Microneedling in Atlanta, GACollagen Induction With Optional PRP or Growth Factor Serum

Treatment Time:
45-60 minutes
Downtime:
1-3 days of pinkness
Results Last:
Months, builds over a series
FDA Status:
FDA-regulated medical device
Aesthetician performing microneedling on a patient forehead with a sterile pen device at SOCAH Center in Atlanta, GA

Smoother, Brighter Skin

Microneedling in Atlanta, GA creates tiny channels in the skin that prompt fresh collagen, softening acne scars, pores and fine lines. Each SOCAH Center session includes a brightening serum, with optional PRP or Revive growth factors.

Microneedling at SOCAH Center is performed by our licensed aestheticians as part of our dermatologist-supervised aesthetician services, all under the supervision of Dr. Nikki D. Hill, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Tyrone Nieves-Martinez, MSHS, PA-C, a physician associate, also performs microneedling with growth factors. Every plan begins with a skin evaluation, so needle depth, serums and spacing are chosen for your skin tone, scars and goals.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikki D. Hill, MD, FAAD. Last updated: October 2026.

Woman with a deep skin tone admiring smoother, even skin texture after microneedling at SOCAH Center in Atlanta, GA

Why Microneedling

Why Patients Choose Microneedling

From uneven texture to smooth, even skin

Acne scars, enlarged pores, lingering dark marks and early lines can make skin look tired or uneven even when breakouts are under control. Creams and exfoliants work on the surface, so they rarely change scars or deeper texture. Many people also hesitate to try aggressive lasers because of long recovery times or the risk of dark marks afterward, especially those with deeper skin tones who have seen pigment changes before.

Microneedling rebuilds skin from within by triggering your own collagen, without heat or chemicals that can disturb pigment. Recovery is short, usually a day or two of pinkness, and results build steadily over a series. Adding PRP or a growth factor serum can support healing and improve results for scars and tone. Because the approach is gentle on pigment, it suits a wide range of skin tones and skin types.

Understanding Your Treatment

What Is Microneedling?

Collagen induction therapy explained

Microneedling is a collagen induction treatment performed with a medical microneedling device, a category the FDA regulates. It treats acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and uneven tone, and a systematic review of microneedling for acne scars found consistent improvement in scarring.

After numbing cream, the pen glides across the skin and creates fine micro-channels. The skin treats them as minor injuries and releases growth factors that build new collagen over the next weeks. The channels also help serums absorb. Most people feel light vibration and mild pressure, and skin looks smoother after each session.

Treatment Timeline:

Treatment Time:
45-60 minutes
Series:
3-6 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart
Recovery:
1-3 days of pinkness
Full Effect:
3-6 months after the series

Treatment Areas

What Microneedling Helps

Common concerns we treat

Acne Scars
Softens rolling and boxcar scars as new collagen fills in
Enlarged Pores
Refines the look of pores on the nose, cheeks and chin
Dark Marks
Helps fade post-acne marks and uneven tone over a series
Fine Lines
Smooths early lines on the forehead and around the eyes
Rough Texture
Creates a smoother surface so makeup sits evenly
Neck and Chest
Refreshes crepey texture and tone on delicate skin

Benefits of Microneedling

Natural, gradual improvement

Your Own CollagenBuilds natural collagen and elastinGentle on PigmentNo heat, so lower risk of dark marksShort RecoveryBack to normal plans in 1 to 3 daysBetter AbsorptionMicro-channels help serums workCustomizableOptional PRP or Revive growth factor serum

Microneedling vs Other Options

Several treatments improve scars and texture. Here is how microneedling compares with common alternatives.

TreatmentHow It WorksSession TimeDowntimeTypical SeriesPigment RiskBest For
MicroneedlingFine needles trigger collagen repair45-60 min1-3 days3-6 sessionsLowScars, pores, texture and tone
RF MicroneedlingNeedles plus radiofrequency heat60-90 min2-4 days3-4 sessionsLow to moderateDeeper scars and laxity
Chemical PeelAcids exfoliate surface layers30-45 min3-7 days of peeling3-6 sessionsDepends on depthDark marks and dullness
Laser Skin ResurfacingLaser removes or heats skin layers30-90 minSeveral days to 2 weeks1-3 sessionsHigher in deeper tonesWrinkles and sun damage
MicrodermabrasionCrystals or a tip polish the surface30-45 minNoneMonthlyLowDullness and mild texture

Candidacy

Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

Is microneedling right for you

Microneedling suits healthy adults and many older teens who want smoother texture, softer scars or more even tone with minimal downtime.

