Your skin already knows how to heal itself. Microneedling works with that instinct — creating thousands of microscopic channels that trigger your body’s own collagen and elastin production. The result isn’t a surface-level fix. It’s your skin rebuilding itself from the inside out, stronger and smoother than before.
At Illume Aesthetics, we offer three approaches to microneedling — standard, radiofrequency (RF), and PRP-enhanced — because your skin doesn’t come in one-size-fits-all, and neither should your treatment. Our team uses four professional-grade devices, including two that are FDA-cleared, to customize every session to your specific concerns, skin type, and goals.
Whether you’re addressing acne scars that have bothered you for years, fine lines that seem to have appeared overnight, or skin texture that just doesn’t feel like you anymore — microneedling gives your skin the signal to start fresh.
Schedule a Consultation — it’s a conversation, not a commitment.
What Is Microneedling?
Professional microneedling — also called collagen induction therapy — uses a device fitted with fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface. These aren’t random punctures. They’re precise, uniform channels delivered at exact depths calibrated to your treatment area.
What happens next is where the real work begins. Your body responds to those micro-channels through a three-phase healing cascade:
Phase one is the inflammatory response — your skin floods the treated area with growth factors and platelets within the first 72 hours, priming the tissue for repair.
Phase two is proliferation — over the next several weeks, fibroblasts multiply and begin producing new Type I and Type III collagen. New blood vessels form, increasing nutrient delivery to the treated area.
Phase three is remodeling — this continues for months after treatment. Collagen fibers cross-link and strengthen. Elastin reorganizes. Your skin progressively firms, smooths, and tightens from the inside.
This is why microneedling results don’t peak immediately. They build over time, with the most visible improvements appearing eight to twelve weeks after each session. And because the treatment stimulates your body’s own regeneration — not a filler or a toxin — the results integrate naturally with your existing skin structure.
Professional microneedling bears no resemblance to at-home dermarollers. Clinical devices like the ones we use at Illume deliver uniform, precisely calibrated needle penetration at consistent depths — something a manual roller can’t replicate. The difference in results isn’t subtle.
What Microneedling Treats
One of the reasons microneedling has become one of the most requested treatments in aesthetic medicine is its versatility. The same collagen-induction mechanism addresses a remarkably wide range of concerns.
Acne Scars
If you’ve carried acne scars for years — the kind that foundation sits in rather than covers — microneedling is one of the most effective non-surgical approaches available. Clinical studies show 50 to 70 percent visible improvement in depressed acne scars over four to six sessions. The treatment works by depositing new collagen in the valleys of the scar, gradually lifting the depressed tissue to match the surrounding skin.
Boxcar and rolling scars respond particularly well. For deeper ice-pick scars, our team may recommend RF microneedling or a combination approach for the best outcome.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The fine lines around your eyes, across your forehead, and along your smile lines respond well to microneedling because they’re largely a collagen-depletion issue — exactly what this treatment reverses. Studies show 40 to 60 percent improvement in fine lines with a standard treatment series. The periocular area (crow’s feet) and nasolabial folds tend to show the most dramatic response.
Skin Texture and Pore Size
Rough texture, enlarged pores, and uneven tone are often the first concerns patients notice improving — sometimes within two to three weeks of the first session. The epidermal regeneration smooths the surface while dermal remodeling tightens pore walls from underneath.
Stretch Marks
Recent stretch marks (the ones that are still red or purple) respond well to microneedling, with studies showing 60 to 80 percent improvement over four to six sessions. Mature white stretch marks are more challenging — they respond better to RF microneedling, which reaches deeper tissue layers. We’ll be honest with you about what to expect based on the age and depth of your stretch marks.
Hyperpigmentation
Sun damage, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the marks left behind after a breakout) can improve as microneedling disrupts uneven melanin distribution and promotes uniform skin cell turnover. For significant pigmentation concerns, we often combine microneedling with complementary treatments for the best results.
Crepey Skin
That thin, tissue-paper texture that can develop on the neck, décolletage, and around the eyes responds to microneedling because the treatment directly stimulates the collagen and elastin production that crepey skin lacks. RF microneedling is often the better choice here because it delivers energy deeper into the dermis where the structural support has weakened.
RF Microneedling vs Standard Microneedling
Illume is one of the few practices in Southern Oregon that offers both standard and radiofrequency microneedling — and we use that range to match the right approach to your specific concerns. These aren’t competing treatments. They’re complementary tools, and having access to both means your provider selects the one (or the combination) that gives you the best outcome.
