Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT) or percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that harnesses the body's natural wound healing process to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin. During the procedure, a device equipped with fine, sterile surgical-grade needles creates thousands of microscopic channels, or micro-injuries, in the skin's surface at precisely controlled depths. These micro-injuries are invisible to the naked eye but are sufficient to trigger a robust three-phase wound healing response. The inflammatory phase begins immediately after treatment as the body sends platelets, neutrophils, and other healing cells to the treated area, releasing growth factors and cytokines that initiate tissue repair. The proliferative phase follows over the next several days and weeks, during which fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production, migrate to the treated zone and begin synthesizing new structural proteins. Finally, the remodeling phase continues for months after treatment as the newly formed collagen matures, cross-links, and strengthens, progressively improving the skin's firmness, texture, and appearance. At Laser and Me in NYC, we perform professional microneedling using medical-grade devices that offer precise control over needle depth, ranging from 0.5mm for superficial treatments targeting fine lines and pores to 2.5mm for deeper treatments targeting acne scars and significant texture concerns. This level of control, combined with our providers' expertise in treatment technique and the sterile clinical environment of our Midtown Manhattan facility, produces results that far exceed what any at-home dermaroller or consumer microneedling device can achieve.
Our most popular and highly requested microneedling treatment at Laser and Me is microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), often referred to as the PRP facial or vampire facial. This advanced treatment combines the collagen-inducing benefits of microneedling with the regenerative power of your body's own concentrated growth factors, producing results that significantly exceed microneedling alone. Here is how the PRP microneedling process works at our NYC clinic. The treatment begins with a simple blood draw, typically from a vein in your arm, collecting approximately 10 to 20 milliliters of blood. This blood is immediately placed in a specialized centrifuge that spins at high speed, separating the blood components by density. The platelet-rich plasma layer is carefully isolated and collected. PRP contains a concentration of platelets 3 to 5 times higher than normal blood, and these platelets are packed with growth factors and bioactive proteins critical for tissue repair and regeneration. The key growth factors present in PRP include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which stimulates cell proliferation and angiogenesis; transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), which promotes collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates new blood vessel formation to improve tissue oxygenation and nutrient delivery; epidermal growth factor (EGF), which accelerates skin cell regeneration; and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which promotes cell growth and differentiation. During the microneedling procedure, the concentrated PRP is applied topically to the skin and simultaneously infused through the microchannels created by the needles. These channels act as direct delivery pathways that allow the PRP to penetrate deep into the dermis, far beyond the reach of any topically applied serum or cream. Once in the dermis, the growth factors in the PRP interact directly with fibroblasts and other cells to dramatically amplify the collagen production and tissue regeneration that microneedling initiates. Clinical studies comparing microneedling with PRP to microneedling alone have demonstrated 40 to 60 percent greater improvement in skin texture, scar appearance, and overall rejuvenation outcomes when PRP is added to the treatment.
For patients seeking more dramatic skin tightening, pore reduction, and rejuvenation results, Laser and Me offers radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, an advanced technology that combines traditional microneedling with the controlled delivery of radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis. RF microneedling uses insulated or semi-insulated needle tips that penetrate the skin to a precise depth and then deliver radiofrequency energy directly into the dermal tissue. Because the needle tips are insulated, the RF energy is released only at the tip depth, creating controlled thermal zones within the dermis without heating or damaging the epidermis (skin surface). This is a critical advantage over surface-applied RF devices, which must heat the skin surface to deliver energy to the deeper layers, limiting treatment intensity and increasing the risk of surface burns. The thermal zones created by RF microneedling cause immediate collagen contraction and trigger a powerful long-term collagen and elastin remodeling response. The result is visible skin tightening, improved firmness, reduced pore size, and enhanced overall skin quality. RF microneedling is particularly effective for skin laxity on the face, jawline, and neck, where the tightening effect is most noticeable and impactful; deep acne scars, particularly boxcar and rolling scars, where the combination of mechanical disruption and thermal remodeling produces significant improvement; enlarged pores, which tighten as new collagen forms around the pore openings; stretch marks on the body, where the collagen remodeling response can dramatically improve both texture and pigmentation; and crepey skin on the neck, decolletage, and other delicate areas. Most patients see noticeable improvement after a single RF microneedling session, with optimal results achieved after a series of 3 to 4 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The treatment is safe for all skin types and carries minimal risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation because the energy is delivered beneath the skin surface rather than through it.
