Microneedling – The Latest Innovation in Skin Resurfacing

Dr. Michael A. Epstein at MAE Plastic Surgery is among the few board-certified plastic surgeons in the Chicago area to offer the DermaPen® microneedling treatment, the latest innovation in skin resurfacing. This FDA-approved electronic device, which resembles a pen, uses multiple fine needles to vertically pierce the skin, kickstarting your body’s natural healing response for a rejuvenated complexion.

This innovative microneedling process is ideal for anyone who would like to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars (including those caused by acne). It reduces pore size and creates wound patterns to break down old collagen chains while activating the healing process, creating a smoother facial texture by softening scars, stretch marks, and fine lines.

At MAE Plastic Surgery, we also offer the Fractora and Morpheus RF microneedling technologies.

To learn more about microneedling and which technique would be best suited for you, contact MAE Plastic Surgery today!

What Concerns Can Microneedling Help You Resolve?

Microneedling is a state-of-the-art procedure that is ideal for treating many cosmetic issues and skin flaws, including:

  • Aged, sagging skin
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Smoker’s lines around the lips
  • Skin tightening and rejuvenation
  • Large pores
  • Stretch marks
  • Scars (acne, surgical, and burns)

Fractora

Fractora RF is a fractional rejuvenation and resurfacing treatment we use to create youthful appearances. This technology combines microneedling and radiofrequenc

Fractora RF is a fractional rejuvenation and resurfacing treatment we use to create youthful appearances. This technology combines microneedling and radiofrequency energy. The RF energy heats the deeper skin layers with a controlled temperature to revive collagen production.

Fractora improves skin tone and texture for a radiant and youthful presence. In addition, Fractora helps resolve crepey skin, wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and acne scars with minimal recovery and long-lasting results.

Fractora can provide outstanding results on these areas:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Decolletage
  • Inner thighs
  • Abdomen
  • Arms
  • Knees

Customized Treatment Plan

Depending on our RF microneedling recommendation, you can expect to have between one to six sessions with Fractora. Acne scars, superficial scars, deep wrinkles, and stretch marks typically need more sessions for optimal improvement. Conversely, fine lines or crepey skin require fewer treatments to achieve your cosmetic goals. A typical treatment plan entails three treatments over four to six months.

Quick Results

After two weeks, you will begin noticing your skin appears refreshed with a radiant glow. Fractora benefits increase for up to six months after your last session. However, for stretch marks and scarring, improvement may take longer.

Morpheus Microneedling

Morpheus microneedling also uses radiofrequency. By design, it can treat multiple trouble spots while boosting collagen and elastin production. We use this non-surgical treatment to promote skin elasticity and underlying support. As a result, Morpheus microneedling RF smooths wrinkles and tightens skin on the face and body.

How Does Morpheus Microneedling Work?

Morpheus RF combines radiofrequency technology, fractional technology, and microneedling to resolve multiple skin issues. We employ several tiny needles and radiofrequency to penetrate the skin to heat tissue and stimulate elastin and collagen production. As an advantage, we can also mold underlying fat to create optimal results.

Morpheus Microneedling Benefits

Here are the multiple advantages of Morpheus:

  • Quick results
  • Increases collagen regeneration
  • Reduces scarring appearance
  • Minimizes the effects of wrinkles
  • Fades stretch marks
  • Short treatment time
  • No downtime

Schedule Your Chicago Plastic Surgery Consultation

Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Epstein, performs cosmetic improvements for patients throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. Call (847) 205-1680 today for an appointment or schedule a consultation online.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does microneedling work?

We use multiple tiny needles to vertically penetrate the skin’s surface layers and break up older collagen chains to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. The microscopic puncture wounds trigger your body’s innate healing response, and also help your topical creams and serums penetrate your skin better.

How much does microneedling cost in Chicago?

The answer to this question will vary depending on your recommended treatment plan, the extent of your concerns, and the microneedling method we use. We will provide you with an accurate estimate after meeting with you in person and learning more about your goals.

 

How does microneedling treat wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars?

In a nutshell, the skin needling technique relies on your ability to heal after an injury. Immediately after the skin encounters any physical harm, it replaces the damaged tissue with new, healthy skin (think of how a cut heals itself). Microneedling induces small, controlled areas of damage to trigger the production of new collagen without the risks of scarring. This process results in smoother and firmer skin.

When will I see results from microneedling, and what can I expect after my treatment?

Dr. Epstein has found each patient’s healing time varies, though most of his patients start to see results in one day to a week after treatment. Immediately after treatment, patients may notice a red appearance in the treatment area. In rare cases, there may be some minor pinpoint bleeding, depending on the depth of the needle penetration (which is adjustable based on the treatment area). However, even a light treatment can enhance the appearance of skin texture and brighten the complexion.

How is microneedling different from other techniques?

Until relatively recently, the most common needling technique was a roller with needles spread across an applicator. The problem with this approach is that the rolling movement along the skin created unnecessary epidermal damage as the needles would tug and pull the tissue with each roll. Unlike the roller, Dr. Epstein uses a unique applicator that is entirely vertical, minimizing unnecessary injury to the treatment area. In addition, the carefully controlled, disposable needle applicator only moves in an up-and-down motion, resulting in less recovery time and a more comfortable experience for patients. Furthermore, the tools’ size and design are ideal for tight or rounded areas where a roller can’t fit (like the crease of the nose, along the upper lip, and across the chin).

How does a microneedling treatment feel?

Depending on the depth of treatment decided by Dr. Epstein or one of his aestheticians, topical numbing creams can help increase your comfort levels. The microneedling applicator is adjustable to a length of .5mm to 2.5mm, depending on the skin condition. Those who undergo a microneedling treatment with a shorter needle usually describe it as a tickling sensation. We recommend a numbing cream for those undergoing treatment with a longer needle.

How many microneedling treatments will I need?

Each person’s skin conditions vary, and require different treatment levels. For example, those with mild wrinkles and fine lines may see improvement after one appointment. In contrast, more advanced skin conditions such as acne scarring may require more than one session. We’ll determine your ideal treatment plan during your consultation with one of Dr. Epstein’s aestheticians. Typically, a series of three to five treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, can achieve optimal results. Depending on the area you are having treated, your sessions may last 30 to 60 minutes.

Is microneedling safe for darker skin types?

Yes! Since no melanin-absorbing lasers or heat are involved, this procedure is safe for darker skin.

What are the immediate after-effects of a microneedling treatment?

Immediately following your microneedling treatment, there will be some redness. In some cases, there may also be some minimal bleeding. Dr. Epstein’s aestheticians will advise you on how to care for your skin in the days and weeks following the treatment. We suggest avoiding the sun and use sunscreen after treatment. There is little to no downtime. Most of Dr. Epstein’s patients return to their usual activities within a day.

Schedule Your Chicago Plastic Surgery Consultation

Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Epstein, performs plastic surgery for patients all over Chicago and the surrounding areas. Call us today for scheduling.

Meet Dr. Epstein