Microneedling
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses extremely fine, sterile needles to create controlled microscopic channels in the skin. These tiny channels in the skin activate the skin’s natural repair process, encouraging the production and remodeling of collagen and elastin. As the skin renews itself, it gradually appears smoother, firmer, brighter, and more even.
Microneedling is a well-established treatment that has been used for decades to improve skin texture, fine lines, acne scars, enlarged-looking pores, and mild sun damage. The depth and intensity of treatment can be customized to your skin and goals, making it a versatile option for patients seeking meaningful improvement without surgery or extensive downtime.
For select patients seeking a more advanced regenerative treatment, Dr. Cheng may combine microneedling with nanofat. Nanofat is created by obtaining a small amount of your own fat through targeted liposuction, then carefully processing the fat it into an ultra-fine, concentrated solution rich in naturally occurring regenerative cells and growth factors. Unlike traditional fat grafting, nanofat is not used to add volume. Instead, it is used to help improve skin quality, texture, and radiance.
When paired with microneedling, nanofat offers a highly personalized approach to skin rejuvenation using your own tissue. It may be especially appealing for patients seeking smoother, brighter, more supple skin and a more luminous, refreshed appearance. Because this treatment requires surgical training, precise fat harvesting, and specialized processing, it is not typically available in standard nonsurgical aesthetic practices.
Depending on your skin and treatment goals, microneedling may also be combined with platelet-derived growth factor, or PDGF, and selected chemical peels. These combinations allow Dr. Cheng to create a more comprehensive treatment plan for concerns involving uneven texture, discoloration, fine lines, and acne scarring.
Microneedling can improve several aspects of skin quality without surgery or extensive downtime. Benefits may include:
Smoother, more even skin texture
Improvement in fine lines and early signs of aging
Reduced appearance of certain acne scars and other shallow scars
Brighter, more even-looking skin tone
Reduced appearance of enlarged pores
Gradual improvement in firmness through collagen production
A treatment that can be customized for different skin types and concerns
The ability to combine treatment with nanofat, PDGF, or selected chemical peels when appropriate
Results develop gradually as the skin produces and reorganizes collagen. A series of treatments may be recommended for more noticeable improvement, particularly for acne scars or more established texture concerns.
What Are the Benefits of Microneedling?
You may be a good candidate for microneedling if you want to improve skin quality with a minimally invasive treatment and relatively limited downtime. Common concerns include:
Fine lines, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks
Uneven or rough skin texture that does not feel smooth
Enlarged or more noticeable pores
Depressed acne scars and other shallow, indented scars
Uneven skin tone, including mild discoloration from sun exposure or prior inflammation
Skin that appears less smooth, firm, or even than it did previously
Microneedling is generally not performed over active acne, skin infections, open wounds, or irritated skin. During your consultation, Dr. Cheng will evaluate your skin, determine the appropriate treatment depth, and discuss whether standard microneedling or a customized combination with nanofat, PDGF, or a chemical peel is the best approach for your goals.