Fight Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Microneedling. Smoother, Radiant Skin in ABQ

Let us face it: we could only wish for our skin to remain youthful even as we age.

Time causes collagen production throughout our body to slow down, and as it does, our skin begins to sag and lose its glow.

Aging, pregnancy, childbirth, and even stress take their toll on our skin, and that overall affects the way we see ourselves. Truth be told, skin concerns can be very distressing, especially when they involve scars, stretch marks, and of course, wrinkles! 

Thanks to major advances in dermatology, many common skin concerns now have effective procedures or products to address them. One of the most talked-about breakthroughs is microneedling.

Microneedling is one of the most popular skincare procedures around, widely used and studied by dermatologists. Also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), it’s a well-researched, clinically studied procedure available at The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ. 

It’s minimally invasive and generally well-tolerated. Mild redness or sensitivity for a day or two afterward is normal, but most people are back to their routine right away. Many notice smoother-feeling skin as early as the next day, with visible improvements in tone and texture building over the following one to two weeks. A typical treatment plan involves three to four sessions, spaced four weeks apart. A booster session is also recommended every six months to help keep pace with the ongoing aging.

Microneedling is not a magic pill that produces overnight results. Through regular treatment sessions, your skin will show noticeable improvement that could last for months.

MicroNeedling History: Bits and Pieces

The practice of microneedling dates back to as early as 1905. That year, German dermatologist Ernst Kromayer pioneered the use of a motor-driven device fitted with dental burs to treat acne scars, keratoses, and hyperpigmentation. It was relatively primitive compared to what we have today, but the underlying concept, using controlled skin injury to trigger healing, remains the same. 

Nearly a century later, in 1995, doctors David Orentreich and Norman Orentreich introduced the concept of “subcision.” Using a tri-beveled hypodermic needle inserted through a small puncture in the skin, they carefully maneuvered its sharp edges beneath the skin’s surface to release the fibrous bands tethering down depressed scars and wrinkles. As the wound naturally healed, new connective tissue formed, offering meaningful, lasting improvement to the treated area.

By 2006, Dr. Desmond Fernandes had developed percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) — the technique and hand-held needling device that would go on to become known as the “Dermaroller®.”.

Fast facts: What is MicroNeedling and how does it work?

Professional microneedling uses a device to create fine, uniform micro-punctures in the skin’s outer layer (epidermis). These controlled micro-injuries stimulate the production of growth factors, collagen, and elastin, tapping into the body’s own natural healing process to improve skin quality over time. 

Microneedling is most commonly performed on the face to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, sagging, and enlarged pores, though it can also treat depressed scars on other areas of the body. It’s a cosmetic procedure that typically costs less than laser treatments, with lower risk of pigment changes across skin types, including darker skin tones.

Because the body responds the same way to both large wounds and tiny wounds, the basic principle is that microneedling tricks the body into responding to these tiny wounds with the same rush of fibroblasts and growth factors toward the skin’s surface.

The most popular microneedling device, the dermaroller, uses micro-fine needles ranging from 0.5 to 1.5mm. It’s commonly used for at-home treatments but has several disadvantages compared to the microneedling pens used in most clinics today.

As the roller moves across the skin, its needles enter and exit at an angle, dragging rather than puncturing cleanly. This dragging motion can create small tears in the skin, resulting in greater trauma, more noticeable side effects, and a longer recovery period.

Microneedling pens, by contrast, are motorized and penetrate the skin vertically in a precise “stamping” motion, producing clean, precise puncture wounds. The skin experiences less trauma, resulting in faster healing time. These pens are  more versatile, allowing easy access to those hard-to-reach and delicate areas  like the upper lip, sides of the nose, and under the eyes.

Furthermore, unlike dermarollers, microneedling pens offer consistent, adjustable-speed penetration — some professional devices pulse well over 100 times per second. This adjustability helps minimize skin damage, a feature that a manual dermaroller simply can’t match.

Here at The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ, we use microneedling pens to ensure an efficient and sanitary procedure, with minimal downtime.

Research and Studies

Various systematic reviews have established the safety and effectiveness of microneedling as a therapeutic option for the treatment of scars and wrinkles. As a result, it has become a common practice among dermatologists and aesthetic professionals in skin care.

Microneedling works by stimulating intradermal collagen production and can also be used to achieve transdermal drug delivery. Many clinics pair microneedling with serums, using the treatment’s micro-channels to deliver product deeper into the skin. Unlike platelet-rich plasma (popularized by the “Vampire Facial”), GHK-Cu doesn’t require handling blood products, which simplifies the treatment process and avoids the added precautions blood-based treatments require.

A 2024 review found that microneedling combined with CO2 laser treatment resulted in greater improvements in collagen remodeling compared to either technique used alone. This further supports microneedling’s effectiveness in stimulating collagen and elastin production.

A 2015 study evaluated the effects of multiple microneedling sessions on skin rejuvenation. After six sessions spaced two weeks apart, researchers found a significant increase in collagen types I, III, and VII, along with increased tropoelastin, compared to baseline. While microneedling doesn’t produce immediate results, undergoing a full series of sessions can meaningfully improve the skin’s overall appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing pore size, and increasing suppleness and elasticity.