Standard microneedling uses fine needles to create micro-channels that trigger collagen production through your body’s natural healing response. It’s ideal for fine lines, mild to moderate acne scarring, skin texture, and overall skin rejuvenation. Downtime is minimal — typically 24 to 72 hours of redness — and it works beautifully for patients who want consistent improvement with a lighter touch.
RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy delivered through the needle tips directly into the dermis. This creates a thermal response in addition to the mechanical one — essentially doubling the collagen-stimulation signal. The RF energy reaches deeper tissue layers (up to 4mm compared to 2mm for standard) and produces faster, more dramatic results for concerns that need more structural remodeling.
| Standard Microneedling | RF Microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Fine lines, mild scars, texture, maintenance | Deep scars, skin laxity, crepey skin, deep wrinkles |
| How it works | Mechanical collagen induction | Mechanical + radiofrequency thermal remodeling |
| Depth of treatment | 0.5–2.0mm | Up to 4.0mm |
| Downtime | 24–72 hours | 3–5 days |
| Results timeline | 8–12 weeks (gradual) | 4–8 weeks (faster) |
| Sessions needed | 3–6 | 3–4 |
| Devices at Illume | SkinPen, Exceed | Venus Versa, Candela Profound |
When we recommend standard microneedling: Prevention and maintenance, early signs of aging, mild acne scarring, skin texture and tone improvement, patients who prefer minimal downtime, and sensitive or darker skin types where a gentler approach reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
When we recommend RF microneedling: Moderate to severe acne scarring, noticeable skin laxity, crepey skin on the neck or décolletage, deep wrinkles, mature stretch marks, and patients seeking more dramatic results who can accommodate a few extra days of recovery.
Your provider will recommend the right approach during your consultation — and sometimes the answer is a combination of both, staged over a treatment series for optimal results.
→ Interested in how microneedling fits into the most comprehensive rejuvenation plan we offer? Explore our non-surgical facelift, which combines Profound RF, CO2 laser, and facial balancing in a two-session protocol.
Microneedling with PRP
PRP — platelet-rich plasma — takes your microneedling results further by adding your body’s own concentrated growth factors directly into the treatment.
Here’s how it works: before your microneedling session, we draw a small amount of blood and process it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma — the component packed with growth factors that drive healing and tissue regeneration. After microneedling creates those thousands of micro-channels in your skin, we apply the PRP directly, allowing it to penetrate deep into the dermis through the open channels.
The growth factors in PRP — including PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF — amplify your body’s natural collagen response. Clinical studies show microneedling with PRP produces 25 to 30 percent more collagen density than microneedling alone. Patients in the PRP group also report faster healing — improved skin barrier function by day three — and higher satisfaction rates overall.
Who benefits most from PRP enhancement:
- Patients treating moderate to severe acne scars who want the most improvement possible per session
- Anyone looking to accelerate their results timeline
- Patients who want enhanced skin radiance and hydration beyond what standard microneedling delivers
- Those who are already investing in a microneedling series and want to maximize each visit
PRP is a natural add-on — it uses your own blood, introduces nothing synthetic, and the preparation happens the same day, adding minimal time to your appointment. If you want the deeper breakdown on candidacy, healing, and how PRP compares to the trademarked treatment patients ask about online, explore our dedicated PRP microneedling page. Your provider can also discuss whether PRP makes sense for your specific goals during your consultation.
Our Microneedling Technology
The device matters. A skilled provider using a precision-engineered, clinically validated device produces fundamentally different results than the same technique with inferior equipment. At Illume, we’ve invested in four microneedling systems — two for standard treatments, two for RF — so your provider always has the right tool for your skin.
Standard Microneedling Devices
SkinPen — The most clinically studied microneedling device available, with FDA clearance and the largest body of published evidence supporting its use for facial acne scars and skin rejuvenation. SkinPen delivers precise, uniform micro-channels at adjustable depths with minimal epidermal disruption.
Exceed — An FDA-cleared dual-function microneedling device that offers exceptional precision for both facial and body treatments. Its adjustable needle cartridge system allows your provider to customize depth and speed for different treatment areas within the same session.
RF Microneedling Devices
Candela Profound — A premium RF microneedling system that delivers radiofrequency energy at precisely controlled temperatures to stimulate production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid — the three building blocks of youthful skin. Profound’s temperature-controlled energy delivery sets it apart from other RF devices and is backed by clinical data showing significant improvements in wrinkles and skin laxity.
