Microneedling
in Atlanta
Controlled micro-injuries trigger the skin's natural healing response, increasing collagen and elastin production to reduce acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture. FDA-cleared SkinPen device. 1–2 days of downtime.
How Microneedling Works
Microneedling uses sterilized, FDA-cleared micro-needles to create controlled punctures in the skin's surface. These micro-injuries activate the body's wound-healing cascade, triggering new collagen and elastin production in the dermis.
Over the weeks following treatment, newly formed collagen remodels the treatment area — reducing the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. The process is gradual: most patients see meaningful improvement after a series of 3–6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart.
Needle depth and speed are adjusted based on your skin type, concern areas, and treatment goals. Because microneedling does not use heat or light energy, it is safe for all skin tones — including Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types that carry higher risk with certain laser treatments. Downtime is typically 1–2 days of mild redness, similar to a light sunburn.
What Microneedling Does
Collagen Production
Micro-injuries activate the wound-healing response, increasing collagen and elastin synthesis for firmer, smoother skin over a series of treatments.
Scar & Line Reduction
Remodels scar tissue and softens fine lines by replacing damaged collagen with new, organized fibers beneath the skin's surface.
Serum Absorption
Micro-channels created during treatment allow medical-grade serums to absorb more effectively than topical application alone.
Skin Concerns We Treat
Microneedling is one of the most versatile resurfacing treatments we offer. Needle depth and serum selection are customized for each concern.
Acne Scars
Microneedling is well-established for improving the appearance of acne scars by remodeling the damaged collagen beneath each scar. Rolling and boxcar scars respond best; deep ice pick scars may need combination approaches. Most patients see measurable improvement over 3–6 sessions. For deeper scarring, RF microneedling delivers additional energy to the dermis.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
The collagen and elastin produced during wound healing gradually firms and thickens the skin, softening fine lines — particularly around the eyes, forehead, and mouth. Microneedling is not a replacement for Botox (which relaxes the muscles causing dynamic wrinkles) or dermal filler (which replaces volume loss), but it complements both by improving overall skin quality. The timing between microneedling and Botox is important — your provider will advise on scheduling.
Large Pores & Texture
Microneedling tightens pore walls by stimulating new collagen around each pore, making them appear smaller. It also smooths rough, uneven texture by replacing disorganized surface cells with healthier skin. Patients with oily or congestion-prone skin may benefit from pairing microneedling with a HydraFacial between sessions to keep pores clear.
Hyperpigmentation & Melasma
Microneedling can help fade mild to moderate hyperpigmentation by accelerating cell turnover and allowing brightening serums to penetrate more effectively. For melasma specifically, microneedling is a safer option than most lasers because it doesn't generate heat — which can worsen melasma in many patients. That said, melasma is chronic and multifactorial; microneedling can improve it but rarely resolves it completely on its own. Your provider may recommend combining it with a VI Peel or medical-grade skincare like SkinBetter Science.
Neck & Jowl Laxity
The neck and jawline are among the first areas to show aging due to thinner skin and chronic sun exposure. Microneedling across the neck and décolletage stimulates collagen production in tissue that typically doesn't respond well to topical products alone. For more significant tightening, RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy to reach deeper layers.
Sun Damage & Stretch Marks
Microneedling remodels collagen in sun-damaged skin — improving texture, tone, and mild discoloration over a series of sessions. For more advanced sun damage with visible brown spots or redness, combining microneedling with BBL Photofacial or MOXI laser often produces better results than either treatment alone. Stretch marks (which are a form of scarring) can also be improved — though results depend on the age and depth of the marks, and multiple sessions are typically needed.
What to Expect
Each session takes approximately 45–60 minutes including numbing. Here's the step-by-step process at ELLEMES.
Cleanse & Numb
Your provider cleanses the treatment area and applies a topical numbing cream. This sits for 20–30 minutes to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Most patients describe the sensation as mild vibration once numbed.
Treatment
Using the FDA-cleared SkinPen device, your provider passes the handpiece across the treatment area in a systematic pattern. Needle depth (0.5–2.5mm) is adjusted by zone — deeper on scarred areas, shallower on thin skin like around the eyes. A hyaluronic acid serum is applied during treatment to keep the skin hydrated and help the device glide smoothly.
