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SkinPen® microneedling that puts your own collagen to work
Your skin already knows how to repair itself: microneedling simply gives it a precise reason to. At The Body Bar MD in Ellicott City, we use SkinPen®, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, planned under medical oversight to soften acne scars, refine pores, and smooth texture on the face, neck, décolletage, and hands, using your skin's own biology.
Complimentary, no-pressure consultation · Your exact pricing in writing before anything begins.
- Treatment time
- 30–60 min
- Downtime
- 24–48 hrs of redness
- Results
- Build 4–6 weeks after each session
- Typical series
- 3–4 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohamad Zanbrakji, MD, Board-Certified in General Surgery & Surgical Critical Care
The Essentials
What is SkinPen® Microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses sterile micro-fine needles to create thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin. At The Body Bar MD it is performed with SkinPen®, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, triggering the body's natural repair cascade to produce new collagen and elastin over the following weeks. It softens acne scars, shrinks enlarged pores, smooths fine lines, and evens skin texture, and can be paired with PRP to amplify the repair response.
3–4
Sessions in a typical series
4–6 wks
New collagen builds after each session
24–48 hrs
Typical redness, like a mild sunburn
Why Patients Choose It
The benefits, honestly stated
01
Softens acne scars
Micro-channels break up tethered scar tissue while fresh collagen gradually fills rolling and boxcar depressions. Improvement compounds with each session in a series.
02
Refined pores and texture
New collagen firms the structure around enlarged pores and smooths rough, uneven texture: the changes makeup can't convincingly hide.
03
Softer fine lines
Collagen and elastin thin with age. Microneedling prompts your skin to rebuild both, softening early lines without a neuromodulator or filler.
04
Results from your own biology
Nothing synthetic is implanted. The improvement is new collagen and elastin your skin produced itself, which is why the results look, and are, natural.
05
PRP and exosome upgrades
Applying platelet-rich plasma or plant-based exosome serums immediately after treatment delivers growth factors through the open micro-channels, amplifying the repair response.
06
Beyond the face
The same collagen response improves the neck, décolletage, hands, and stretch marks on the body, anywhere texture concerns bother you.
See the Difference
See the transformation
Softer scars, tighter pores, smoother texture with every session.
- Results
- Build 4–6 weeks after each session
Drag the slider to compare. Images are illustrative examples of a typical result. Individual results vary, and real patient before-and-afters are shared privately at your consultation.
Refined texture and softened acne scarsIllustrative example of a typical result. Individual results vary. Real patient photos shared at consultation.
What to Expect
Your treatment, step by step
No surprises. Here is exactly how your visit unfolds, from first consultation to final result.
- 01
Consultation & skin analysis
We review your health history, examine your scars, pores, and texture under proper light, and confirm whether traditional microneedling or a deeper option like Morpheus8 fits your goals. You'll know your exact plan and cost before anything begins.
- 02
Preparation & numbing
Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids a few days before, and avoid blood-thinning medications and alcohol as advised at consultation. On treatment day, a topical numbing cream sits for 20 to 30 minutes.
- 03
The treatment
A sterile microneedling device passes over the skin in controlled sections, creating thousands of micro-channels. Most sessions take 30 to 60 minutes, and PRP or exosome serum can be applied immediately after if you've chosen an upgrade.
- 04
Recovery
Expect 24 to 48 hours of redness and warmth, like a mild sunburn. Use the gentle cleanser and moisturizer we recommend, skip makeup for the first day, and be strict about sunscreen.
- 05
Series & maintenance
New collagen builds for four to six weeks after each session, so we schedule 3 to 4 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. We then review your progress and set a maintenance rhythm, typically one session every 6 to 12 months.
Is It Right for You
SkinPen® Microneedling may be a fit if…
You have acne scars that stayed long after the breakouts stopped, and topical products haven't touched them.
Enlarged pores or rough, uneven texture show through even careful makeup.
You're noticing early fine lines and want to rebuild collagen before considering injectables.
You have stretch marks on the abdomen, hips, or thighs you'd like to soften.
You want meaningful improvement with only a day or two of redness, not a week of hiding at home.