Microneedling vs. PRP vs. RF Microneedling: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
At Laser and Me, we offer three distinct levels of microneedling treatment, and choosing the right one depends on your specific skin concerns, the severity of those concerns, your budget, and your treatment goals. Standard microneedling, sometimes called dry microneedling, uses only the microneedling device without any additional biological enhancers. It is an excellent entry-level treatment for patients seeking general skin improvement including enhanced skin texture and radiance, mild pore reduction, fine line softening, and improved product absorption for topical skincare. Standard microneedling is our most affordable microneedling option and is well-suited for patients with good overall skin quality who want to maintain and gradually enhance their complexion. Microneedling with PRP is our mid-tier and most popular option, recommended for patients with moderate skin concerns including acne scarring (mild to moderate), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, noticeable fine lines and early wrinkles, uneven skin texture, dull and tired-looking skin, and thinning hair when applied to the scalp (PRP for hair loss). The addition of PRP significantly amplifies the results of microneedling and is particularly beneficial for patients who want to address specific skin imperfections rather than just maintain general skin health. RF microneedling is our most advanced and intensive option, recommended for patients with significant skin concerns including moderate to severe acne scarring, skin laxity and loss of firmness, deep wrinkles, significantly enlarged pores, stretch marks, and sagging along the jawline or neck. RF microneedling produces the most dramatic results per session and is the preferred choice for patients who want maximum improvement in the fewest number of treatments. During your consultation at Laser and Me, our provider will assess your skin and discuss your goals to recommend the optimal microneedling treatment or combination approach for your specific needs.
Microneedling is one of the most versatile treatments in aesthetic dermatology, capable of addressing a remarkably wide range of skin concerns through its fundamental mechanism of collagen induction and skin regeneration. At Laser and Me in NYC, we use microneedling to treat acne scars of all types, including ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, where microneedling breaks up scar tissue fibers and stimulates new collagen to fill in depressed areas. Fine lines and wrinkles are improved as new collagen plumps the skin from within, smoothing creases that have formed due to collagen loss and repetitive facial movements. Enlarged pores appear smaller after microneedling as new collagen tightens the skin around pore openings, visibly reducing their diameter. Hyperpigmentation and dark spots, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne and melasma, improve as microneedling accelerates cellular turnover and breaks up pigment deposits in the epidermis. Sun damage and photoaging are reversed as the treatment stimulates replacement of UV-damaged, disorganized collagen with fresh, properly structured collagen. Stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, and arms can be significantly improved through a series of microneedling sessions that stimulate collagen remodeling within the stretch mark tissue. Surgical scars and traumatic scars respond well to microneedling's ability to break down rigid scar tissue and stimulate flexible new collagen. Dull, tired-looking skin is revitalized through the accelerated cell turnover and improved circulation that microneedling promotes. Rough or uneven skin texture becomes smoother as old, damaged skin cells are replaced by fresh, healthy cells. Hair loss and thinning hair on the scalp can be improved through PRP microneedling, which delivers growth factors directly to the hair follicles to stimulate regrowth.
PRP therapy for hair loss has emerged as one of the most promising non-surgical treatments for thinning hair and early-stage hair loss, and at Laser and Me in NYC, we offer PRP hair restoration treatments that combine scalp microneedling with concentrated PRP to maximize the stimulation of dormant hair follicles. The principle is similar to PRP facial treatments: the concentrated growth factors in PRP are delivered directly to the hair follicles through microchannels created by the microneedling device, where they stimulate increased blood supply to the follicle, prolong the active growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle, increase hair shaft thickness, reactivate dormant follicles that have miniaturized due to androgenic alopecia or other causes, and create a healthier scalp environment that supports robust hair growth. PRP hair therapy at Laser and Me is suitable for both men and women experiencing early to moderate hair thinning. It is not effective for patients with complete baldness where the follicles have been permanently lost, but it can produce meaningful results for patients with miniaturized but still-present follicles. Clinical studies have demonstrated increased hair density and thickness after a series of PRP scalp treatments, and our patients report visible improvement in hair fullness and coverage. A typical PRP hair loss treatment plan at Laser and Me consists of 3 to 4 initial sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months. The treatment is quick, taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and requires no downtime.
