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How Does Microneedling Work?
A device with very fine needles is used to puncture the skin to create a controlled skin injury. This controlled skin injury helps rejuvenate the skin in two ways. First, the actual penetration of the needle creates a channel that triggers the body to fill the wound with new elastin and collagen. Second, serums and vitamins can be applied to the skin before and immediately after to increase efficacy of the product.
While you may have seen at-home devices claiming to do the same thing, the microneedling done at a doctor’s office is completely different than the kits marketed for at home use in that those used at a physician’s office can penetrate deeper into the skin and give better results.
Emmy Graber, MD, MBA
Dr. Emmy M. Graber, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology Institute of Boston. She specializes in acne and cosmetic dermatology and brings extensive teaching skills.
Ali Al-Haseni, MD
Dr. Ali Al-Haseni is a board-certified dermatologist with additional specialty training in cutaneous oncology. He specializes in skin cancer diagnosis, surgical care, and cosmetic dermatology overall.
Shiri Nawrocki, MD
Dr. Shiri Nawrocki is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in acne, eczema, skin cancer, and cosmetic dermatology. She graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Neelam A. Vashi, MD, FAAD
Dr. Neelam A. Vashi is a board-certified dermatologist with an academic background. Former Director at Boston University, she specializes in ethnic skin, laser care, and cosmetic dermatology services.
Nari Lee, MD
Dr. Nari Lee is a board-certified dermatologist offering general, cosmetic, and pediatric care. Joining The Dermatology Institute in September 2026, she provides personalized patient-centered plans.
Our Dermatologist
In The News
Many national publications have quoted Dr. Graber and sher is a familiar face on local television
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is an excellent alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures, making it ideal for people who want effective rejuvenation and resurfacing results without a long recovery period. It is also safe for all skin tones.
Microneedling is a treatment performed in our office by one of our board-certified dermatologists. It creates many tiny holes or controlled wounds in the skin which as they heal, build new collagen and create healthier skin. Most patients require multiple treatments to realize optimal results. Also, the results are not immediate. Since microneedling stimulates your skin to produce collagen and elastin through small, controlled injuries, your skin needs time to heal after treatment. The majority of patients can expect to see results about six weeks after a microneedling session.
Microneedling is often very effective at treating the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and large pores. However, you should not have the procedure while you have active acne or active cold sores. Talk with our dermatologists about first getting your acne under control with creams, pills or other treatments, and keep in mind that microneedling may be a possibility in the future for your acne scars.
There is some healing timmicroneedling lip wrinklese for microneedling after each treatment and your dermatologist can talk to you about what to expect in the days after your treatment and how to care for your skin during that time.
Microneedling can help with the appearance of acne scars and normal scars that result from injuries or surgical wounds, yet the treatment is not appropriate for keloid scars. Keloids are large, raised scars that appear after a skin wound. They are not the same as acne scars. Speak with our dermatologists if you have concerns about keloid scars; we can offer advice and treatment options for these special types of scars.
Don’t hesitate to ask us if microneedling is right for you. We will consult with you to ensure that microneedling is safe and effective for your individual situation.
Testimonials
The Microneedling Procedure
During your visit, a topical anesthetic cream is applied before the procedure begins in order to numb the region to any discomfort or pain. Microscopic punctures are then made in the skin using a pen-like microneedling tool containing over 30 microneedles. The tool makes such tiny pinpricks that they are barely noticeable even after the procedure.
The microneedles can penetrate to a depth of almost 3 mm, deep enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin for smoother, younger-looking skin. Many medspas and spas also offer microneedling but those treatments are often too superficial and the needles don’t go deep enough to get to the route of the problem. Because our treatment is done by physicians, it can go deeper into the skin producing better results.
Depending on the size of the treatment area, the entire microneedling procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes. Once the procedure ends, a serum may be administered to help calm your skin.
Who We Are
We are highly trained, renowned physicians and staff. All of our physicians are board-certified and known internationally for their expertise.
Our team is credentialed as dermatology technicians and is meticulously trained to best care for our patients.
The Dermatology Institute of Boston
Microneedling FAQs
185 Dartmouth St. Suite 404, Boston, MA 02116
441 Stuart St. Suite 404, Boston, MA 02116
Tel: 857.317.2057
Fax: 857.317.2811