The honest answer requires a conversation. Every plan at The Body Bar MDbegins with a physician-led assessment, and if this treatment isn't the right tool for your goal, we'll tell you what is. Not sure this matches what you see in the mirror? Browse every concern we treat.
Compare Your Options
Microneedling vs. Morpheus8 RF microneedling
| Microneedling | Morpheus8 (RF) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fine needles create micro-channels that trigger natural collagen production | Microneedles also deliver radiofrequency heat to remodel tissue |
| Reaches | The upper layers of the skin | Skin plus the subdermal layer, at depths up to 4mm |
| Best for | Acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines, uneven texture | Skin laxity, jowls, deeper scars, post-weight-loss firmness |
| Downtime | 24–48 hours of redness, like a mild sunburn | 1–3 days of redness and mild swelling |
| Results | Build 4–6 weeks after each session; maintained periodically | Build over about 3 months; a series often lasts a year or more |
| Typical course | 3–4 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart | 1–3 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart |
Neither is better: microneedling refines surface texture, while Morpheus8 adds heat to tighten deeper skin. Your consultation matches the tool to your skin and goal.
Transparent Pricing
What it costs
No hidden fees, no pressure. Your consultation confirms the exact plan and price before anything begins.
- Microneedling: per session or seriesPricing depends on treatment area and any PRP or exosome upgrade. You approve the exact price before treatment.
- Quoted at your complimentary consultation
Pricing may vary with treatment area and plan. View current specials or the full price list.
Questions, Answered
SkinPen® Microneedling FAQs
Does microneedling hurt?
With topical numbing cream applied beforehand, most patients describe the sensation as light pressure with a mild vibration: uncomfortable in spots, but very tolerable. Bony areas like the forehead feel it most. The numbing cream sits for 20 to 30 minutes before we begin.
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
Most patients see the best results from a series of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Deeper acne scarring may benefit from additional sessions. We map out a realistic plan at your consultation rather than overselling a single treatment.
When will I see results?
Skin often looks brighter within the first week, but the real change (new collagen) builds over 4 to 6 weeks after each session and compounds through the series. Expect the most visible improvement two to three months after completing your treatments.
What's the difference between microneedling and Morpheus8?
Traditional microneedling remodels the surface: texture, pores, scars, and fine lines. Morpheus8 adds radiofrequency energy to the needles, heating deeper tissue for skin tightening as well. If laxity is part of your concern, your consultation will tell you honestly which one fits.
Should I add PRP or exosomes to my treatment?
Applying platelet-rich plasma or plant-based exosome serums right after microneedling delivers concentrated growth factors through the open micro-channels, which can amplify the repair response. It's an upgrade worth considering if you want the most from each session, and we'll tell you plainly whether your skin is likely to benefit.
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones, and who should avoid it?
Yes: because it works mechanically rather than with heat or light, microneedling carries a lower pigmentation risk than many lasers and is used across all skin tones. It isn't performed over active acne, infection, or open wounds, and we don't recommend it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Your consultation screens your history and medications first.
How much does microneedling cost, and does insurance cover it?
Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment, so it isn't covered by insurance. Pricing depends on the treatment area, the number of sessions, and any PRP or exosome upgrade. You'll receive an exact quote at your complimentary consultation, before you commit to anything.
Areas We Serve
SkinPen® Microneedling near you
Patients travel to our Ellicott City suite from across Howard County and the Baltimore corridor. Find directions and the treatments requested most in your community.
Med spa near ColumbiaMed spa near CatonsvilleMed spa near ElkridgeMed spa near ClarksvilleMed spa near FultonMed spa near MarriottsvilleMed spa near WoodstockMed spa near JessupMed spa near SavageMed spa near LaurelMed spa near SykesvilleMed spa near EldersburgMed spa near PikesvilleMed spa near Owings Mills
See every community we serve on the locations page.
be infinite.
Ready to explore SkinPen® Microneedling?
Every treatment plan begins with a physician-led assessment. Tell us what you want to achieve, and we'll tell you honestly what will get you there.
No-pressure consultations · Exact pricing in writing before anything begins