Venus Versa — A versatile multi-application platform with RF microneedling capabilities that delivers NanoFractional radiofrequency energy for skin resurfacing and tightening. Its adaptability makes it ideal for customizing treatment intensity across different areas of the face and body.
Having multiple devices isn’t about having more. It’s about having options. Your provider selects the device — or combination of devices — that best matches your skin type, your concerns, and your treatment goals.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before Your Session
Your provider starts with a thorough skin assessment — evaluating your concerns, skin type, and treatment history to determine the right approach, device, and needle depth for you. If you have a history of cold sores, we’ll prescribe a prophylactic antiviral before treatment. You’ll discontinue retinoids three to five days before your appointment and avoid significant sun exposure in the two weeks prior.
During Treatment
A topical numbing cream is applied 20 to 30 minutes before treatment to maximize comfort. The microneedling itself takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the treatment area and approach.
Your provider adjusts needle depth throughout the session based on the treatment area — shallower around the delicate eye area (0.5–0.75mm), moderate across the cheeks and forehead (1.0–1.75mm), and deeper for acne scars or areas requiring more intensive remodeling (up to 2.0mm for standard, up to 4.0mm for RF).
Most patients describe the sensation as a light vibrating pressure. The numbing cream handles the rest. If you’ve added PRP, the plasma is applied immediately after microneedling while the channels are still open.
After Treatment
Your skin will look and feel like a moderate sunburn — red, warm, and slightly tight. This is normal and expected. Here’s your recovery timeline:
- First 24 hours: Peak redness. Mild swelling. Avoid touching, washing, or applying products to the treated area.
- Days 2–3: Redness fades to light pink. Mild peeling may begin. You can gently cleanse and apply the post-care products we provide.
- Days 4–7: Most patients are back to normal appearance. Any residual peeling resolves. You can resume your regular skincare routine and wear makeup.
- Weeks 8–12: This is when the real transformation happens. Collagen remodeling peaks, and you’ll see progressive improvement in texture, tone, and firmness.
Results continue improving for up to six months after your last session as collagen matures and cross-links.
Microneedling Results
Microneedling isn’t a one-and-done treatment — it’s a series, and each session builds on the last. Your results compound as collagen accumulates over time.
Typical treatment series by concern:
| Concern | Sessions | Spacing | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine lines & prevention | 3–4 | 6 weeks apart | 40–60% |
| Mild–moderate acne scars | 4–6 | 4–6 weeks apart | 50–70% |
| Severe acne scars (RF) | 4–6 | 4–6 weeks apart | Up to 70% |
| Skin texture & pores | 3–4 | 4–6 weeks apart | 50–70% |
| Stretch marks (recent) | 4–6 | 4–6 weeks apart | 60–80% |
| Stretch marks (mature/RF) | 4–6 | 4–6 weeks apart | 30–50% |
Most patients see noticeable improvement after their third session, with significant results by session four to six. After completing a series, maintenance treatments once or twice a year keep your results strong.
Your provider will assess your progress at each visit and adjust the treatment plan based on how your skin responds. Some patients achieve their goals in three sessions. Others benefit from a longer series. We’d rather be honest about what your skin needs than overpromise.
Microneedling Before & After
Results vary by individual and depend on the type of microneedling, the number of sessions, and the concern being treated. Your provider will show you before-and-after examples of patients with concerns similar to yours during your consultation.
Microneedling Cost in Ashland, OR
Microneedling is one of the most effective skin rejuvenation treatments available — and it comes at a fraction of the cost and recovery time of surgical alternatives.
Consider the comparison: ablative laser resurfacing typically runs $1,000 to $5,000 per session with one to two weeks of significant downtime. A surgical facelift ranges from $12,000 to $30,000+ with weeks of recovery, general anesthesia, and surgical risks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a facelift was $9,536 in 2023 — before anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up care pushed the total well beyond that.
Microneedling delivers progressive, natural-looking improvement to texture, tone, scars, and early laxity — without surgery, without general anesthesia, and with days of downtime instead of weeks.
Your specific investment depends on the type of microneedling (standard vs. RF), whether PRP is added, the treatment area, and the number of sessions in your series. Your provider will walk you through exact pricing during your consultation — before any treatment begins, with no surprises.
For patients committed to long-term skin health, the IllumèNaughty Beauty Bank membership makes maintenance treatments more accessible and builds ongoing care into a sustainable routine.
Schedule a Consultation — your provider will build a treatment plan and walk you through pricing specific to your goals.
