Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that stimulates the skin’s natural healing process by creating controlled micro-channels with sterile tiny needles. This triggers collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and minimizing scars and hyperpigmentation for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
About Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive medical procedure where tiny sterile thin needles create micro-channels that boosts your body’s ability to stimulate collagen & elastin production, which can improve skin texture, fine lines, and scars. It is often used for anti-aging, and scar reduction (acne, surgical scars from 360 tummy tuck, breast augmentation/reduction, other incisions) fine lines and wrinkles.
We use the Candela Exceed Microneedling device. We are able to control the depth and the speed of the device, and can adjust both to your comfort level. Candela is the gold standard of medical devices, and has FDA clearance to treat acne scars and facial wrinkles.
When combined with PRF (Plasma Rich Fibrin) the results are amplified, because we are using 2 modalities to boost collagen production.
How it Works
Results
Microneedling delivers both instant radiance and long-term skin transformation as collagen production continues to build over time.
Here is what you can expect:
– skin appears smoother, more refined and refreshed
– Collagen and elastin production accelerate, improving texture, firmness, and overall skin tone
3-6 months: Peak results are visible as deeper skin remodeling continues, reducing fine lines, scars and hyperpigmentation
For optimal, long-lasting results, a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 1 month apart is recommended with addition of PRF.
Who Is A Good Candidate?
Microneedling is a versatile results driven treatment. Ideal for those looking to enhance skin texture, boost collagen, and achieve a radiant, youthful glow.
– wanting to improve skin texture, minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and roughness
– Struggle with Acne scars or hyperpigmentation; helps fade discoloration and smooth scars
– Desire firmer, plumper skin, stimulate natural collagen and elastin production
– Seek an overall skin refresh, enhances tone, brightness, and skin health
– Prefer a natural approach, uses your body’s own regenerative power with minimal downtime
The Science Behind It
Microneedling stimulates your skin’s natural repair process to improve the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture. Also called collagen induction therapy, this minimally invasive treatment uses tiny, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering a healing response that supports collagen production and tissue remodeling.
At Elcin Aesthetics on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, we use the Candela Exceed medical microneedling device, an FDA-cleared system for improving the appearance of facial acne scars and facial wrinkles.
How does microneedling stimulate collagen?
The controlled needle punctures activate the skin’s wound-healing response. This involves cellular signals that recruit fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing collagen and other components of the skin’s supporting structure. As healing progresses, new tissue forms and existing collagen remodels.
Collagen provides strength and support, while elastin contributes to skin elasticity. These repair processes develop gradually, helping improve skin texture and soften the appearance of selected scars and wrinkles over time.
How does microneedling help acne scars and fine lines?
Depressed acne scars involve changes in the skin’s underlying collagen structure. Microneedling encourages collagen remodeling, which can make certain scars less noticeable and create a smoother-looking surface. It can also soften fine lines and improve the appearance of uneven texture and enlarged pores. Results depend on the concern being treated, scar type, and individual healing response.
Why does treatment depth matter?
Different areas of the face have different skin thicknesses and treatment needs. Adjustable needle depth allows treatment to be tailored to the area and concern. Deeper treatment is not automatically better; appropriate settings, technique, and aftercare are essential.
At Elcin Aesthetics in New York City, Elif Susan Elcin, PA-C, assesses your skin and medical history to develop a personalized microneedling plan. A series of sessions may be recommended, with improvements developing over weeks to months as collagen remodels.
Book your Upper East Side microneedling consultation to explore treatment for acne scars, facial fine lines, and smoother-looking skin.
The Comfort of the Procedure
Does microneedling hurt?
Microneedling can cause prickling, pressure, or a scratching sensation. Topical numbing cream helps reduce discomfort, although sensitivity varies by treatment area, needle depth, and individual pain tolerance, and can be adjusted depth and speed for your treatment.
At Elcin Aesthetics on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, comfort is part of your personalized medical microneedling treatment. Before your procedure, Elif Susan Elcin, PA-C, reviews your skin sensitivity, medical history, and any allergies to numbing medications.
How is microneedling made more comfortable?
Topical anesthetic is typically applied before treatment and allowed time to take effect. We use the Candela Exceed microneedling device, with adjustable settings tailored to your skin and treatment goals. Throughout your session, we check your comfort and can pause as needed.
Whether your treatment targets facial acne scars, fine lines, or uneven skin texture, the approach balances appropriate treatment intensity with your skin’s tolerance.
What does skin feel like after microneedling?
Your skin may feel warm, tight, or tender, similar to a sunburn. Temporary redness, mild swelling, dryness, or flaking can also occur. These effects generally improve over the following days, although recovery varies with treatment intensity and individual healing.
You will receive personalized aftercare instructions covering gentle skincare, sun protection, and when to resume makeup and active skincare products. Contact the practice if discomfort worsens or you develop unexpected symptoms.
Considering microneedling on the Upper East Side of NYC? Schedule a consultation at Elcin Aesthetics to discuss your skin goals, comfort preferences, and what to expect.
Microneedling Results: What Can You Expect?
Microneedling can improve the appearance of facial acne scars, fine lines, and uneven skin texture by stimulating collagen production and remodeling. Results develop gradually, with early improvements often noticeable within a few weeks and fuller results emerging over several months.
