Is Microneedling Painful?

Microneedling is minimally invasive, so there is little pain or discomfort to contend with. Your skin is numbed before your session, which helps ease any soreness. A topical numbing cream or ointment can be prescribed and applied at home before your appointment. Afterward, you can take over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol if needed.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Patients typically need 3-6 microneedling appointments spaced out 4-6 weeks apart to achieve their goals. However, after just one visit, most patients will see minor skin tone and texture improvements.

How Long Until I See Results?

Positive changes after microneedling can usually be seen within 1-2 weeks. However, it can take 4-6 weeks to see your full results, giving the body time to replenish its collagen and elastin reserves. With multiple sessions, you will see a pronounced improvement in the skin’s suppleness and youthful glow.

Can I Combine Microneedling With Other Procedures?

Yes. At Greco MD in Philadelphia, we provide a wide range of restorative skincare solutions and cosmetic surgery for the head, face, and neck. If you are interested in undergoing additional procedures in combination with microneedling, speak with our team during your private consultation so we can create a customized plan for accomplishing your goals.

What Are the Risks Associated With Microneedling?

Risks associated with microneedling can include: Bleeding Bruising Infection Peeling Patients should contact us right away if they experience these side effects. It is important to note that microneedling is not recommended for people with active acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. It is also not recommended for people who have recently used Accutane, have a history of keloid scarring, or are prone to excessive scarring.

Microneedling

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction to Microneedling

Microneedling is a popular solution for a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation. Also known as collagen induction therapy, the treatment creates a series of tiny skin punctures called ‘microchannels’ to stimulate collagen and elastin regeneration, smoothing and improving the complexion from within. At Greco MD in Philadelphia, PA, helmed by double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy M. Greco, MD, FACS, our licensed medical aesthetician focuses on delivering a more supple, radiant appearance using a highly customized approach.

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Greco

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a popular and effective method of rewinding the clock of aging and producing a more supple, blemish-free complexion. During a microneedling session, a device with fine needles is passed over the skin gently, creating precisely controlled micro-injuries. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing process, which thickens the epidermis (the top skin layer) and accelerates the production of both collagen and elastin to rejuvenate and smooth the skin while keeping it pliable and elastic. The minor injuries created serve as micro-channels through which topical skin care serums (platelet-rich plasma, injectables, etc.) can better penetrate deeper into the skin and be absorbed.

Microneedling is typically performed on the face but can also treat other parts of the body, such as the neck, décolletage, stretch marks, and hands. It can address a wide array of aesthetic concerns, including the following:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scarring
Hyperpigmentation
Enlarged pores
Uneven skin texture
Sun damage
Stretch marks
Hair loss

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Greco

Microneedling and PRP

While microneedling is very effective as a standalone treatment, it can also be paired with other therapies for optimized anti-aging results. At Greco MD in Philadelphia, we often combine microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments.

PRP treatment, also known as a “vampire facial” or “vampire facelift,” harnesses the healing and regenerative properties of platelets and growth factors naturally contained in your blood. A small amount of your blood is withdrawn and processed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells. After microneedling, the plasma is applied to the skin. The microscopic injuries created during microneedling allow the platelet-rich plasma to penetrate and be absorbed into the deep layers of skin.

What Are the Benefits of Microneedling?

Microneedling is an affordable and effective treatment option for all skin types. Patients usually report minimal discomfort during the treatment, followed by little to no downtime. The treatment is also customizable depending on each patient’s unique skin profile and the goals they wish to achieve. Benefits of microneedling treatment include:

Reduction in dynamic wrinkles
Softening of fine lines and creases
Reduction in pore size
Reduction in the appearance of acne scars
Regulation of excess sebum production
Overall improvement in the tone and texture of the skin
Brightening of dark pigmentation
Maximize the absorption of nutrient-rich topical skincare products
Reduction in the appearance of surgical and traumatic scars

Benefits

Who Are the Best Candidates For Microneedling?

