Medical Microneedling: How to Create Long-Term Skin Health

"Why I Recommend Medical Microneedling in my Practice"

By Rachel, Nurse Practitioner

One of my favorite ways to support skin health as we age is through a treatment called medical microneedling. It’s not a trendy quick fix—and that’s exactly why I love it.

As a licensed nurse practitioner with years of experience in aesthetic medicine, I’m always drawn to treatments that work with the body’s natural processes. Medical microneedling is one of those rare tools that stimulates real change beneath the surface, helping your skin age well over time by rebuilding its own collagen.

Rachel B., NP, Medical Needling

What Is Medical Microneedling?

Also known as collagen induction therapy, medical microneedling uses a device with very fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. These tiny injuries signal your body to begin a natural healing process—boosting collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers of skin.

That renewed collagen helps improve skin firmness, texture, and tone. And because it's happening from the inside out, results develop gradually and last longer than many surface-level treatments.

What Can Microneedling Improve?

In my practice, I use microneedling to help improve:

• Fine lines and early wrinkles

• Acne scars and texture irregularities

• Sun damage and pigmentation

• Enlarged pores

• Mild laxity or thinning of the skin

  
  

It’s a great option for patients who are thinking long-term about their skin—not just looking for a one-time fix. I often recommend it for patients who want to maintain a natural, healthy appearance as they age, and who are open to supporting their skin with lifestyle and skincare choices, not just in-office treatments.

When Botox Isn’t the Whole Answer

Botox is a powerful tool—but it’s not always the full solution.

As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen, especially around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks. When this happens, the skin can start to thin or droop, even if the muscles underneath are relaxed with Botox.

Some patients start to feel like their Botox isn’t lasting as long or doesn’t look as smooth as it used to. They might think they need more, but in reality, the issue is often collagen loss—not muscle movement.

Adding more Botox can sometimes lead to a frozen look without fixing the underlying cause.

That’s why I love using microneedling as a companion to injectables. It helps rebuild the structure and strength of your skin, so Botox works better—and your results look more natural, for longer.

At-Home vs. Medical Microneedling: What’s the Difference?

This is something I talk about often, especially because I recommend and offer both.

At-home cosmetic rollers (usually 0.2mm–0.3mm) help with mild stimulation and improving product absorption. I often give one with the purchase of vitamin A skincare for this reason—it’s a great addition to a thoughtful home routine.

Medical microneedling, on the other hand, uses longer needles (0.5mm to 2.5mm) and is performed in a clinical setting. These deeper medical treatments stimulate collagen remodeling, which is what gives longer-term improvements in skin texture and firmness.

I like to describe it this way:

• Home rollers are like going for a walk—you’re moving your body and doing something good.

• Medical needling is like strength training—it’s targeted, controlled, and builds over time.

Preparing for Treatment: Why Vitamin A Matters

For anyone considering microneedling, I recommend prepping the skin with a gentle vitamin A moisturizer for at least four weeks beforehand. This helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve post-treatment recovery.

If you’re NEW to my practice, I encourage you to start with a consultation so we can talk through your skincare history and goals, and get your skin ready for the best results.

If you're an existing patient and you're already scheduled for injectables, just mention you're interested in microneedling at your next visit—I'll help you get started on a simple pretreatment plan.

What to Expect During and After Your Session

Each microneedling appointment takes about 2 hours total, and is designed to be as calming and effective as possible. Here's what that time includes:

• 30–50 minutes of numbing time, using a strong topical anesthetic to ensure comfort

• 20–30 minutes of microneedling, tailored to your skin’s needs and tolerance

• 10–20 minutes of red light therapy post-treatment to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and support healing

After your session, expect mild redness or a sunburn-like appearance for 1–2 days. I’ll guide you through a gentle, nourishing aftercare plan to support the healing process.

How often should I get Wrinkle Relaxer Treatments?

How to Decide a Treatment Plan that Works for You

A common question asked by patients is how often should I get treated with Botox (Dysport or Xeomin)?

Tip #1 - Your face is Unique, so Is your Prescription

After ten years of examining facial expressions and facial anatomy I have realized each and every face is very unique. Dosing and placement is an art and takes a careful eye and hand. There are different depths to place the needle to avoid diffusion of the medication to other muscles. There are unique muscle attachments for each patient. Also, what is happening in the underlying structures such as the under eye area? Some patients need their muscle tone to prevent puffiness or sagging of tissues.