Ideal Candidates for Microneedling

  • People with rolling or boxcar acne scars and controlled acne
  • Anyone bothered by enlarged pores, rough texture or early fine lines
  • Patients with lingering dark marks after breakouts
  • People of every skin tone who want a pigment-conscious option

Who Should Wait or Avoid Microneedling

  • Anyone with active acne, cold sores, infection or eczema in the area
  • Patients who took isotretinoin recently, until cleared by Dr. Hill
  • Pregnant patients, who are usually advised to wait
  • People with a strong tendency toward keloid scars
  • For the PRP add-on: bleeding disorders, low platelets or blood-thinning medicines

Choosing the Right Plan

Microneedling is a core part of our plans for acne scar removal, and it pairs well with treatment for dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores and uneven texture. Deeper scars or loose skin may respond better to radiofrequency microneedling, which adds gentle heat below the surface. For added healing support, ask about the PRP add-on made from your own growth-factor-rich platelets, or Revive growth factor serum if you prefer no blood draw. Dr. Hill helps you decide which approach fits your skin.

Provider applying growth factor serum after microneedling on a patient cheek at SOCAH Center dermatology in Atlanta, GA

Your Visit

Your Microneedling Appointment

What happens step by step

  1. Consultation

    Dr. Hill or your provider evaluates scars, tone and texture and chooses needle depth and any add-on.

  2. Preparation

    Your aesthetician cleanses your skin and applies numbing cream for about 20-30 minutes.

  3. Treatment

    Your aesthetician, or Tyrone for growth factor sessions, glides the sterile pen over each area with serum, PRP or Revive.

  4. Aftercare

    A soothing hydrating serum is applied, and you leave with gentle skin care and sunscreen steps.

Microneedling Side Effects and Safety

Microneedling is a low-risk treatment when performed with sterile, single-use needle cartridges under dermatologist supervision.

Common, Short-Lived Effects

Expected effects include pinkness, tightness, mild swelling and light flaking for one to three days, and small pinpoint bruises in thin areas. With the PRP add-on, mild soreness at the blood draw site is normal.

Less Common Reactions

Less common effects include breakouts, irritation from products used too soon, and temporary darker patches, which are less likely with conservative depth and daily sun protection.

Rare Risks and Device Safety

Infection is rare when aftercare is followed. The FDA overview of microneedling devices explains why treatment belongs in trained hands rather than at home.

Cost

Microneedling Cost in Atlanta

What shapes your investment

How Much Does Microneedling Cost in Atlanta?

Microneedling cost depends on the areas treated, the number of sessions in your series and whether you add PRP or a Revive growth factor serum. Deeper acne scars usually need more sessions than texture or tone concerns. Exact pricing is discussed at your consultation before treatment begins.

Insurance and Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment, so it is self-pay, including the PRP and growth factor add-ons. A medical visit for active acne or another skin condition may be billed to your plan. Review our accepted insurance plans for details.

Financing and Payment Options

CareCredit and Cherry let you spread the cost of a series over time. Explore our financing options for skin treatments before your visit.

Why Choose SOCAH Center for Microneedling in Atlanta, GA

Dermatologist-supervised collagen care

At SOCAH Center, microneedling is planned under Dr. Hill's supervision, so scars, dark marks and active acne are diagnosed and treated properly before collagen induction begins.

Book Appointment

  • Dermatologist Oversight

    Every plan supervised by a board-certified dermatologist

  • PRP and Growth Factors

    Optional add-ons performed by trained medical providers

  • Pigment-Safe Planning

    Depth and aftercare tailored to every skin tone

  • Full Skin Plan

    Microneedling combined with medical care and home skin care

  • Evaluation Before Needles

    Depth, serums and spacing chosen after a skin evaluation, not a preset

  • Acne Controlled First

    Active acne is treated before collagen induction so sessions start on calm skin

Collage of related treatments including RF microneedling, PRP and Revive growth factor therapy at SOCAH Center, Atlanta

Related Treatment

Hydrafacial

A refreshing facial that deep cleans, clears and hydrates every skin type and tone.