Post-Treatment Serum
Immediately after needling, a targeted serum is applied while the micro-channels are still open — allowing deeper penetration than topical application alone. Your provider selects the serum based on your concerns: growth factors for anti-aging, brightening agents for pigmentation, or calming formulations for sensitive skin.
Recovery (Days 1–3)
Expect mild redness and warmth similar to a sunburn, typically lasting 24–48 hours. Some patients experience light peeling or dryness around days 2–3. Most people return to normal activities the next day. Avoid direct sun, active skincare ingredients (retinol, AHAs, vitamin C), and heavy makeup for 48–72 hours.
Results (Weeks 2–12)
New collagen production begins within days but takes 4–12 weeks to become visible. Most patients notice improved texture and brightness by week 3–4. Scar improvement and firming effects continue building for up to 6 months after your final session. Full results typically require 3–6 sessions.
Apply SPF 30+ daily, use only gentle cleanser and moisturizer for 48–72 hours, avoid sweating and swimming for 24 hours, and skip retinol, AHAs/BHAs, and vitamin C until your provider clears you (typically 3–5 days). Your provider will send you home with specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment depth. We recommend Revision Skincare or SkinBetter Science for post-treatment recovery.
Treatment Options
We offer microneedling for the face, neck, and chest. Your provider will recommend the right coverage level based on your skin and goals.
Face
Face & Neck
Face, Neck & Chest
Who Performs This Treatment
Lauren Siso
Jaycee Zotti
Christian Carter
How Many Sessions & How Often
The number of sessions depends on what you're treating. Here's what we typically recommend at our Sandy Springs clinic.
For fine lines, mild texture issues, enlarged pores, and overall skin quality. Sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Most patients see noticeable improvement by session 2–3, with results continuing to build for months after the series ends.
For moderate to severe acne scarring, deeper wrinkles, stretch marks, or significant sun damage. Deeper needle settings and additional sessions allow more collagen remodeling in heavily scarred tissue. RF microneedling may be recommended for the most stubborn scars.
After completing your initial series, annual or biannual maintenance sessions keep collagen production active and prevent regression. Many patients alternate microneedling maintenance with chemical peels or HydraFacials to maintain results year-round.
Your provider will recommend a specific plan during your consultation based on your skin assessment and goals. The multi-session packages (3 or 5 sessions at 10–15% off) are designed for patients completing a full treatment series. Read our full guide on microneedling sessions and timelines.
Standard vs. RF Microneedling
We offer both standard microneedling and RF (radiofrequency) microneedling at ELLEMES. They're different tools — here's how to know which one is right for your concerns.
Standard Microneedling
Collagen induction through controlled micro-injury. The needles create punctures that trigger the wound-healing cascade — no additional energy is delivered.
Fine lines, mild scarring, texture, pores, pigmentation. Excellent first-line treatment for most skin quality concerns.
Safe for all skin tones including Fitzpatrick IV–VI. No heat-related hyperpigmentation risk.
1–2 days of mild redness. Most patients resume normal activities next day.
$400 / session (face)
RF Microneedling
Needles deliver radiofrequency energy directly into the dermis, heating tissue at controlled depths. This triggers both collagen induction and tissue tightening simultaneously.
Moderate to severe scarring, skin laxity, deeper wrinkles, and concerns where both texture improvement and tissue tightening are needed.
Safe for most skin tones. The RF energy is delivered subdermally (below the surface), reducing hyperpigmentation risk compared to surface-level laser treatments.
2–4 days of more noticeable redness and swelling. Some patients experience mild bruising.
$550 / session (face)
Not sure which to choose? Your provider will recommend one based on your skin assessment. Many patients start with standard microneedling and move to RF microneedling if they want additional tightening or have deeper scarring. Some treatment plans combine both. Comparing microneedling to IPL? We cover that in detail as well.
Microneedling Reviews
"I started microneedling procedures with Jaycee to help improve my acne scars and texture and cannot thank Jaycee enough! Now, I barely have acne scars or texture."
"ELLEMES is fantastic! I've had various services — chemical peel, microneedling, moxi, and a facial. All were excellent. The staff is so very nice and accommodating."
