Over the course of a lifetime, our skin endures some fairly intense conditions and hardships. It's no wonder we find ourselves with an increasing number of scars, acne marks, wrinkles, and lines, all giving everyone who sees them an idea about our age. For anyone who wants their face to communicate youthful vitality instead of years of wear, microneedling at Symmetry Med Spa by Bengtson Center is an effective means of softening cosmetic hints at the passage of time.
Microneedling (also called collagen induction therapy) is a minimally invasive treatment that creates thousands of microscopic channels in your skin. Your body responds to these micro-injuries with a natural wound healing process that triggers a surge of collagen and elastin production.
Collagen and elastin are both found primarily in our connective tissues. Though they are different proteins, they work together to help our skin maintain its shape and firmness. Collagen makes our skin strong, while elastin provides softness and flexibility, and both are vital to a youthful appearance. As we age, our bodies produce less of these proteins to replace the molecules that are lost to natural breakdowns and UV damage, resulting in skin that sags and wrinkles.
Microneedling kickstarts collagen and elastin production again. The concept isn't new. Aesthetic professionals have used variations of this technique for decades. What's changed is the technology. At Symmetry Med Spa, our licensed medical aestheticians use the FDA-cleared SkinPen®, the brand behind the first microneedling device to receive FDA clearance in 2018.
Microneedling is available as a standalone treatment or combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which uses beneficial components from a patient's own blood to promote further healing and rejuvenation.
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Your body is good at meeting its needs, which is why it sends restorative collagen and elastin to areas with a wound that needs healing. Since it doesn't take much to "heal" the channels created by microneedling, your body is basically tricked into flooding the treated area with far more help than is actually needed. The abundant remodeling agents get to work thickening the epidermis, stimulating the extracellular matrix, and reducing inflammation — all of which contribute to a more youthful-looking you!
Every microneedling treatment at Symmetry Med Spa begins ith a consultation. One of our licensed medical aestheticians will assess your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and determine whether microneedling is the right approach. From there, we will design a treatment plan based on your skin condition and desired outcomes.
Before the procedure begins, we apply a hydrating gel to our skin to ease the process and reduce discomfort. The SkinPen MicroPen is then applied to your skin in a gliding motion. Some patients have compared the sensation to the feeling of light sandpaper moving across the skin. It takes at least one hour to complete a standard microneedling procedure.
If you choose to combine microneedling with PRP, we draw small amount of blood from your arm and place it in a centrifuge, which separates the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The concentrated PRP is then applied to your skin during the microneedling treatment. The freshly created micro-channels allow it to penetrate into the dermis, where it can do the most good. The treatment lasts about two hours.
Some of our Michigan microneedling patients might be satified with the effects of a single round of treatment, while others will require a series of two to three treatments spaced about six to eight weeks apart. Patients with severe scarring or deep wrinkles may require additional treatments.
Following microneedling, your skin will be red for a few days. This often lasts for 24 hours at most, but some patients experience the effects for two to four days, depending on the duration of the treatment. Because microneedling is minimally invasive, you can return to your normal routine immediately following treatment.
Many patients notice an immediate glow once the initial redness fades. Your skin looks fresher, more alive. Major improvements occur over the following days and weeks, as your skin continues to produce new elastin and collagen. Peak results typically appear two to three months after completing your treatment series.
Results are long-lasting because you're creating actual structural improvement in your skin, not just a surface-level effect. Many patients sustain their results with maintenance treatments once or twice a year, combined with good skincare and sun protection.
To speak with a member of the Symmetry Med Spa by Bengtson Center team about microneedling in Grand Rapids or Byron Center, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Request your consultation online, or phone us at (616) 344-4510.
Many patients enjoy their results for 12 to 18 months or longer. That said, your skin continues aging, so periodic maintenance treatments (typically once or twice per year) help preserve your results. A consistent skincare routine and diligent sun protection also extend the benefits.
During the procedure, you'll feel a sensation some of our patients liken to sandpaper moving across their skin. Certain areas (forehead, upper lip, near the nose) tend to be more sensitive. We apply a topical anesthetic cream before your treatment, which significantly reduces sensation. The vast majority of our patients find it very tolerable.
Microneedling pricing varies based on the treatment area and whether you add PRP therapy. We provide specific pricing during your consultation after assessing your needs. Keep in mind that most patients require a series of treatments for optimal results, so we'll help you understand the full investment upfront. We offer financing options to make your treatment more accessible.
