Posted: May 5, 2025
Anti-aging. A term we have all heard about, but what does it really mean and entail? As we age, we lose volume, mass, muscle, bone, fat, collagen, and more. Every year after your 20s, your collagen production decreases by about 1%. This means by the time a person reaches their 40s, they may have lost 30-40% of their skin’s collagen, which can contribute to visible signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive topical treatment that rejuvenates aging skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
Collagen induction therapy can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture while enhancing the skin’s overall radiance and firmness. Follow along in this blog to learn more about how to prepare, what to expect during the treatment, and what aftercare steps are recommended for optimal results.
By: Mallory, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
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Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is a topical rejuvenating treatment with minimal downtime. This treatment is designed to improve skin texture and stimulate collagen production. The procedure involves using a device equipped with fine needles on the tip, which create tiny, controlled punctures (micro-injuries) into the skin’s surface.
Here at Atalo we use the SkinPen Microneedling Device, which is the first FDA cleared microneedling device in the world. The micro-injuries created in the skin stimulate the natural healing process- inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. This then forces the skin to repair itself by producing more collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining a youthful, firm appearance.
Before completing microneedling it is important to understand the key benefits from treatments. Microneedling helps brighten and tighten the skin. In the repair process, the body stimulates more collagen and elastin. This helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity. As a result of the micro-injuries created on the skin, new cells are produced. This means bright, fresh, new cells are coming up to the surface.
These new cells help reduce sun spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone. Microneedling can also help decrease acne scarring. The microneedles penetrate the skin, breaking up some of the scarring and allowing new cells to replenish the areas. Lastly, microneedling can help tighten enlarged pores and give a more refined complexion.
You can even add-on PRP to your microneedling sessions to see even greater results! Learn more about it and see it in action here.
Prior to completing any treatment in office, we do recommend scheduling a consultation with a provider to develop a treatment plan with products and services which are best for you! Once you and your provider have discussed your skin concerns and goals, we can schedule you for a treatment. The process of microneedling includes an hour and a half appointment. During this appointment you are numbed with a topical numbing agent for one hour. After the numbing step has been completed, your face is cleansed and treatment begins.
Your provider uses the SkinPen in a moving motion across your whole face (and neck if preferred) with the needles at different depths. Some areas are a few more sensitive than others such as bony prominences like the nose and forehead. The treatment itself is relatively comfortable and quick, usually lasting around ten minutes. During your treatment you can also add on PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, for an added boost and to decrease your downtime. Post treatment at Atalo you will also relax under the LightStim red light therapy for 15 minutes to further promote collagen stimulation.
Treatments are recommended in a series of 3 sessions, every 4-6 weeks. Maintenance sessions are recommended every 3-4 months for best results.
After your microneedling treatment expect to be red, similar to a mild sunburn, for a day or two. Your skin may also feel tight and dry. Be sure to keep your skin clean and moisturized by using gentle cleansers and moisturizers. One of the biggest concerns post microneedling is infection.
It is important to avoid working out and wearing makeup for 24-48 hours. You may, however, wear a tinted mineral sunscreen post treatment. It is imperative to avoid sun exposure post treatment as you will have fresh, new cells on the skin. Some potential side effects of the treatment include swelling, irritation, or minor bruising which is temporary.
Microneedling is a great treatment for patients who are wanting a quick, collagen-stimulating, refresh to their skin. If you are experiencing fine lines, enlarged pores, or acne scarring, this treatment could be great for you! Contraindications to treatment include: pregnancy, breastfeeding, history of keloid scarring, and active skin infections. As mentioned previously, we do recommend completing a consultation with one of our licensed providers prior to scheduling this appointment.
Microneedling is an effective treatment for improving skin texture, promoting collagen growth, and addressing a variety of skin concerns. It is a quick treatment with minimal downtime, that can also be done year round. If you are interested in this treatment, come in to see us for a consultation and discuss your concerns with one of our providers. We can’t wait to see you!
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