"Lauren and her team are amazing! Best esthetician in Atlanta hands down. My go-to for hydrafacials, peels, PRP Microneedling. Love her!"
"Out of all the microneedling experiences I've had, she was by far the most professional. My skin looks noticeably better and it's only the second day. Would absolutely recommend."
"Lauren is the best. I recently had microneedling and it was painless. I'm getting compliments on my skin and that never happens. She really knows what she is doing."
"I received a microneedling treatment and the results were clear. My skin feels noticeably smoother, and during the process the team made sure I was comfortable."
"I have been coming to Ellemes for the past few years now for the SkinPen microneedling treatments. My results have been consistent, and I appreciate the knowledgeable staff."
"The staff is very friendly and the whole place is very nice, clean, and relaxing. I felt comfortable throughout the process and will definitely return."
"The Best - it's only a 5 Star rating because there's not an option for 6. Seriously, the customer service is unbeatable and I always leave satisfied with my results."
"I truly love this place. The staff is always very kind and helpful. Everyone is knowledgeable and satisfaction is clearly a priority. I highly recommend ELLEMES."
Common
Questions
What to know before booking microneedling at ELLEMES Medical Spa in Sandy Springs, Atlanta.
Most patients see meaningful improvement with 3–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Fine lines and texture typically respond in 3–4 sessions; acne scars and deeper concerns may need 4–6. Your provider will recommend a specific plan based on your skin assessment. Read our full sessions guide.
A topical numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes before treatment. Most patients describe the sensation as mild vibration or pressure — uncomfortable in some areas (forehead, jawline) but not painful. The numbing handles it well.
Expect 1–2 days of redness and warmth similar to a mild sunburn. Some patients experience light peeling around days 2–3. Most people return to normal activities the next day and can wear mineral makeup after 24 hours. RF microneedling has slightly longer downtime (2–4 days).
Yes — this is one of microneedling's key advantages. Because it doesn't use heat or light energy, there's no risk of the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can occur with certain lasers on darker skin. It's safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI). Your provider may adjust needle depth and post-treatment serum selection for melanin-rich skin.
Microneedling is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The concern is not the needling itself but the serums applied during treatment — many contain ingredients like retinoids, growth factors, or salicylic acid that should be avoided. We cover this topic in depth in our microneedling and pregnancy guide.
Microneedling is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for acne scarring. Rolling and boxcar scars respond best. Deep ice pick scars improve but may need combination approaches (microneedling + chemical peels or RF microneedling). We have a detailed guide on microneedling for acne scars covering each scar type.
If you have recent Botox, wait at least 2 weeks before microneedling in the same area. The concern is that needling could theoretically affect how the Botox settles. We cover the full scheduling details in our post on microneedling and Botox.
Standard microneedling is the right starting point for most patients — it's effective for fine lines, texture, pores, mild scarring, and pigmentation. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy for additional tissue tightening and is better suited for skin laxity, deeper scarring, or patients who want both texture improvement and firming. Your provider will recommend one based on your consultation.
At ELLEMES, microneedling starts at $400 for a face-only session, $475 for face and neck, and $550 for face, neck, and chest. Multi-session packages of 3 or 5 treatments are available at 10–15% off. These are in line with what you'll find at medical spas in the Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Dunwoody area for SkinPen-level, provider-administered treatments.
The collagen remodeling from microneedling is long-lasting but not permanent — your skin continues to age naturally. Scar improvement tends to be the most durable result. For anti-aging and texture maintenance, 1–2 sessions per year after your initial series helps sustain results. Think of it like fitness: the work you put in has lasting effects, but maintenance matters.
Microneedling won't address volume loss (that requires dermal filler), dynamic wrinkles from muscle movement (that's Botox), or significant skin laxity on its own (though RF microneedling helps with mild to moderate laxity). It also won't produce the same results as ablative laser resurfacing for severe scarring or photodamage. Your provider will tell you honestly whether microneedling is the right tool for your specific concern — or whether something else would be more effective.
When you're ready.
Schedule a consultation and we'll recommend the right treatment based on your skin, your concerns, and your timeline.
Book a Consultation