Microneedling for wrinkle reduction and acne scars is offered in Burnaby at Skin Art MD, a physician-led skin clinic near Metrotown. The treatment uses fine sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels that stimulate collagen production. A physician assessment during a visit determines which areas, needle depths, and number of sessions suit a given concern, whether that is fine lines, scarring, or enlarged pores.
Microneedling uses ultra-fine sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels that trigger the skin's wound-healing response, building new collagen and elastin over the following weeks. It is used for enlarged-looking pores, rolling and boxcar acne scars, fine lines and uneven texture, usually as a series of sessions, and can be combined with PRP. At Skin Art MD near Burnaby Metrotown, we use medical-grade microneedling to improve skin texture from within.
What Is Microneedling, Really?
Microneedling (also called collagen induction therapy) uses a device with ultra-fine sterile needles to create thousands of micro-channels in the skin. These controlled micro-injuries trigger your body's natural wound-healing cascade:
- Inflammation phase — growth factors rush to the treated area
- Proliferation phase — new collagen and elastin fibers form
- Remodeling phase — skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more even over weeks
Unlike many lasers, microneedling can be used across a wide range of skin tones — including deeper Fitzpatrick types IV-VI — with a lower risk of hyperpigmentation. That makes it a common option for our diverse Burnaby clientele.
What Does Microneedling Actually Fix?
Enlarged Pores
Pore size is largely genetic, but collagen loss makes them look bigger. Microneedling strengthens the collagen scaffolding around each pore, which can reduce their apparent size over a series of sessions.
Acne Scars
Rolling and boxcar acne scars often respond to microneedling. The controlled injury breaks up fibrotic scar tissue and replaces it with healthy collagen. Deep ice-pick scars may need a combination approach, which a physician assessment can plan.
Fine Lines & Early Wrinkles
Forehead creases, under-eye crepiness, and smile lines improve as new collagen plumps the skin from beneath. Think of it as giving your skin a fresh foundation to build on.
Uneven Skin Tone & Texture
Sun damage, rough patches, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation all improve with the accelerated cell turnover microneedling provides.
Stretch Marks
Yes — microneedling is one of the treatments studied for improving stretch marks on the body, particularly newer red/purple marks.
What Happens During a Microneedling Session?
A typical session at our Burnaby clinic runs through four steps — cleansing and numbing, needling at zone-specific depths, serum infusion, and calming and sun protection:
Step 1: Cleanse & Numb (20 min)
We thoroughly cleanse the skin and apply medical-grade topical anesthetic. You relax for 20 minutes while the numbing takes effect to keep discomfort low.
Step 2: Treatment (25-35 min)
Using our microneedling device, the Skin Art MD team adjusts needle depth by zone:
- Forehead & temples: 0.5-1.0 mm
- Cheeks (acne scars): 1.0-2.0 mm
- Nose & chin: 0.5-1.0 mm
- Under-eye area: 0.25-0.5 mm (requires delicate technique)
Multiple passes help even coverage. Most people describe pressure and vibration rather than sharp discomfort.
Step 3: Serum Infusion
Immediately after needling, the micro-channels are open — this is the window to deliver active ingredients directly into the dermis. Depending on your goals, we apply:
- Hyaluronic acid — deep hydration and plumping
- Growth factor serums — accelerated healing
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) — your own concentrated growth factors
Step 4: Calm & Protect
A cooling mask soothes the skin. We finish with medical-grade SPF and detailed aftercare instructions.
What Does Adding PRP to Microneedling Do?
Adding PRP means your own concentrated platelets and growth factors are applied through the open micro-channels during and after needling, with the aim of supporting healing and results for scars and aging skin. We draw a small vial of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to isolate platelet-rich plasma packed with growth factors, and apply it during and after needling.
Why PRP is paired with microneedling:
- Growth factors are delivered directly through open micro-channels
- It is intended to support healing after needling
- It is often used for acne scars and aging skin
- It is autologous — prepared from your own blood
At Skin Art MD, PRP microneedling is a combination option typically planned as a series of 3-4 sessions.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
The number of recommended microneedling sessions varies based on the specific skin concern being addressed.
| Concern | Recommended Sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| General texture & glow | 3-4 | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Enlarged pores | 3-5 | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Mild acne scars | 4-6 | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Moderate-severe acne scars | 6-8 | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Anti-aging maintenance | 2-3/year | Every 4-6 months |
Improvement is usually gradual and cumulative across the full series.
What Affects the Cost of Microneedling?
Cost depends on whether microneedling is done on its own or combined with PRP, and on how many sessions your treatment plan includes. Your consultation includes a customized treatment plan with the cost explained before you decide.
What Is Recovery Like After Microneedling?
Recovery from microneedling typically involves initial redness that fades over several days, with specific aftercare guidelines.
- Day 1: Pink/red like a mild sunburn, slight swelling
- Day 2-3: Redness fading, skin may feel tight or dry
- Day 4-5: Light flaking possible as new skin emerges
- Day 7: Most people look back to normal
Key aftercare rules:
- No active skincare (retinol, AHAs, vitamin C) for 48-72 hours
- Wear SPF 50+ daily for 2 weeks minimum
- Avoid makeup for 12-24 hours post-treatment
- No saunas, hot yoga, or intense exercise for 24-48 hours
Who Should Avoid Microneedling?
Microneedling is not recommended for individuals with active skin conditions, certain medications, or who are pregnant.
- Active acne breakouts (treat the acne first)
- Active cold sores (treatment may be postponed until they settle)
- Blood-thinning medications (discuss with our team)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active eczema/psoriasis in the treatment area
How Does Skin Art MD Approach Microneedling?
At Skin Art MD, microneedling is planned individually and reviewed as the skin changes. Our Burnaby Metrotown location offers clinical care in a modern, comfortable environment. The Skin Art MD team combines medical expertise with an aesthetic-first approach — we don't just treat your skin, we help you understand it.
Every microneedling session is customized: needle depth, serum selection, and number of passes are tailored to your unique skin. We track progress with photos and adjust your plan as your skin improves.
Is Microneedling Right for Your Skin?
Whether microneedling suits your pores, scars or texture is decided in a physician assessment. Book a microneedling consultation at Skin Art MD Burnaby to discuss a custom treatment plan.
Skin Art MD — Medical Aesthetics. Burnaby Metrotown, BC. Serving Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, and Metro Vancouver.
