Most patients who come to us for microneedling have already done some research. They’ve seen the before-and-after photos. They’ve read about collagen. What they really want to know is whether it will work for their skin – the acne scars they’ve had for years, the texture that no serum seems to fix, or the fine lines that came on faster than expected.
If you’re looking for microneedling in Ridgewood, NJ, this guide covers how it works, what the different types are, what happens at your appointment, and how to know if it’s right for you.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses a device with very fine needles to make tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries are small and controlled, but they trigger your skin’s natural healing process. That process includes a boost in collagen and elastin production.
Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth. As we age, the body makes less of it. That’s why fine lines deepen, skin loses its bounce, and old acne scars become more noticeable over time. Microneedling gives the skin a reason to start producing collagen again.
It’s well-studied. A review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found microneedling effective for acne scarring, skin texture, and mild laxity with a strong safety record across all skin types.
How does microneedling work?
The treatment works in two ways.
First, the tiny channels created in the skin allow serums, like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, to sink in much deeper than they normally could. Most patients notice a glow within the first few days from this alone.
Second, and more importantly, the micro-injuries kick off a healing response. The body sends in cells called fibroblasts to repair the area. Those cells build new collagen and elastin. This process continues for weeks after your appointment, which is why results keep improving over time.
What skin concerns does microneedling treat?
Microneedling works on a wider range of concerns than most people expect. At The Wellness at Ridgewood, we use it to treat:
– Acne scars (rolling, boxcar, and ice-pick types)
– Fine lines and early wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth
– Uneven skin tone and texture
– Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
– Enlarged pores
– Mild skin laxity
– Stretch marks
– Surgical scars
To be direct: it works better for some of these than others. Acne scarring and overall texture are where we see the most consistent results. Deep static wrinkles respond less well on their own. For those, we may recommend combining microneedling with a neuromodulator or filler. Your consultation is where we figure out the right plan for your specific skin.
Standard microneedling vs. RF microneedling vs. microneedling with PRP
Not all microneedling is the same. Here’s a breakdown of the three options we offer.
Standard microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. It’s the right starting point for most patients — effective for texture, acne scars, and general skin quality, with the shortest recovery time. Most patients see redness clear up within 24-48 hours and do a series of 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
Microneedling with PRP pairs the treatment with platelet-rich plasma drawn from your own blood. The PRP is applied right after treatment so it absorbs through the micro-channels. The growth factors in PRP speed up healing and can improve results — especially for stubborn acne scars. We also offer PRP microneedling for hair restoration in patients with early hair thinning. Recovery is similar to standard microneedling, and most patients do 3-5 sessions.
We’ll go over which option fits your needs at your consultation.
What to expect at your appointment
Before your treatment
Stop using active skincare products like retinol, exfoliating acids, vitamin C serums about 5 days before. These can make skin more sensitive. Try to limit sun exposure in the week before as well.
Microneedling is not a good fit if you have an active breakout, open skin, a recent Accutane prescription, or a history of keloid scarring. We review your full history at the consultation to make sure it’s a safe option for you.
Come in on the day of your appointment with clean skin and no makeup.
During your treatment
We apply a numbing cream about 30-45 minutes before we start. Most patients feel a mild warmth or vibration. The forehead and nose can be a bit more sensitive.
The treatment takes 30-45 minutes. We make several passes with the device at different depths depending on the area. Deeper passes go over acne scars. Shallower passes are used for general skin quality or around the eyes.
If you’ve added PRP, we apply it at the end of the treatment.
After your treatment and recovery
Your skin will be red when you leave. Most patients are fine going about their day, though a lot of people like to schedule their appointment before a quiet evening at home.
The redness usually clears in 24-48 hours. Some mild dryness or flaking is normal for a few days after.
Here’s what to do during recovery:
– Use a gentle cleanser and a fragrance-free moisturizer only
– Skip makeup for at least 24 hours
– Avoid retinol and acids for 5-7 days
– Wear SPF 30 or higher every morning — sun protection matters most while your skin is healing
– Skip intense exercise for 24 hours
How many sessions do you need?
