Esthetics & Skin
Written by Dr. Lori Martin, M.D., Medical Director, THRIVE 4 Peak Performance. Dr. Martin oversees all clinical protocols at our Alpharetta location, including physician-supervised esthetic treatments.
Related reading: Microneedling Service Page | HydraFacial at THRIVE | HydraFacial vs. Microneedling: Which Is Right for You?
Microneedling is one of the most researched, results-driven treatments in medical esthetics — and one of the most misunderstood. Patients often picture something painful or dramatic, when in reality it is a well-tolerated, physician-supervised treatment with real, measurable effects on skin texture, tone, and firmness.
Here is a physician-led breakdown of how microneedling works, what results actually look like, and what to expect before, during, and after a session at THRIVE.
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses a device with fine, sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the top layers of skin. Those micro-injuries trigger your body's natural wound-healing cascade — prompting fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for firm, smooth, youthful-looking skin.
Unlike lasers or chemical peels, microneedling does not remove or burn skin tissue. It works with your body's own repair process, which makes it appropriate for most skin tones and types with minimal risk of pigment changes.
The benefits come from your body's own collagen remodeling response, which continues working for weeks after each session.
Controlled micro-injury stimulates fibroblasts to lay down fresh collagen over the following weeks, gradually improving firmness and elasticity.
As new collagen fills in, rough texture, enlarged pores, and fine lines soften noticeably over a series of sessions.
Microneedling is one of the best-studied treatments for acne scarring and other textural scars, helping to break up scar tissue bands and rebuild healthier collagen underneath.
By supporting healthier skin turnover, microneedling can help fade mild sun damage and post-inflammatory discoloration over time.
The micro-channels created during treatment temporarily improve absorption of targeted serums applied immediately afterward, amplifying results.
Most sessions take 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, and discomfort is generally mild thanks to the numbing step.
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 0–48 hours | Redness similar to a mild sunburn, mild sensitivity or tightness |
| 2–5 days | Redness fades, light flaking or dryness possible |
| 1–2 weeks | Skin appears brighter, texture starts to feel smoother |
| 4–6 weeks | Visible improvement in firmness and texture as new collagen builds |
| 3–6 sessions | Cumulative results in tone, texture, and scar appearance |
Because collagen remodeling is gradual, most patients complete a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, followed by periodic maintenance sessions to sustain results.
Microneedling is well suited for patients dealing with fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, mild acne scarring, or early signs of sun damage. Because it does not rely on heat or light-based energy, it is generally appropriate across a wide range of skin tones under proper medical supervision.
Patients with active acne breakouts, certain skin infections, or specific medical conditions should discuss timing with our clinical team before scheduling.
Microneedling pairs naturally with our other esthetic and wellness services. Many patients alternate it with HydraFacial treatments — using HydraFacial for regular hydration and exfoliation between deeper microneedling sessions focused on collagen building.
Because healthy, resilient skin also depends on what is happening inside the body, some patients support their microneedling series with NAD+ IV therapy or general IV therapy for antioxidant and micronutrient support during their treatment series.
Every microneedling treatment at THRIVE is performed under the clinical oversight of Dr. Lori Martin, M.D., with a personalized depth and protocol based on your skin's specific needs — not a one-size-fits-all setting. That physician-led approach is what separates a medical-grade microneedling series from a generic spa treatment.
Book a consultation at THRIVE 4 Peak Performance in Alpharetta and let our physician-led team build a treatment plan around your skin goals.
Book a Microneedling Session →Or call us at (470) 359-6195
It uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries that trigger your body's natural collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother, more even-toned skin.
Most patients see redness similar to a mild sunburn for 24 to 48 hours, with light flaking possible for a few days. Most return to normal activities the next day.
Most patients see meaningful results from a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions afterward.
Yes. It pairs well with HydraFacial for combined exfoliation and collagen stimulation, and many patients support results with IV therapy or NAD+.
THRIVE 4 Peak Performance is located at 3568 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005. We serve Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek, and Cumming. Call (470) 359-6195 to schedule your microneedling consultation today.