  1. No Downtime
  2. Instant Glow
  3. Gentle Extraction
Learn More

Microneedling FAQs

How much does microneedling cost?
Microneedling cost depends on the treatment area, the number of sessions and whether you add PRP or Revive growth factor serum. It is a cosmetic treatment, so it is self-pay. Exact pricing is discussed at your consultation after your skin is evaluated, and CareCredit and Cherry financing can spread the cost of a series.
How long does a microneedling appointment take?
A microneedling appointment takes about 45 to 60 minutes, including 20 to 30 minutes for numbing cream. The needling itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes for the face. Adding PRP extends the visit slightly because your blood is drawn and prepared before treatment begins.
Does microneedling hurt?
Microneedling is usually mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. Numbing cream is applied first, and most people feel light vibration, pressure and a gentle scratching sensation. Bony areas such as the forehead and jawline can feel more noticeable. Afterward, skin feels warm and tight, like a mild sunburn, for a day or so.
When will I see results from microneedling?
Most people see a brighter, smoother look within a week of each session. Changes in scars, pores and texture build gradually, and the fullest improvement typically appears three to six months after your series, because new collagen takes time to form. Many patients notice the biggest difference after their third session.
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
Most patients need three to six microneedling sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Mild texture may improve in three, while deeper acne scars often need six or more. After the series, many people return once or twice a year for maintenance to support collagen as skin continues to age.
What is microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling with PRP adds platelet-rich plasma made from a small sample of your own blood. Your sample is spun to concentrate growth-factor-rich platelets, which are applied to the skin during treatment. Studies suggest combining PRP with microneedling may improve acne scar results and healing compared with microneedling alone for many patients.
What is the difference between PRP and Revive growth factor serum?
PRP is made from your own blood, while Revive is a name-brand growth factor serum that requires no blood draw. Both are applied during microneedling to support healing and collagen. Revive suits patients who prefer to avoid needles in the arm. Your provider recommends the add-on that fits your goals.
Is microneedling safe for deeper skin tones?
Yes, microneedling is considered one of the safer collagen treatments for deeper skin tones because it uses no heat or light that targets pigment. Research reviews support its use in all skin types. In skin of color, conservative depth, careful aftercare and daily sunscreen help keep the risk of dark marks low.
Is microneedling better than RF microneedling?
Neither is better for everyone. Standard microneedling is gentler, with shorter recovery, and works well for texture, pores, mild scars and tone. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat for deeper scars and mild laxity but has slightly more downtime. Dr. Hill recommends the option that matches your skin and goals.
Can men get microneedling?
Yes, microneedling works well for men, especially for acne scars, enlarged pores and rough texture. It can be performed over the beard area, though you will be asked to shave the day before and pause shaving for a day or two afterward. Short downtime makes it easy to fit around work.
Location2296 Henderson Mill Rd, Suite 300Atlanta, GA, 30345
Emailinfo@socahcenter.com
Phone(404) 474-2301

Schedule Your Microneedling Consultation

References

  1. Mujahid et al., Dermatol Surg. (2020). Microneedling as a Treatment for Acne Scarring: A Systematic Review. PMID: 31356435.
  2. Alster et al., Dermatol Surg. (2018). Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide. PMID: 28796657.
  3. Bonati et al., J Drugs Dermatol. (2017). Microneedling in All Skin Types: A Review. PMID: 28403263.
  4. Li et al., Arch Dermatol Res. (2024). Comparing the efficacy and safety of microneedling and its combination with other treatments in patients with acne scars: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PMID: 39110247.
  5. Shen et al., Aesthetic Plast Surg. (2022). Microneedling Monotherapy for Acne Scar: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PMID: 35426044.
  6. Tan et al., Dermatol Surg. (2021). Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review. PMID: 33577211.