Skin Concerns
Treats acne scars (rolling and boxcar respond best), fine lines and wrinkles, large pores and uneven texture, mild-to-moderate hyperpigmentation and melasma, neck and jowl laxity, sun damage, and stretch marks. For deeper scarring or skin laxity, RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy. Microneedling won’t address volume loss (filler) or dynamic wrinkles (Botox).
Ideal Candidate
Microneedling is safe for all skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–VI) — because it uses no heat or light, there’s no risk of the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can occur with certain lasers on darker skin. Best for patients with acne scarring, fine lines, texture, pores, or mild pigmentation. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active acne breakouts or skin infections, active eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area, while taking Accutane within 6 months, or with a history of keloid scarring. Your provider confirms candidacy at consultation.
Standard vs. RF Microneedling
Standard microneedling ($400 face) stimulates collagen through controlled micro-injury — the right first-line treatment for fine lines, mild scarring, texture, pores, and pigmentation. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy delivered into the dermis, triggering both collagen induction and tissue tightening — better for moderate-to-severe scarring, skin laxity, and deeper wrinkles. Your provider recommends one based on your consultation.
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
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.
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. 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 chemical peel or medical-grade skincare.
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 décolleté 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. 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 alone. Stretch marks (a form of scarring) can also be improved — results depend on the age and depth of the marks, and multiple sessions are typically needed.
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.
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.
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 keeps the skin hydrated and helps the device glide.
Post-Treatment Serum
Immediately after needling, a targeted serum is applied while the micro-channels are still open — allowing deeper penetration than topical application. 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 Build Over Time
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.
Post-Treatment Tips
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. Full guidance on our post-care instructions page.
Treatment Options
Microneedling for the face, neck, and chest. Your provider will recommend the right coverage level based on your skin and goals.
Face
Controlled micro-injuries across the full face stimulate the skin’s natural healing response — targeting wrinkles, scars, and uneven texture.
- 45–60 min appointment
- Forehead, cheeks, nose, chin
- FDA-cleared SkinPen
- Custom serum finish
Face & Neck
Extends the treatment to the neck, which often shows early signs of aging and sun damage. Consistent texture and tone correction across both areas.
- Full face + neck
- Best for early neck aging
- Even tone across both zones
- Series of 3–6 recommended
Face, Neck & Chest
Full coverage across the face, neck, and décolleté — three areas that commonly show signs of aging, sun exposure, and textural irregularity.
- Face + neck + décolleté
- Most comprehensive option
- Ideal for chest sun damage
- Even result across all zones
Multi-session packages
- ✓ Package of 3 — save 10% on a corrective series
- ✓ Package of 5 — save 15% for deeper concerns like acne scarring
- ✓ Alternate with HydraFacial or chemical peels to maintain results between series
Most patients need 3–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Packages are designed for completing a full series.
Who Performs This Treatment
Every microneedling session at ELLEMES is performed by a licensed medical aesthetician using the FDA-cleared SkinPen device.
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.
Microneedling Questions
What to know before booking microneedling at ELLEMES Medical Spa in Sandy Springs, Atlanta.
How many sessions will I need?
Does microneedling hurt?
What’s the downtime?
Is microneedling safe for dark skin tones?
Can I get microneedling while pregnant?
Will it help my acne scars?
What about Botox timing?
Standard microneedling or RF — which do I need?
How much does microneedling cost in Atlanta?
Are results permanent?
When You’re Ready
Schedule a microneedling consultation at our Sandy Springs clinic. Your provider will assess your skin and recommend the right plan — standard microneedling, RF, or a complementary combination.
Book a Consultation →Or call (470) 222-6581