A Medical Procedure, Not a Spa Service
One of our primary focuses at The Center for Fully Functional Health is preventative medicine: taking proactive steps to address symptoms before they become something more serious. Our approach to skincare is no different.
When patients ask us about microneedling, it’s often because they’ve noticed small shifts and want to be proactive. That might be texture that doesn’t smooth out, or tone that looks uneven in the rearview mirror. It could be lines that stick around, even after a solid eight hours of sleep.
Microneedling is the perfect tool for natural preventive maintenance. We use it to trigger the skin’s natural healing ability, improving texture without forcing you into hiding for a week.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that creates precise micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production through the body’s own healing response.
Those controlled injuries signal repair at a cellular level, leading to stronger structure, improved texture, and more stable skin over time, rather than a short-lived change on the surface.
Scars, Pores, Uneven Tone
You might have seen marketing that positions microneedling as a sort of magic eraser for any skin issue or sign of aging. That isn’t actually the whole story. How effective microneedling is depends on your tissue quality and specific concerns.
When the plan is solid, microneedling can noticeably improve the look of fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and that vague "unevenness" caused by sun exposure. It works on stretch marks, too, provided the depth control is managed correctly.
However, microneedling has limits. If you have significant sagging (volume loss) or deep scars, we suggest combining microneedling with laser therapy for the best results.
Function Over Flash
Microneedling is a fantastic option for patients who want a natural look. You’re using your body’s own healing mechanisms to turn back the clock, rather than making any structural changes. It’s the ideal choice to smooth and firm without using fillers or resorting to surgical intervention.
Microneedling is our pick because it:
Not every patient is a good candidate for microneedling. In order to heal, your immune system needs to be heathy and active. We take a careful approach when treating patients with severe acne, uncontrolled rosacea, or a history of issues with skin pigment changes. If you’re struggling with autoimmunity, infections, or a compromised immune system, we can help guide you through a holistic wellness plan before you start microneedling treatment.
Microneedling can help improve the skin over time, but it’s not a fast fix. This is a regenerative treatment that works with your body’s natural healing processes.
Skin-Led Decisions
We begin by applying a numbing cream and allow time for it to take effect. Once we start, the sensation is mostly pressure and vibration. Some areas such as the forehead or upper lip register more than the cheeks or chin. We will adjust the depth and technique based on how your skin flushes in real time, so every microneedling session is customized to you and your skin.
One session starts the signaling process for your skin to heal from the inside out. By giving your skin room to respond on its own terms, you can expect positive ongoing changes with every session.
You will look sunburned at first. The skin will feel warm, and tightness and minor swelling are normal, especially that first night.
Most people are socially comfortable within 48 hours. You might hold onto a pink hue a little longer, depending on how deep your treatment was.
The rules for recovery are simple but strict: avoid heat, heavy sweating, sun, and active skincare ingredients for at least 48 hours. Don't irritate tissue that is trying to heal.
Microneedling Results
Gradual Changes That Stick
Results are gradual, and that’s by design.
You might see a "glow" in the first week, but that’s often just swelling going down. The real changes – called “collagen remodeling” – happen over 6 to 12 weeks. Expect your results to stack, as each session builds on the results of the last.
The beauty of microneedling is that there’s no "final reveal," just progressive improvement that helps your skin hold up over the years.
Most patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. The exact number of sessions needed depends on baseline skin condition and the concerns being treated. Acne scars, stretch marks, and deeper textural issues usually need additional sessions, as compared to fine lines or roughness.
Different Tools, Different Jobs
RF adds heat (thermal energy) to the needles. It targets deeper contraction. Good for moderate laxity, but the risk profile changes.
Lasers hunt pigment and surface damage aggressively. They often involve more downtime. Not all skin types tolerate lasers well.
Peels are about surface exfoliation and tone. They do not stimulate collagen production to the same structural degree.
Choosing the right approach requires understanding what your skin actually needs – not defaulting to the most aggressive option. Our team is happy to help you choose the right treatment for your whole body, not just your skin.
At The Center for Fully Functional Health, we take a holistic approach to every aspect of your care. That means the practitioners performing your microneedling treatment are also able to advise you on hormones, diet, lifestyle, and other factors that impact not only your skin, but your overall health.
As with our functional and integrative medicine services, our skincare and aesthetic treatments also emphasize state-of-the-art technology, expert providers, and individualized planning. Microneedling is not an add-on service – it’s a deliberately regenerative procedure used to enhance long-term skin quality.
If you’re considering microneedling in Carmel and want a treatment grounded in biology rather than trends, schedule your complimentary consultation with our team today.
Call or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to begin your personalized treatment plan.
Most patients tolerate treatment well with numbing cream. The sensation is best described as pressure and vibration rather than pain.
Yes, when performed at appropriate depth and across multiple sessions, microneedling can improve acne scars by stimulating collagen remodeling.
Compared to lasers, yes. Expect redness for 1 to 3 days, depending on depth.
Typically after 24 hours, once the skin barrier has stabilized.
Improper technique can. This is why provider experience and pre-treatment planning matter.
Microneedling results are cumulative and supported by maintenance and skincare. Microneedling helps maintain skin integrity over time.
Schedule an Appointment Today.
The Center for Fully Functional Health® is led by a team of award-winning, internationally recognized physicians, committed to providing personalized, life-changing care.
