbing
A topical numbing cream is provided and applied at your appointment — you do not need to bring your own. Numbing is left on for approximately 20–30 minutes before treatment begins and significantly reduces discomfort during the procedure.
Treatment
The SkinPen device is moved across the treatment area in a controlled, systematic pattern. Depth and pressure are adjusted based on the area being treated and your skin’s tolerance. The sensation is often described as a mild prickling or vibration. Let your provider know at any point if you need an adjustment.
Post-Treatment Infusion
Following the microneedling pass, your selected serum is applied while the micro-channels are open to support product infusion and initial recovery.
Recovery Support
A calming, barrier-supportive finish is applied and your aftercare instructions are reviewed before you leave.
Total session time: Approximately 75 minutes, including numbing time.
Recovery and Downtime
Microneedling creates intentional, controlled micro-injuries to the skin. Recovery is part of the process and should be planned for.
- Immediately after: Skin will appear red and flushed, similar to a moderate sunburn. Some pinpoint bleeding is normal.
- Day 1–2: Redness and sensitivity are typically at their most noticeable. Avoid active skincare, makeup where possible, and direct sun exposure.
- Day 3–5: Skin may feel tight, dry, or slightly rough as surface repair begins. Some mild flaking is normal.
- Day 5–10: Most visible redness resolves. Skin may begin to appear smoother and more even.
- Longer term: Collagen remodeling continues for weeks to months beneath the surface — this is where the lasting improvements in scarring and texture take place.
We recommend scheduling your last session at least 10–14 days before a significant event.
Microneedling Aftercare
Your skin is more vulnerable after microneedling and requires careful handling. A complete written aftercare guide is provided after every session. Key points:
- For 24–48 hours: Avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C serums, heavy makeup, excessive sweating, saunas, and direct sun exposure
- For 1 week: Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, without exception
- Keep it simple: Use only the gentle products recommended after your treatment; do not introduce new products during recovery
- Do not pick or peel any flaking skin — let it shed naturally
If you develop significant pain, blistering, unusual swelling, or signs of infection, contact your provider or a medical professional promptly.
Full aftercare instructions are available on our Post Care page.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
For most clients, a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart produces the most meaningful improvement in texture and scarring. Maintenance sessions 1–2 times per year can help sustain results. The right number of sessions depends on the depth of your concerns, your skin’s response to treatment, and your goals — we’ll give you an honest assessment at your consultation.
Risks
Microneedling is generally well tolerated when performed by a trained professional with proper protocols. Potential risks include:
- Prolonged redness or irritation beyond the normal recovery window
- Temporary hyperpigmentation, particularly in deeper skin tones — discuss your skin tone history at your consultation
- Infection, if post-treatment instructions are not followed carefully
- Rare adverse reactions to topical products applied during or after treatment
To minimize risk, microneedling at SkinArt Aesthetics is performed only with professional-grade equipment on clients who have been screened for appropriate candidacy through a prior consultation. We do not offer microneedling as a walk-in or same-day service.
When to Consult a Medical Provider
Estheticians are skin care professionals, not licensed medical providers. Microneedling performed in a licensed esthetics setting is appropriate for cosmetic concerns on healthy skin. However, you should consult a dermatologist or physician before pursuing microneedling if you have:
- An active skin condition being managed medically (eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, lupus)
- A history of herpes simplex (cold sores) in the treatment area — antiviral prophylaxis may be recommended by your physician
- Immunocompromising conditions or treatments
- Blood-clotting disorders or anticoagulant therapy
- Uncertain or complex scarring history
If you are under the care of a dermatologist or physician for a skin condition, please let us know — we are happy to coordinate or defer to their guidance.
Why Choose SkinArt Aesthetics for Microneedling?
Microneedling is only as safe and effective as the training and care behind it. Dina Telesh, licensed esthetician and ASCP member, brings a medical background and advanced professional certifications in Face Reality, Circadia, GlyMed+, and Zemits technologies to every session. She uses a thorough pre-treatment consultation process, professional-grade equipment, and carefully screened post-treatment products to ensure every microneedling session is appropriate, safe, and tailored to your skin’s needs.
Located at 2337 Philmont Avenue, Suite 203D, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006, SkinArt Aesthetics is convenient to clients from Lower Moreland, Bryn Athyn, Abington, Willow Grove, Southampton, Feasterville-Trevose, Northeast Philadelphia, and throughout Montgomery and Bucks County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling
How is microneedling different from a chemical peel?
Microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin mechanically to stimulate collagen production, while a chemical peel uses an acid solution to exfoliate the outer layers of skin. Both can improve texture and tone, but they work differently and are suited to different concerns. Many clients include both in a comprehensive treatment plan — your consultation will help determine which makes sense for your skin right now.
Will microneedling help my acne scars?
Microneedling may help improve the appearance of atrophic (depressed, pitted) acne scars by stimulating collagen production in the scarred tissue over time. Results vary significantly based on the depth and type of scarring. Shallow, rolling scars typically respond better than deep, ice-pick scars. A realistic expectation is gradual improvement over a series of treatments — not complete elimination. We’ll give you an honest assessment at your consultation.
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
When performed by a trained professional at appropriate settings, microneedling can be safe for a range of skin tones. Deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with any skin-disrupting treatment. Your skin tone, sensitivity, and history are discussed at your consultation to ensure the treatment is approached safely.
Do I need a consultation before my first microneedling session?
Yes. A consultation is required before your first microneedling session at SkinArt Aesthetics. This allows us to review your skin history, current medications, and any conditions that may affect candidacy or the treatment approach — and to make sure you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after.
How soon can I wear makeup after microneedling?
We recommend avoiding makeup for at least 24–48 hours after treatment to minimize infection risk and allow initial healing. A light, non-irritating mineral SPF is typically fine if needed. Your provider will confirm this at your appointment.
Can microneedling be combined with other treatments?
Microneedling is sometimes combined with other treatments as part of a broader skin improvement plan. However, some treatments should not be done in close proximity to a microneedling session. We’ll guide you on timing and safe combinations at your consultation.
Ready to learn if microneedling is right for your skin?
Start with a Skin Consultation at SkinArt Aesthetics. We’ll review your skin history, assess your concerns, and give you an honest treatment plan — no pressure, just clarity.