Tip #2 - You can choose Different areas at each visit

Some patients do not want all of their facial expressions to relax. I do not treat patients with a a one-sized-fits-all formula. I learned in my first few years of working in a busy med-spa that patient anatomy is unique and so are patient goals for how they want to move their face and how much they budget for these treatments.

Tip #3 - Average time for a Full Dose to wear off is 3-5 months

A full dose for your friend will be different than yours. Why? Well, if you look closely you'll see that your friend's expressions are different than yours. She may smile more than you or lift her brows more. She may be older or younger and of a different ethnic skin type. She may have different sun exposure habits.

We can start with a "full dose" if you can tolerate your muscles being immobile for the first 2-6 weeks. If you'd like a bit more expression then we adjust the dose to a level where your muscles have a tiny bit of strength -- which looks more natural in the crow's feet and upper forehead.

Tip #4 - I Help You Choose your own Adventure

My ultimate goal is developing long term trust and relationships with my patients. I am a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and my value being a medical practice first. Patient care always over business. I did not design Lux to be a commission based "Medi-Spa". I am a small town, established, clinical practice. I create a treatment plan based on what your face and your budget can handle. And we can do as little as you desire to look as natural as possible. I will artistically place the dose in the area it will have the most natural results for you.

Tip #5 - Taking time at each visit and reassessment is key

Your face is so unique, and so are my skills and care. I make time for my patients so that we can be sure all needs are met. You may start your Botox journey in your 30's, 40's, 50's or 60's. I have different recommendations for each of these decades -- depending on your unique features and budget.

Whether I see you twice a year or four times we will always do what is best for You

I believe you and I are here to care for ourselves and others. We want to be a part of a community that cares for people. I believe when we do the right thing it ripples out in to the community and creates a better world.

Thank you for taking your time to read this. I invite to to ask questions in the comments or let me know if this resonates with you.

Spring Newsletter.

Glasshouse Mountains, Queensland, Family Trip.

Travels

This past November holiday break our family visited friends in Australia (photo above). It was a wonderful experience for us to enjoy summer on the other side of the world while back home it was winter. We are currently researching our next family trip for this Summer.

Changes at LUX

Lux is the most natural aesthetic clinic available in our region. Natural looking injectables has always been my approach, however I find it important to distinguish my clinic practice so that patients can make an informed decision whether they choose this approach as well.

Wrinkle relaxers:

I choose to primarily use Xeomin® because it is the most purified neuromodulator available. Xeomin® contains a different form of botulinum toxin with no accessory proteins. It's these unnecessary proteins which contribute to antibody resistance to the neuromodulator. Xeomin® and Botox® both work to smooth the skin and get rid of frown lines. While they are both comparable in effectiveness, some studies have shown that Xeomin® has a quicker onset of action and a longer duration. The main difference between Xeomin® and Botox® is that Xeomin® contains a “naked” form of botulinum toxin. Unlike Botox®, which contains accessory proteins, Xeomin® is designed to deliver the toxin without any protein additives. This purified structure may help prevent antibody resistance, a growing problem that has been seen with botulinum toxin injections administered over time.

Fillers:

I am offering natural Platelet Rich Fibrin Gel (PRF) and Sculptra Collagen Stimulator. These natural injectables are more biocompatible, pose less adverse risk to the immune system, and also less risk of an unnatural look.

Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF is a natural way to restore facial volume using your own blood concentrate. No additives are included so your own platelets and stem cells are injected to stimulate collagen. This treatment involves collecting your blood and spinning it down to albumin and PRF. These are mixed to form an injectable gel for collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation. Results last for up to a year. Cost is $400-$800 per session.

Sculptra is collagen bio-stimulator made out of a material similar to dissolvable sutures. A more natural alternative to the HA gel filler. Sculptra takes 8 weeks for the full effect and requires 2-3 treatments for a full result lasting up to 2 years. Cost is $750-1500 per session. Scheduling Information ...

To book wrinkle relaxer you may access the booking calendar by submitting the form on the home page of the website. There is a waitlist feature that is automated to put you in if someone else cancels.

To book PRF or Sculptra we can do a consultation during your next wrinkle relaxer appointment to evaluate whether this treatment is right for you.

New patients will be admitted to this practice as the waiting list decreases to make space for those with a long term patient relationship at LUX. Much love, Rachel

Current must-haves:

Collagen Elixir daily marine collagen supplement.

Cosmetic Micro-needling for deeper penetration of retinol.

Emotional Re-patterning at Break Method to rewire patterns keeping us stuck.