Most patients do a series of 3-6 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
– General skin quality and early lines: 3 sessions usually makes a clear difference
– Uneven texture and mild scarring: 4-5 sessions for solid results
– Moderate to significant acne scarring: 5-6 sessions, often paired with PRP
After your initial series, one or two sessions per year helps maintain what you’ve built. Many of our patients in Ridgewood and the surrounding towns make it part of their yearly routine.
When will you see results?
This surprises a lot of patients. Some improvement shows up in the first week, mainly a glow and smoother texture from the serum absorption. But the bigger changes take more time.
The real results, collagen remodeling, scar improvement, firmer skin, develop over 3-6 months after each session. Your skin is still building new collagen long after the redness fades. That’s not a flaw in the treatment. It means real change is happening under the surface.
Is microneedling safe? Who is a good candidate?
Microneedling has a strong safety record across all skin types — including deeper skin tones where some laser treatments carry a higher risk of discoloration. Most people bothered by skin texture, early aging, or acne scars are good candidates.
It’s not the right fit if you’re pregnant, have active skin infections, take blood thinners, or have keloid scarring. Active inflammatory acne is also a reason to wait, treating through a breakout can spread bacteria.
The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to come in. We’ll look at your skin, ask about your history, and give you a straight answer.
Why choose The Wellness at Ridgewood for microneedling?
There are plenty of places offering microneedling in Bergen County. What matters is who’s overseeing your treatment and what their background is.
Our practice is led by Dr. Greg Costello, MD, with more than 25 years in aesthetic medicine. He’s also a Clinical Educator for the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine, the organization that trains and certifies injectors across the country. Our team includes Kathleen Staunton, NP, with 20 years of clinical experience, and Cami, our lead esthetician.
A physician is involved in your care here. That matters when something unexpected comes up, when your plan needs to change, and when the question is what combination of treatments will actually get you the results you want.
We’re at 60 W Ridgewood Ave, ground floor, a short drive from Glen Rock, Wyckoff, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, and Fair Lawn.
Frequently asked questions about microneedling in Ridgewood, NJ
Does microneedling hurt?
We use numbing cream before every treatment. Most patients feel mild pressure or warmth. The forehead and nose are usually the most sensitive spots.
How long does the redness last?
Most patients see redness clear up within 24-48 hours. If your treatment was more intensive or included PRP, it can last up to 72 hours.
Can microneedling be done on darker skin tones?
Yes. This is one of microneedling’s real advantages. It doesn’t carry the same risk of pigmentation changes that some laser treatments do. We treat patients with all skin tones regularly.
How much does microneedling cost in Ridgewood?
Cost depends on the type of treatment, the area covered, and whether you add PRP. We go over pricing at your consultation and offer package rates for a series. Call us at (201) 857-4444 for details.
Can I wear makeup the same day?
We ask that you skip makeup for at least 24 hours after your treatment. After that, you can return to your normal routine.
What’s the difference between microneedling and dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning removes dead skin and fine facial hair from the surface using a small blade. Microneedling goes deeper and stimulates collagen production. They work differently but can be used together in a treatment plan.
How soon after treatment can I exercise?
Wait 24 hours before any intense exercise. Sweat can irritate skin that’s still healing.
How does microneedling compare to a chemical peel for acne scars?
Both can improve acne scars, but they work in different ways. Chemical peels resurface the outer layers of skin. Microneedling rebuilds scar tissue from within. For moderate to deep scarring, microneedling tends to produce more noticeable results. For surface-level discoloration, peels can be a better fit. We often recommend both together.
Ready to book your microneedling consultation in Ridgewood?
If you’re in Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Wyckoff, Ho-Ho-Kus, or anywhere in Bergen County and want to know if microneedling is right for your skin, come in and talk to us.
Call (201) 857-4444 or book a consultation here. We’ll take a look at your skin, walk through your options, and give you an honest read on what to expect.
View our microneedling service page | Learn about microneedling with PRP | Meet our team
Dr. Greg Costello, MD is the lead practitioner at The Wellness at Ridgewood and a Clinical Educator for the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine. The Wellness at Ridgewood is at 60 W Ridgewood Ave (Ground Floor), Ridgewood, NJ 07450.