At Elcin Aesthetics on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, we use Candela Exceed medical microneedling to support natural-looking skin rejuvenation, with treatments personalized to your skin concerns and healing response.
What skin improvements can microneedling deliver?
Depending on your skin and treatment plan, improvements may include:
- Smoother-looking skin and more refined texture.
- Softer appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles.
- Less noticeable depressed acne scars.
- Reduced appearance of enlarged pores.
- Microneedling improves the appearance of selected concerns; it does not erase every scar or permanently eliminate pores.
When will I see microneedling results?
During the first few days, redness, mild swelling, and dryness can temporarily affect your skin’s appearance. This initial response is different from the longer-term benefits of collagen remodeling.
You may notice improvements in the following weeks. More substantial changes—particularly in acne scars and wrinkles—typically take several months and may require a series of treatments.
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
A series of approximately three to six sessions, often spaced four to six weeks apart, may be recommended depending on your concerns, treatment intensity, and recovery. Elif Susan Elcin, PA-C, will recommend a schedule based on your assessment and response rather than a fixed package for every patient.
How long do microneedling results last?
Longevity varies with your skin condition, age, sun exposure, and skincare routine. Ongoing aging continues, and maintenance treatments may help preserve improvements. Consistent sun protection and appropriate skincare support your results.
Book your microneedling consultation at Elcin Aesthetics on the Upper East Side of NYC to discuss acne scar treatment, fine lines, and a personalized plan for smoother-looking skin.
Individual results vary. Additional treatments, including PRF, require a separate discussion of suitability, evidence, and risks. *Can microneedling be combined with additional treatments?*
At Elcin Aesthetics on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, ask about complementary options such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), prepared from your own blood. You may also have heard about exosomes or salmon-derived PDRN/polynucleotides, sometimes called “salmon sperm” skincare. These products differ in their ingredients, supporting evidence, and regulatory status; they are not interchangeable or guaranteed to improve microneedling results.
Speak with Elif Susan Elcin, PA-C, about your skin goals, sensitivities, and the potential benefits and risks of any proposed addition to your NYC microneedling treatment plan.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling may be suitable for adults seeking to improve facial acne scars, fine lines, and uneven skin texture through collagen stimulation. Good candidates have realistic expectations, can follow aftercare instructions, and understand that improvements develop gradually and may require several treatments.
At Elcin Aesthetics on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Elif Susan Elcin, PA-C, evaluates your skin, medical history, and goals to determine whether medical microneedling with Candela Exceed is appropriate for you.
What skin concerns can microneedling address?
You may benefit from a consultation if you want to improve:
- Depressed acne scars: Soften the appearance of certain indented scars after active acne is controlled.
- Fine lines and facial wrinkles: Support collagen remodeling for smoother-looking skin.
- Uneven or rough skin texture: Improve the appearance of surface irregularities.
- Visible pores: Reduce their appearance without permanently eliminating them.
Is microneedling suitable for darker skin tones?
Microneedling can be an option across a range of skin tones. However, post-treatment darkening or lightening can occur. Your skin tone, history of pigmentation changes, and healing response help guide treatment selection, settings, and aftercare.
If your primary concern is hyperpigmentation or melasma, an assessment is important: the cause of discoloration determines whether microneedling or another treatment is more appropriate.
Who should postpone or avoid microneedling?
Active skin infections, cold sores, inflamed acne, or sunburn generally require treatment to be postponed. A history of keloid scarring, poor wound healing, immune suppression, or certain medical conditions may make microneedling unsuitable. Tell your provider about pregnancy or breastfeeding, medications—including isotretinoin and blood thinners—and allergies to metals or numbing creams.
How do I know whether microneedling is right for me?
Your consultation includes a discussion of expected benefits, recovery, risks, and alternatives. We develop a personalized plan based on your skin’s needs and your ability to follow skincare and sun-protection recommendations.
Book your microneedling consultation at Elcin Aesthetics on the Upper East Side of NYC to explore treatment options for acne scars, fine lines, and smoother-looking skin.
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They are very gentle and do their best to give the patients the expected results. I am very happy with their office, equipment, kindness and professionalism.
The staff was friendly and professional, and the treatment left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Thank you for the wonderful service, I'll definitely be visiting again!
The treatment targeted areas of concern and helped to improve the texture and firmness of my skin, but most importantly, the staff knew what they were doing.
have a question?
Quick answers to questions you may have
What does Microneedling actually do for my skin?
Microneedling is a precision treatment that activates your body’s own collagen and elastin production—smoothing fine lines, refining pores, fading scars, and revealing a brighter, more even-toned complexion. It’s a powerful way to reprogram your skin from within without harsh chemicals or downtime.
This isn’t just skincare. It’s skin tech.
How many sessions will I need to see results?
Most clients see visible improvement after just one session, with optimal results achieved through a series of 3 to 4 treatments, spaced about a month apart. Think of it as building a new foundation — radiant, resilient skin that gets better with time.
Each session is an investment in future-you.
Is there downtime after Microneedling?
You may experience mild redness for 24–48 hours, similar to a light sunburn. Makeup and skincare can usually resume the next day. It’s minimal recovery for maximum glow. Many of our clients return to work the same day—looking fresh, never inflamed.
Glow today. Radiate tomorrow.