A large multicenter study on fractional microneedling radiofrequency found the procedure to be highly effective for wrinkle reduction. Microneedling has also been shown to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with darker skin types, who typically carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation with more aggressive treatments like ablative lasers.

Based on your skin’s specific needs, The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ can also recommend anti-aging serums to complement your microneedling treatment plan.

The MicroNeedling Procedure

Microneedling is a simple, office-based procedure that typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated. With preparation included, most appointments last about an hour.

Before treatment, patients receive a thorough consultation covering what to expect, including the fact that results build gradually rather than appearing immediately. Most treatment plans involve four to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the concern being addressed.

The process begins with cleansing the treatment area using a medical-grade facial cleanser. Once dry, a topical anesthetic is applied and left to take effect for about 20 minutes.

Depending on clinic protocol and your treatment plan, a serum to support wound healing and skin repair may be applied before microneedling begins (this step is optional).

Next comes the needling itself. Using a microneedling pen, the provider creates a controlled series of micro-injuries by gliding the device across the treatment area in multiple directions, ensuring even coverage.

Through our specialized microneedling pen, its fine needles move rapidly, creating hundreds of micro-channels per treated section. Because skin thickness varies even across different areas of the face, it’s essential to have this procedure performed by a licensed, microneedling-certified provider who can adjust needle depth appropriately for each area.

Once needling is complete, a soothing serum is applied to the treated area. Numbness from the anesthetic typically lingers for a few hours, and most patients experience little to no discomfort immediately afterward. Within 24 hours after treatment, we recommend patients avoid exercise or other strenuous activities, as physical exertion may cause a burning sensation in treated skin.

Sun protection is essential during recovery. Because the skin’s micro-channels remain open for roughly 24 hours after treatment, we recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and holding off on sunscreen application until the following day. Once you resume sunscreen use, we recommend using a mineral-based option containing zinc oxide, since it sits on the skin’s surface rather than absorbing into it — making it gentler on healing skin.

Side Effects and Risks Involved

Just like any area of skin that has experienced controlled injury, a few expected side effects can occur:

• Pinpoint bleeding

Don’t be surprised to see pinpoint bleeding in some areas after the procedure; it’s minimal and generally painless.

• Pain and redness

Redness and possibly a slight burning sensation are common for about 24 hours post-treatment. This is a good window to apply hydrating creams and collagen-stimulating products like GHK-Cu, since the skin’s micro-channels are still facilitating deeper product absorption. Just remember: hold off on sunscreen until 24 hours have passed.

• Mild itchiness

Since the process induces micro-injuries, you can expect mild itchiness accompanied with tightening of the skin up to a few days post-procedure.

• Melasma and keloid formation

If you’re prone to keloid formation, it’s essential that your clinician knows this beforehand. Emerging research suggests microneedling may be a helpful adjunct treatment for melasma and, in some cases, inactive keloids, though evidence in this area is still developing. A gentle approach is key, and treating these conditions typically requires more sessions — sometimes up to eight months for more noticeable results.

• Infection

Because microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries, the skin becomes temporarily more susceptible to infection, particularly if instruments aren’t properly disinfected or sterilized. Choosing a trusted clinic significantly reduces this risk. The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ uses a new, sterile pen for every procedure. It’s also worth noting that these micro-channels can enhance the absorption of any topical product applied afterward — so it’s important to use gentle, skin-appropriate products after treatment, and to ask your clinic about their recommended aftercare regimen.

Microneedling has a strong safety profile overall and is well-tolerated across most skin types, though — as with any cosmetic procedure — a consultation with your provider is important to confirm it’s the right fit for your skin’s specific needs. 

Aftercare

A mineral-based sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended during the weeks following treatment.

Products containing retinol and acids such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid should also be avoided, as the skin may not tolerate strong active ingredients right after treatment. Stick to mild, gentle products, and skip exfoliating scrubs temporarily.

Hydration is still important! Aside from drinking plenty of fluids, be sure to use the recommended hydrating serums and creams on the treated skin.

If you need to wear makeup, opt for light, hypoallergenic products, and be sure to remove it before bedtime.

On DIY Derma-Rolling VS Microneedling in Clinics

Many do-it-yourself derma-pens and derma-rollers are available on the market today. While some visible effects may appear early on, these results often don’t last, mainly because at-home devices typically use shorter needles, resulting in less effective skin penetration.

DIY microneedling may be less expensive than in-clinic treatment, but it comes with higher risk — particularly around infection control, since maintaining a sterile device at home is difficult.

Having your microneedling procedure done at a trusted clinic like The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ helps ensure it’s performed by an experienced, trained professional. You’ll also have access to professional-grade serums and topical products that can enhance your overall treatment experience.

Conclusion

Microneedling has come a long way since its early beginnings — and today, it stands as one of the most well-researched, versatile treatments in modern skincare. Whether you’re looking to soften fine lines, improve scarring, or simply give your skin a fresh look, microneedling offers a science-backed approach to real, lasting results, especially when performed by an experienced, licensed provider using the right tools and technique. 

If you’re curious whether microneedling is right for you, we’d love to talk it through. Schedule a consultation with The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ to discuss your skin goals and find a treatment plan that fits.