Microneedling is a safe and effective skin rejuvenation treatment suitable for almost every patient, as long as they are healthy and realistic in their expectations. Note that microneedling is not recommended for immunocompromised patients or those with skin cancers, solar keratosis, keloid scars, or warts in the treatment areas. Patients with active skin infections or breakouts, including cold sores, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, or active acne, will need to postpone their sessions. Our experienced licensed medical aesthetician will evaluate you physically during your private consultation in Philadelphia, carefully reviewing your medical history to ensure that the treatment will be a safe choice for you.

Candidates

What’s the First Step?

Your Microneedling Journey With Dr. Timothy Greco

Your microneedling treatment journey begins with a consultation including our in depth Visia skin analysis technology with our Aesthetician, during which we will discuss your cosmetic goals in detail and conduct a thorough physical and medical assessment. Once we have created your individualized treatment plan and your microneedling session has been scheduled, you will need to follow a few simple guidelines to prepare:

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for 24 hours prior to your appointment
Stop using retinoids and products formulated with azelaic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid.
Discontinue blood-thinning medications for several days before microneedling
On the day of your appointment, avoid wearing any lotions, creams, perfumes, serums, or cosmetics.
Take a Tylenol one hour before your microneedling session to minimize discomfort.

What to Expect on the Day of Microneedling Treatment

The microneedling procedure takes about an hour. A topical numbing ointment is applied on the skin 20 minutes before treatment to minimize discomfort. Once you are ready, your aesthetician will pass a specialized handpiece over the treatment zones, creating highly controlled micro-injuries that boost collagen production and enhance skincare product absorption. The needle depth is customized to suit your specific concerns.

While the topical anesthetic will greatly reduce uncomfortable sensations, patients may still encounter a feeling of skin pricking, tingling, warmth, or vibration as the needles are passed over the skin. Your aesthetician is sensitive to your needs and will adjust to accommodate you as the treatment progresses.

Expectations

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Microneedling Recovery

The microneedling procedure is relatively painless and involves minimal downtime. Some redness and swelling are normal and to be expected. However, these symptoms typically subside within a day or two. Makeup should not be used for 24 hours after the treatment. Your skin will be extra sensitive to sun damage after microneedling and should be adequately protected with a physical block sunscreen.

You should be able to see visible results within two weeks after your session. Collagen production will continue to evolve over the course of 3-6 months. You may need 3-6 appointments to achieve your desired goals. Our knowledgeable aesthetic team at Greco MD in Bala Cynwyd (Philadelphia), PA, will provide detailed aftercare instructions customized to your treatment plan.

How Much Does Microneedling Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of microneedling in Philadelphia will vary widely based on the areas addressed and the extent of your skin concerns. Once we have listened to your goals, evaluated your complexion, and reviewed your medical history, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you that includes customized pricing.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Greco?

At Greco MD in Philadelphia, all of our state-of-the-art skincare treatments are overseen by Dr. Timothy M. Greco, MD, FACS, a leading aesthetic authority double-board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This ensures the safety and efficacy of your procedure, along with nuanced, age-defying results. Our private state-certified surgical center can be found at 2 Bala Plaza (adjacent to Saks Fifth Avenue) in Bala Cynwyd, PA. It is equipped with the latest in cutting-edge skincare technology, including best-in-class microneedling devices. Dr. Greco currently serves as the Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He holds medical licenses for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Minnesota. Call us today to get started!

Why us?

Microneedling FAQ’S

Yes. At Greco MD in Philadelphia, we provide a wide range of restorative skincare solutions and cosmetic surgery for the head, face, and neck. If you are interested in undergoing additional procedures in combination with microneedling, speak with our team during your private consultation so we can create a customized plan for accomplishing your goals.
Risks associated with microneedling can include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Peeling
Patients should contact us right away if they experience these side effects. It is important to note that microneedling is not recommended for people with active acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. It is also not recommended for people who have recently used Accutane, have a history of keloid scarring, or are prone to excessive scarring.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are eager to learn more about the many benefits of microneedling, contact our friendly team at Greco MD today! Our office is located in Bala Cynwyd, which is conveniently located to provide patients with microneedling treatments in the Main Line area, including Villanova, Bryan Mar, and Wayne, PA. With a focus on patient satisfaction, the team at Greco MD is dedicated to providing a positive experience from consultation to recovery. We can help you get started on the path to a clearer, brighter complexion free from wrinkles, blemishes, and sun damage.