Microneedling Explained: How This Treatment Boosts Collagen and Smooths Skin

If you’ve ever found yourself curious about microneedling, what it is, how it works, or why so many people swear by it for smoother, firmer skin, it makes sense to get clear on the details first.

At Eternity Wellness, patients often want to know:

• What is microneedling?

• Does it hurt?

• How much does it cost?

This guide breaks it all down, from what actually happens beneath the surface to the real-world results you can expect. By the end, you’ll know exactly why this collagen-boosting treatment has become a go-to for tackling acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture, and how to book your own session with us.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skincare procedure that uses very fine needles to create tiny, controlled channels in the skin. These micro-injuries prompt your skin’s natural repair process, encouraging fresh collagen and elastin production.

It's also known as skin needling, collagen induction therapy (CIT), or percutaneous collagen induction therapy.

Here’s how microneedling works in plain terms:

• A qualified clinician or aesthetic provider uses a microneedling device (roller, pen, or machine) to penetrate the outer skin layers (epidermis and part of the dermis) with very small needles.

• These tiny punctures kick-start the skin’s wound healing response. Platelets rush to the area, neutrophils and growth factors get to work, fibroblasts activate, and your skin begins building fresh collagen and elastin fibers.

• Over time, typically within weeks to months, this process leads to visible skin renewal: smoother texture, fewer fine lines, smaller pores, a thicker dermis, and an overall more refined appearance.

Put simply, microneedling harnesses your skin’s natural repair mechanisms to regenerate healthier-looking tissue.

Does Microneedling Work?

Yes, when performed by a trained provider and paired with realistic expectations, microneedling delivers measurable, long-term improvements in skin health and appearance.

A growing body of research continues to back up what patients see in the mirror:

• Collagen and elastin production: Histological studies reveal notable increases in collagen types I, III, and VII, along with tropoelastin and other components of the extracellular matrix, after microneedling.

• Visible texture and tone improvements: One review found marked enhancements in skin texture, fine lines, acne scars, and stretch marks, with up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin after six months of repeat microneedling sessions.

• Proven safety across skin tones: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) confirms that microneedling is safe for all skin types and effective for concerns such as acne scars, uneven texture, and melasma.

At Eternity Wellness:

Microneedling is one of our most versatile treatments for addressing acne scars (particularly atrophic, boxcar, or rolling scars), fine lines, sun damage, enlarged pores, and uneven tone. When combined with topical serums like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, or adjunct therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), it can deliver even more refined, rejuvenated results.

How Much Is Microneedling?

At most practices (including ours at Eternity Wellness), pricing depends on several factors:

• Treatment area: Pricing varies based on whether you are treating the face, neck, body, or upper lip.

• Device and needle depth: Deeper needle penetration is often required for acne scars than for fine lines, which can affect cost.

• Adjuncts used: Add-ons such as PRP or vitamin C infusion can enhance results and may increase the total price.

• Number of sessions: Most patients need multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, so overall cost reflects a series rather than a single visit.

Typically, you can expect a consultation quote ranging from several hundred to a few thousand dollars for facial treatment. Contact our Louisville, KY office to learn more about current pricing packages.

Does Microneedling Hurt?

Comfort levels vary by individual, device, needle depth, and area being treated. At Eternity Wellness, we apply a numbing cream ahead of the procedure (typically 30–45 minutes) to minimize discomfort. This is standard practice.

Here’s what to expect:

• During treatment: You may feel a light scratching or pinprick sensation, especially over bony areas such as the cheekbones or upper lip.

• Immediately after: The skin often appears pink or red and can feel warm or tight. Mild swelling or pinpoint bleeding may occur when deeper needle settings are used.

• Downtime: Minimal. Most patients are back to their usual routine the next day, but it’s important to avoid heavy sun exposure and skip makeup for at least 24 hours while following post-care instructions.

Microneedling involves some sensation, but it’s generally well tolerated and far less invasive than plastic surgery or other surgical procedures.

Microneedling Before and After

A skilled provider will always document before-and-after photos to help you visualize realistic results. A professional microneedling treatment can lead to smoother texture, reduced scarring, firmer skin, smaller pores, and a more even tone, but the transformation happens gradually.

• Expect gradual improvement: Collagen remodeling takes time. Visible results often develop after 2–3 months as new collagen and elastin form beneath the surface through controlled needle penetration.

• Plan for multiple sessions: Lasting results usually require 3–6 treatments spaced several weeks apart.