Most patients achieve optimal results with three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. The exact number depends on your specific concerns: general skin rejuvenation and mild texture issues may improve with three sessions, while deeper acne scars or significant sun damage often require five or six treatments, and sometimes more. During your consultation, we'll give you a realistic timeline based on the results you’re hoping to achieve.
The most common side effect is redness resembling a sunburn, which typically lasts 24 to 48 hours. Some patients experience mild swelling, skin tightness, or light peeling. These are normal signs that the healing process is underway. Serious complications are rare when microneedling is performed by trained professionals using proper technique and sterile equipment. We ensure all patients are treated with the highest possible safety standards.
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup, and ideally 48 hours if possible. Your skin has thousands of tiny open channels immediately after microneedling; applying makeup too soon increases infection risk and can interfere with healing. When you do return to makeup, use clean brushes or applicators and consider mineral-based products, which tend to be gentler on healing skin.
For at least the first 48 hours, avoid direct sun exposure, intense exercise (sweating can irritate treated skin), swimming pools and hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms, and alcohol (which can increase inflammation). For the first week, skip active ingredients like retinoids and exfoliating acids. These can irritate skin that's still healing. Do use a gentle cleanser, hydrating products, and SPF 30+ sunscreen. We'll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions.
Yes. Treating acne scars is one of the strongest evidence-based uses for microneedling, especially when PRP is included. A 2022 meta-analysis found that microneedling with PRP was associated with increased odds of clinical improvement and a higher patient satisfaction rate. Split-face studies, where one side of the face receives PRP and the other doesn’t, demonstrate noticeably better outcomes on the PRP-treated side.
Microneedling isn't appropriate for everyone. You should avoid treatment if you have:
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend waiting. Patients who've taken isotretinoin (Accutane) should wait six to 12 months after completing their course. We'll review your medical history during your consultation to ensure microneedling is safe for you.
These treatments work differently and address different concerns, so "better" depends on what you're trying to achieve. Microneedling is wonderful for building collagen and addressing issues rooted in the deeper layers of skin. Chemical peels are excellent for surface-level concerns like uneven texture and overall skin dullness. Many patients benefit from both treatments.
Microneedling is safe across all skin types and tones because it works mechanically. It doesn't need to distinguish between different melanin levels in order to have an effect. This makes it a safer option for patients with darker skin tones who may be at risk for hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation with laser treatments that target melanin.
The differences are substantial. Professional devices like SkinPen® use a vertical stamping motion with adjustable depth (0.5-2.5mm), reaching the dermis where collagen production actually occurs.
At-home dermarollers use a rolling motion that creates angled tears rather than clean channels, and their needles (typically 0.1-0.3mm) simply can't reach the depth needed for real collagen induction.
Professional treatments also use single-use sterile cartridges. At-home rollers are reused, with needles that dull quickly and can harbor bacteria.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a concentration of your own blood's growth factors and healing proteins. When applied during microneedling, these growth factors penetrate through the micro-channels directly into the dermis, amplifying your body's healing response. Mixing these two powerful therapies together can help you achieve more dramatic and longer-lasting benefits.
Absolutely. In fact, combination approaches often produce better results than any single treatment alone. Microneedling pairs well with chemical peels (typically alternated, not same-day), medical-grade skincare regimens, HydraFacial® and certain laser treatments.
The advantage of coming to Symmetry Med Spa is that you have access to our full range of nonsurgical treatments, plus surgical options through the Bengtson Center if those ever become appropriate. We can help you build a comprehensive plan that addresses all your concerns, not just the ones microneedling can solve.
Are you ready to take the next step to a more beautiful you? Plastic Surgeons Dr. Bengtson, Dr. Alfonso and Dr. Horriat, along with the team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, provide advanced plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment for patients from Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. We specialize in breast augmentation, breast implants, and tummy tuck surgery, as well as laser hair removal, Micro-Needling, BOTOX Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM, and other dermal fillers. Results may vary from person to person.
Grand Rapids
2155 E Paris Ave SE, Suite 100,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
(616) 730-8357
Byron CenterNew
4020 Del Mar Dr SW,
Wyoming, MI 49418
(616) 588-8880
Monday 8:30am – 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 5pm
Thursday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 5pm
*Saturday 9am -12pm
Sunday Closed
*Open select Saturdays.
Please call the office for details.
