Skin That Has Been Bothering You for Years Can Actually Change
If acne scars, enlarged pores, or uneven skin texture have kept you from feeling confident, you are not alone — and you are not out of options. Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is one of the most evidence-backed skin rejuvenation treatments available. At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, AZ, every microneedling session is performed personally by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD.
Microneedling uses a pen-style device fitted with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries across the skin’s surface. Those micro-channels trigger the body’s natural wound-healing cascade, stimulating collagen and elastin production deep within the dermis. As new collagen forms, texture improves, scars soften, and pores look refined.
At a Glance
- What it is
- FDA-cleared collagen induction therapy using tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate new collagen and elastin
- Best for
- Acne scars (boxcar, rolling), fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven texture, mild hyperpigmentation
- Procedure time
- Approximately 120 minutes per session, including 30 minutes of topical numbing
- Protocol
- 5 steps: prep, numbing, needling, serum infusion (CBD, HA, stem cell or EGF), LED + cryo globes
- Downtime
- 1–3 days of mild redness; most patients return to normal activities the next day
- Series
- 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart; results develop over 3–6 months
- Provider
- Performed personally by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD — standard sessions and PRP upgrade
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses a pen-style device fitted with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries across the skin’s surface. The procedure is also called collagen induction therapy (CIT) because its primary mechanism is boosting collagen production deep within the dermis.
A 2024 review documented up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin at six months after four sessions. Unlike ablative lasers, microneedling preserves the epidermis — faster healing, lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and a safety profile that extends across all skin types when treatment parameters are matched to the patient.
Microneedling for Acne Scars, Fine Lines, and Skin Texture
Professional microneedling addresses a wide range of skin concerns. Mechanism — controlled wounding plus collagen remodeling — gives it broader applicability than treatments that work on pigment or vessels alone.
- Acne scars — boxcar and rolling scars may show observable improvement (typically 30–60% reduction in scar depth with a treatment series). Icepick scars generally do not respond and may require alternative procedures such as punch excision or chemical reconstruction.
- Fine lines and wrinkles — periorbital lines, forehead lines, lip lines.
- Enlarged pores — pore size reduction through collagen remodeling.
- Uneven skin texture and rough skin tone.
- Mild hyperpigmentation and sun damage — age spots and UV-related discoloration in appropriate candidates.
- Stretch marks — body microneedling at deeper needle depths.
- Surgical and traumatic scars.
Microneedling is FDA-cleared for facial acne scars and neck wrinkles. When performed by an experienced provider, it is considered safe across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI), including darker skin tones. The risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while low, is not zero — particularly in Fitzpatrick IV–VI and in melasma-prone patients. Treatment parameters are adjusted to that risk profile.
How Microneedling Works at Desert Bloom
- 1
Skin preparation
Cleansing, assessment of current skin concerns, and review of your treatment plan.
- 2
Topical numbing cream
Applied for 30 minutes so the procedure remains comfortable. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure once numbing is in place.
- 3
Microneedling treatment
A professional pen-style device creates thousands of precise micro-channels across the treated area at depths matched to your skin and goals — stimulating collagen synthesis without damaging the epidermis.
- 4
Serum infusion
CBD oil, hyaluronic acid, and stem cell serum (or EGF, depending on protocol) are applied directly into the micro-channels — penetrating far deeper than topical application alone.
- 5
LED + cryo globes
Red and near-infrared LED stimulates fibroblast activity and new collagen synthesis. Cryo globes calm redness and reduce swelling. Total appointment time is approximately 120 minutes.
Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling can be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). A small blood draw is processed and centrifuged to concentrate the patient’s own growth factors, which are then applied into the micro-channels during treatment. The growth factors amplify the collagen cascade and add regenerative signaling to the skin — useful in particular for acne-scar protocols.
A 2024 scoping review found that PRP added to microneedling produces superior results for acne scars compared to microneedling alone. Microneedling with PRP at Desert Bloom is performed exclusively by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD. Current price is $495 per session — see the pricing block below for the full menu.