Why Choose Illume Aesthetics for Microneedling
Four devices, two FDA-cleared. Most practices invest in a single microneedling device and make every patient fit that one tool. At Illume, our team has access to SkinPen, Exceed, Candela Profound, and Venus Versa — so your provider selects the device that matches your skin, not the other way around.
Standard, RF, and PRP under one roof. Whether you need gentle collagen induction for maintenance, the deeper thermal remodeling of RF microneedling, or the growth-factor boost of PRP — we offer all three. Many patients benefit from a combination approach, and having everything in-house means seamless, coordinated care.
Customized depth protocol. Your face isn’t one zone — it’s many, each with different skin thickness and different needs. Our providers adjust needle depth throughout every session, treating the delicate eye area differently from the cheeks, which are treated differently from acne scars. This isn’t a one-setting-fits-all approach.
Hundreds of five-star reviews. Our patients trust us with their skin, and they share that experience. With hundreds of five-star Google reviews, the consistency of care at Illume speaks through the people who’ve experienced it.
Experienced, certified providers. Every microneedling treatment at Illume is performed by a trained, certified provider who understands facial anatomy, skin physiology, and the nuances of each device. This isn’t a treatment we hand off to the least experienced person on the team.
→ Learn about the team behind your treatment on our Team page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does microneedling cost?
The cost of professional microneedling depends on the type of treatment (standard vs. RF), whether PRP is added, and the treatment area. A complete series typically involves three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Your provider will give you specific pricing during your consultation — before any treatment begins. The IllumèNaughty Beauty Bank membership makes ongoing maintenance more accessible.
Can microneedling fix crepey skin?
Yes — microneedling is one of the better non-surgical options for crepey skin because it directly stimulates the collagen and elastin production that crepey skin lacks. For more significant crepey texture, especially on the neck and décolletage, RF microneedling tends to deliver stronger results because the radiofrequency energy reaches deeper tissue layers where the structural support has weakened. Your provider will recommend the right approach based on the area and severity.
Can I get microneedling if I have rosacea?
It depends on the current state of your rosacea. Active rosacea flares — significant redness, pustules, or inflammation — are a reason to wait until the skin calms down. However, some patients with controlled rosacea can benefit from microneedling with a modified protocol (shallower depth, fewer passes). Your provider will evaluate your skin during consultation and let you know if the timing is right.
How many microneedling sessions do I need?
Most patients see meaningful improvement with three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Fine lines and texture concerns often respond in three to four sessions. Acne scars typically need four to six. Severe scarring may benefit from six or more, especially with RF microneedling. Your provider will assess your progress at each visit and adjust the plan as needed — some patients reach their goals sooner than expected.
What’s the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?
Standard microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen production. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy delivered through the needle tips, creating both a mechanical and thermal response. RF reaches deeper tissue (up to 4mm vs 2mm), produces faster results, and is better for severe scarring, skin laxity, and crepey skin. Standard microneedling is gentler, has less downtime, and works well for fine lines, mild scarring, and maintenance. Illume offers both — your provider recommends the right approach for your concerns.
Is microneedling painful?
Most patients describe professional microneedling as comfortable, not painful. We apply a topical numbing cream 20 to 30 minutes before treatment, which handles the vast majority of sensation. During treatment, you’ll feel light vibrating pressure — more unusual than uncomfortable. RF microneedling involves slightly more sensation due to the thermal energy, but the numbing cream is adjusted accordingly. Patients consistently tell us it’s much easier than they expected.
Does Illume offer microneedling for hair loss?
We don’t currently offer scalp microneedling for hair loss. Our microneedling treatments focus on facial and body skin concerns — acne scars, fine lines, texture, stretch marks, and skin laxity. If you’re interested in hair restoration options, we’re happy to discuss what approaches might be appropriate during a consultation.
How long do microneedling results last?
The collagen your body produces in response to microneedling is real, structural collagen — it doesn’t dissolve or wear off like a filler. However, your skin continues to age naturally, so maintenance treatments once or twice a year help sustain your results long-term. Patients who complete a full series and maintain with annual sessions typically enjoy lasting improvement in skin quality, texture, and tone. Your provider will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your skin’s response.
Schedule Your Microneedling Consultation
Your skin has the ability to rebuild itself. Microneedling gives it the signal to start — and our team has the devices, the expertise, and the experience to guide the process.
Whether you’re exploring microneedling for the first time or you’re ready to add RF or PRP to your approach, it starts with a conversation. Your provider will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan — including which device, which approach, and how many sessions — before any treatment begins.
Call us: (541) 631-8387
Visit us: 993 Siskiyou Blvd Suite 1, Ashland, OR 97520