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Microneedling (SkinPen)
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
— delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Stimulate Your Skin’s Natural Healing
Your skin already has all the tools it needs to repair and renew itself, but that process doesn’t always keep pace with the changes caused by aging, sun damage, acne and everyday wear.
At May Plastic Surgery, our providers can boost your skin’s natural healing abilities and create a smoother, healthier appearance with SkinPen microneedling. As a collagen-boosting treatment, microneedling is a versatile option that can be used on its own or alongside other skin rejuvenation methods for enhanced results.
Topical or none
30 to 60 minutes
Minimal
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses rows of tiny, surgical-grade needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the production of new collagen and elastin. At May Plastic Surgery, our providers perform microneedling using the SkinPen device, which treats at a depth of 0.25 to 2.5 mm, depending on the area and the concern being addressed.
By activating the body’s natural wound healing response, microneedling leaves the skin firmer and smoother after a series of treatments. Microneedling can also temporarily increase how well your skin absorbs topical products, which is why many patients add a serum or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) immediately after treatment to target specific concerns or enhance results.
- Dr. Brian May
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Is Professional Microneedling Better Than At-Home Devices?
Yes, professional microneedling in Charlotte is generally considered safer and more effective than at-home devices. Dermarollers and other devices available for consumers often use needles that are too short to reach therapeutic depths and have a tendency to tear the skin rather than puncture it cleanly. Sterility concerns are also worth considering. FDA-cleared, medical-grade devices use sterile, single-use cartridges, reducing the risk of infections.
If you've considered at-home dermarollers, it's worth seeing what medical-grade microneedling can accomplish when treatment depth, technique and safety are tailored to your skin.
What Can Microneedling Address?
Since microneedling stimulates your skin’s healing process, it can help with many concerns that stem from collagen loss or skin damage, such as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Stretch marks
- Cellulite
- Sun damage
- Dull or rough skin
SkinPen can be used on the face and on the body, wherever it is most beneficial. Our team will help determine how many sessions you may need based on which concerns you would like to address. One or two sessions can give you a healthy glow, while it may take more to smooth acne scars and wrinkles.
The Art & Science of Aesthetic Treatments With Dr. May
Dr. May trained as a surgeon, and surgery will always be at the core of what he does. But his engineering background taught him something that applies just as much in the treatment room as it does in the OR: the best solution isn't always the most complex one. It's the right one. When a patient's goals can be met with a well-chosen nonsurgical treatment, that's not a lesser path. It's good judgment, and it's exactly the kind of guidance patients at May Plastic Surgery have come to expect.
For Dr. May and his team, med spa treatments are part of a comprehensive approach to aesthetic care, one that considers skin quality, structure and maintenance all at once. Sometimes that means surgery. Sometimes it means Sculptra or a carefully timed series of peels. Often, it means a thoughtful combination, planned around your goals and lifestyle.
- Dr. Brian May
Procedure Details
Microneedling is performed by our experienced aesthetic providers at May Plastic Surgery. Before your treatment begins, we'll apply a topical numbing cream and allow it to take effect for approximately 20–30 minutes. Once the skin is numb, a specialized glide serum is applied to help the SkinPen device move smoothly across the treatment area.
Throughout the procedure, your provider will adjust the needle depth based on the treatment area, your skin, and your comfort to maximize both safety and results.
Treatment typically takes about 30 minutes, although larger areas, such as the abdomen for stretch marks or the thighs and buttocks for cellulite, may require additional time. After microneedling, we often apply rejuvenating topicals, growth factors, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to take advantage of the temporary microchannels created during treatment that enhance product absorption.
Recovery & Results: What Happens After Treatment?
Microneedling usually results in some redness and swelling for a day or two, plus occasional pinpoint scabs. During this time, stay out of the direct sun and avoid using heavy makeup or skincare products with harsh active ingredients. Your skin may also feel a little tight and dry, so apply a gentle moisturizer that doesn’t clog the pores.
It takes time for your body to develop new collagen, so you won’t see results right away. You’ll start to see changes in your skin texture and tone within two to four weeks, and the results will continue to build over the next few months. If you have deeper concerns like acne scarring, our team may recommend a few more treatments, typically a series of three to six sessions, with space in between.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Microneedling (SkinPen)
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Why Charlotte Patients Choose May Plastic Surgery
Charlotte patients choose May Plastic Surgery because our aesthetic providers share a common philosophy: natural results, honest recommendations, and treatments tailored to the individual. Backed by the surgical expertise of Dr. Brian May, our team approaches every treatment with an understanding of facial anatomy, balance, and long-term aesthetic outcomes.
Microneedling FAQs
Most patients feel mild discomfort rather than real pain, especially with topical numbing cream applied beforehand. Sensitivity varies by treatment area. The forehead and jawline typically feel more noticeable than areas with more “padding,” like the cheeks.
It depends on what you're treating. One or two sessions can refresh overall tone and glow, while acne scarring or more significant texture concerns typically call for a series of three to six sessions spaced several weeks apart. Your provider will recommend a specific number at your consultation.
Yes, and for certain types of acne scars, it is considered one of the most effective treatment options. Micronedling works best on rolling and boxcar scars, the shallower, wider depressions left by healed acne. It’s less effective on ice pick scars, which are narrow and go deep into the skin, and is ineffective for raised scars. During your consultation, your provider can evaluate your scars and help determine whether microneedling, steroid injections or scar revision would produce the best results.
Generally, yes. Because microneedling works mechanically rather than through light-based energy, it carries a lower risk of pigment changes than many laser treatments, making it a reasonable option across a broader range of skin tones.
Often, yes. PRP applied right after microneedling is common, since the microchannels created during treatment absorb it well. We can also sequence microneedling with chemical peels, laser treatments or injectables, depending on your goals and concerns.
Request Your Consultation
At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian May and his team treat every patient as an individual, listening to each person’s concerns when building a treatment plan. If you are interested in microneedling and want to learn more about whether it’s a good fit, give us a call at 704-200-2493 to schedule a consultation in our Charlotte, NC, office.
Let's Connect
We are here to help. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to schedule, our team is here to answer your questions about procedures, recovery, and next steps — and to personally guide you every step of the way.