Microneedling vs. RF Microneedling
Both treatments stimulate collagen, but they work differently and suit different goals. Selection happens at consultation based on your concerns and skin condition.
| Factor | Microneedling | RF Microneedling |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mechanical micro-injuries only | Mechanical micro-injuries plus radiofrequency thermal energy |
| Best for | Acne scars, surface texture, pores, general rejuvenation | Skin laxity, deeper wrinkles, tightening at the dermal level |
| Downtime | 1–3 days of mild redness | 3–5 days of redness and minor swelling |
| Sessions | 3–6 | 3–4 |
| Cost | Lower per session | Higher per session |
Microneedling
- Mechanism
- Mechanical micro-injuries only
- Best for
- Acne scars, surface texture, pores, general rejuvenation
- Downtime
- 1–3 days of mild redness
- Sessions
- 3–6
- Cost
- Lower per session
RF Microneedling
- Mechanism
- Mechanical micro-injuries plus radiofrequency thermal energy
- Best for
- Skin laxity, deeper wrinkles, tightening at the dermal level
- Downtime
- 3–5 days of redness and minor swelling
- Sessions
- 3–4
- Cost
- Higher per session
Results and Recovery
Microneedling involves minimal downtime. Most patients return to normal activities within one to three days. Results build gradually as collagen remodeling progresses — final improvement is visible in the months following the treatment series, not at the end of any single session.
Days 1–3
mild redness resembling a sunburn; skin may feel tight.
Days 5–7
skin settles; an early glow and pore refinement become visible.
Weeks 4–6
peak collagen production; the most noticeable improvement window.
Months 3–6
full results emerge as the skin continues remodeling.
Most patients reach optimal results with 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Maintenance of 1–2 sessions per year can help sustain collagen stimulation, though individual response varies. View before-and-after results for real patient outcomes.
Microneedling Aftercare
Proper post-treatment care helps the skin heal and protects your results.
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily; avoid direct sun exposure for 7 days.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser for the first week.
- Avoid makeup for 24 hours after treatment.
- Skip retinoids, AHAs, and other active ingredients for 7 days.
- Stay well hydrated; avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours.
Desert Bloom provides written aftercare instructions and a post-treatment skincare kit at every session.
Microneedling Cost in Scottsdale
Microneedling pricing in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area varies by provider and protocol. Standard sessions typically run $250–$500; microneedling with PRP runs $450–$800. Desert Bloom’s protocol includes serum infusion (CBD, hyaluronic acid, stem cell or EGF), LED therapy, and cryo globes as part of the standard session — components many Scottsdale clinics offer only as paid add-ons. Microneedling with PRP is performed personally by Dr. Borakowski.
Pricing
- Microneedling with EGF serum$199
- Microneedling with PRP$495
Why Desert Bloom for Microneedling
Microneedling is a procedure where depth, pressure, and protocol decisions matter. Every microneedling session at Desert Bloom — standard and with PRP — is performed personally by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD, founder and lead aesthetic physician.
Dr. Borakowski brings 17 years of experience, an NMD from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and a BS in Cell Biology from Arizona State University — medical-grade precision applied to every protocol decision. The Desert Bloom approach is clinical aesthetics, not med-spa volume: each plan begins with an honest consultation about what microneedling can and cannot do for your skin.
“Microneedling is one of the most evidence-backed skin rejuvenation tools we have — especially when combined with PRP. When performed correctly, it creates real, lasting change in skin architecture. I perform every session personally because the depth, pressure, and protocol decisions matter.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling
Does microneedling hurt?
How many microneedling sessions do I need?
What is the downtime after microneedling?
Can microneedling help with acne scars?
What is the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
How much does microneedling cost in Scottsdale?
Can microneedling be combined with other treatments?
Medically reviewed by
Founder, Desert Bloom Skincare · 17 Years Experience
References
- 1.
Singh A, Yadav S.. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatology Online Journal; 2016;7(4):244-254.
Foundational mechanism review documenting collagen induction therapy and clinical applications.
- 2.
Hou A, Cohen B, Haimovic A, Elbuluk N.. Microneedling: A Comprehensive Review. Dermatologic Surgery; 2017;43(3):321-339.
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000924
Comprehensive review of microneedling for acne scarring, rhytides, and pigmentary disorders — including safety across Fitzpatrick types.
- 3.
Hesseler MJ, Shyam N.. Platelet-rich plasma and its utility in medical dermatology: A systematic review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; 2019;81(3):834-846.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.04.037
Systematic review supporting PRP’s adjunctive role in microneedling protocols for acne scarring.
- 4.
Alster TS, Graham PM.. Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide. Dermatologic Surgery; 2018;44(3):397-404.
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001248
Practical guide informing our 5-step protocol — needle depth, serum infusion, and aftercare.
Individual results may vary. FDA-cleared materials and devices used in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Consultation determines individual suitability. All microneedling at Desert Bloom Skincare is performed by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD. Last updated: June 2026.