Understanding what to expect throughout the microneedling process helps ensure you are prepared and comfortable at every stage. Before your treatment, you should avoid retinoids and retinol products on the treatment area for 5 to 7 days, discontinue any blood-thinning supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, and aspirin for 3 to 5 days if medically safe to do so, avoid chemical peels, laser treatments, or other skin treatments on the area for at least 2 weeks, stay out of direct sun and avoid tanning for at least 1 week, arrive with clean skin free of makeup, sunscreen, and skincare products, and notify your provider of any active skin infections, cold sores, or changes in your skin condition. During your treatment, which takes place in a private treatment room at our Midtown Manhattan clinic, we begin by cleansing the treatment area thoroughly. We then apply a medical-grade topical numbing cream and allow it to take effect for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Once the skin is numb, your provider performs the microneedling procedure, which takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the treatment area and whether PRP or RF is included. For PRP treatments, the blood draw occurs during the numbing period and the PRP is prepared while you wait. You will feel pressure and a mild vibrating sensation during the procedure, but the numbing cream ensures that any discomfort is minimal. After your treatment, your skin will appear red, similar to a moderate sunburn, and may feel warm and slightly tight. This is completely normal and indicates that the healing process has begun. In the first 24 hours, keep the skin hydrated with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or the specific post-treatment product recommended by your provider. Avoid touching the treated skin with unwashed hands. Do not apply makeup, retinoids, vitamin C, or any active skincare products for at least 24 to 48 hours. Avoid direct sun exposure, hot baths, saunas, and vigorous exercise for 48 hours. Most patients notice redness subsiding within 24 to 48 hours, and by day 3 the skin feels smooth and refreshed. Over the following weeks, you may notice your skin looking progressively brighter, smoother, and more even as new collagen develops beneath the surface.
How Many Microneedling Sessions Do You Need?
The number of microneedling sessions needed depends on your specific skin concerns, the type of microneedling performed, and the severity of the conditions being treated. At Laser and Me, we provide personalized treatment recommendations during your consultation, but here are general guidelines. For general skin maintenance, radiance, and prevention, 2 to 3 sessions per year of standard microneedling or microneedling with PRP are sufficient to maintain healthy collagen production and skin quality. For mild acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines, 3 to 4 sessions of microneedling with PRP spaced 4 weeks apart typically produce significant visible improvement. For moderate to severe acne scarring, 4 to 6 sessions of microneedling with PRP or 3 to 4 sessions of RF microneedling are generally recommended for substantial improvement. For skin tightening and pore reduction, 3 to 4 RF microneedling sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart deliver the most effective results. For hair loss and thinning, 3 to 4 initial PRP scalp microneedling sessions followed by maintenance every 3 to 6 months. Results from microneedling are cumulative, meaning each session builds upon the improvements from previous sessions. Collagen remodeling continues for up to 6 months after each treatment, so the full benefit of your treatment series may not be apparent until several months after the final session. At Laser and Me, we schedule a follow-up assessment after your treatment series to evaluate your results and determine whether additional sessions or a transition to a different treatment modality would further improve your outcomes.
Whether you are interested in classic microneedling for skin maintenance, microneedling with PRP for acne scars and rejuvenation, RF microneedling for skin tightening and pore reduction, or PRP scalp therapy for hair loss, Laser and Me in Midtown Manhattan offers the most comprehensive microneedling services available in NYC. Our experienced nurse practitioners customize every treatment to your unique skin type, concerns, and goals, ensuring that you receive the optimal treatment intensity and technique for your specific needs. We offer complimentary consultations where you can learn about the different microneedling options, receive a professional skin assessment, and get a transparent pricing estimate with no obligation. Our convenient Midtown Manhattan location, flexible scheduling, and welcoming clinic environment make it easy to start and maintain your microneedling treatment plan. Contact Laser and Me today to schedule your consultation and discover why microneedling is one of the most popular and effective skin rejuvenation treatments in New York City
Laser and Me is located at 347 5th Avenue, Suite 803A, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, steps from the Empire State Building. We are easily accessible from Murray Hill, Koreatown, Chelsea, Gramercy, the Upper East Side, and all five boroughs. Our Midtown location makes microneedling in Manhattan convenient for clients with busy work schedules. Murray Hill and Koreatown clients frequently visit us for microneedling combined with PRP therapy or laser skin rejuvenation as part of a multi-step skin care plan. Book your complimentary microneedling consultation in Manhattan at 347 5th Avenue, Suite 803A, or call us at (929) 755-2071.