• Maintain your progress: Annual or biannual maintenance sessions help sustain the benefits, depending on factors like age, sun exposure, and skin health.

Potential Benefits: What Microneedling Can Do

Microneedling is more than just a cosmetic procedure; it’s a science-backed way to encourage your skin to rejuvenate itself from within.

Here’s what consistent microneedling can do:

• Improve skin texture and tone: Smooths uneven texture and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a more refined appearance, often visible after your first session.

• Address acne scars: Targets atrophic acne scars, especially rolling or boxcar types, while improving overall pore size and skin surface in the treated area.

• Stimulate collagen and elastin production: Helps firm the skin and restore elasticity by encouraging new collagen formation over time, with progress that builds across multiple procedures.

• Minimize visible sun damage and discoloration: Can fade mild pigmentation and stretch marks, especially when paired with other treatments or topical serums.

• Require minimal downtime: Compared to surgical or aggressive laser procedures, microneedling offers noticeable results with less recovery time, making it a versatile choice for many skin types and tones.

Microneedling works best as a series, usually 3-6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, as collagen builds gradually. Some patients notice early improvements after the first couple of treatments. At Eternity Wellness, we'll tailor a plan based on your skin type, goals, and how your skin responds to each session.

Eternity Wellness: Louisville’s Trusted Microneedling Specialists

If you’re searching for “microneedling Louisville KY,” you’re in the right place. At our Louisville clinic, we provide microneedling alongside a full menu of skin rejuvenation treatments, using advanced devices, thorough numbing protocols, and options like vitamin C serums, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma to enhance your results.

Our process covers:

• Comprehensive skin assessment: We evaluate your skin type and concerns to determine whether microneedling is the right treatment or if another approach may be more effective.

• Customized treatment plan: We discuss the device, number of sessions, pricing, optional adjuncts, and what to expect in terms of downtime and results.

• Pre-treatment preparation: We provide guidance on skincare, sun protection, and avoiding alcohol-based toners to ensure your skin is properly prepped for the procedure.

• Post-treatment care: We share personalized instructions to help you maintain results and support your skin’s natural recovery process.

Click here to book now and reserve your consultation. Early appointments are recommended.

Microneedling: FAQs

What does microneedling actually do?

Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering a healing response. This response activates fibroblasts and growth factors, leading to new collagen and elastin formation.

What is the downside of microneedling?

Like any procedure, microneedling has potential downsides: temporary redness, swelling, or discomfort after treatment. There’s also a small risk of bruising, bleeding, or infection if not performed under sterile conditions. Most side effects fade within a few days, and gradual improvement continues as new collagen forms with each session.

How long will microneedling results last?

The new collagen and elastin produced after treatment continue remodeling for several months. Many patients enjoy results that last for months, especially with proper skincare and maintenance treatments once or twice a year.

Is microneedling good for pigmentation?

Yes, microneedling can help even out skin tone and improve mild pigmentation or sun damage. For deeper pigmentation such as melasma, combining microneedling with targeted topical treatments like vitamin C or retinol can yield better results.

Is microneedling right for me?

Microneedling is suitable for most skin types, including darker tones, and can help with acne scars, fine lines, sun damage, enlarged pores, uneven texture, and early laxity.

It’s not ideal for individuals with active acne breakouts, eczema, or psoriasis in the treatment area, a tendency toward keloid scarring, those who are pregnant (depending on the device or adjuncts), or anyone who has recently used isotretinoin.

A consultation will confirm whether this treatment is safe and appropriate for your skin.

What should you expect from the treatment plan?

Before your microneedling session, you’ll be advised to avoid alcohol-based toners and exfoliants, maintain daily sun protection, and review any medications that could affect healing. A typical full-face appointment lasts about an hour, including numbing, treatment, and post-care instructions.

After treatment, you’ll need to avoid makeup for 24–48 hours, minimize sun exposure, and use soothing serums with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. Most patients see the best results after 3-6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by annual maintenance.

Why choose Eternity Wellness in Louisville, KY?

Microneedling at Eternity Wellness is performed by experienced providers using advanced, medical-grade devices, not home rollers. Each treatment plan is tailored to your skin type, scar pattern, and goals. When needed, we enhance sessions with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or PRP to support collagen production and overall rejuvenation.

Our focus is on safe, inclusive care, clear expectations about cost and results, and thorough post-care guidance to help you maintain your results long term.