— Skin Rejuvenation & Microneedling —
Microneedling in Chicago
Medical-grade collagen induction for texture refinement, fine lines, acne scars, and pore appearance. PRP upgrade available as an add-on.
Performed by Nurse Practitioner
— Treatment Overview —
What Microneedling Is
Microneedling is a minimally invasive aesthetic treatment that uses controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the skin's natural healing response and trigger collagen production. At Chicago Medspa, microneedling is performed by licensed medical providers using medical-grade equipment in a clinical environment in the Chicago Loop.
The treatment creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin using fine, sterile needles at a controlled depth. These channels heal rapidly while the underlying healing cascade rebuilds collagen and elastin over the following weeks. The result is firmer, smoother, more even-toned skin with continued improvement for 60–90 days after each session.
Microneedling is distinct from at-home dermarolling tools, which lack the depth, sterility, and precision of clinical microneedling. Medical microneedling can address concerns that surface-level treatments cannot reach, including acne scarring, fine lines, enlarged pores, and skin texture irregularities. For a deeper look at how traditional microneedling compares to radiofrequency microneedling, see our microneedling vs. RF microneedling guide.
— Candidacy —
Who Microneedling Is For
Microneedling is appropriate for most skin types and tones, including darker skin types where some laser treatments are contraindicated. The treatment is commonly recommended for clients with:
- Acne scarring (rolling, boxcar, and ice-pick scars respond differently — your provider will assess during consultation)
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin texture or tone
- Stretch marks (on body areas, not part of facial protocols)
- General skin maintenance and prevention
Clients with combined texture and surface pigmentation concerns often benefit from pairing microneedling with chemical peel treatments across their series. For clients whose primary concern is sun damage or discrete dark patches rather than texture, sun spot treatment is typically a more direct approach and may be recommended first.
Microneedling is not appropriate during active acne breakouts, on areas with active cold sores or open lesions, during pregnancy, or for clients on certain medications. Your provider will review your full medical history during the consultation and recommend whether microneedling fits your current skin state or whether another treatment makes more sense first — our chemical peel vs. microneedling comparison can help frame that conversation.
For best results, microneedling is typically performed as a series of 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with results compounding over the series.
— The Visit —
What to Expect at Your Microneedling Appointment
A microneedling appointment at Chicago Medspa typically runs 60–90 minutes, including consultation, numbing, treatment, and post-care.
When you arrive at our Chicago Loop location at 30 N Michigan Ave, you'll be welcomed into a private treatment room. Your provider begins by reviewing your concerns, examining your skin, and confirming the treatment plan. The skin is then cleansed and a topical numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes to ensure comfort.
The microneedling treatment itself takes 20–30 minutes. Most clients describe the sensation as a light vibration or scratching — manageable and not painful with proper numbing. Your provider works systematically across each treatment zone, adjusting depth based on the specific area and concern.
After the treatment, a calming serum is applied to support the skin's recovery. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions and a take-home regimen if appropriate. You'll leave with redness similar to a moderate sunburn that subsides within 24–48 hours.
— Results —
Results, Recovery, and Aftercare
Immediate post-treatment: Skin will look pink to red, similar to a mild sunburn. Some clients experience mild swelling for 24 hours. Most clients are comfortable returning to work the next day, though sensitive clients may prefer Friday appointments to recover over the weekend.
24–72 hours: Redness fades. Skin may feel slightly tight, rough, or dry. Avoid active skincare ingredients (retinol, exfoliants, vitamin C) for 72 hours and use gentle hydrators only.
1–2 weeks: Initial brightening becomes visible. Skin texture starts to feel smoother. Makeup can be applied normally after 24 hours.
4–8 weeks: New collagen production becomes visible as improved texture, firmness, and tone. This is when most clients notice meaningful change. The science behind microneedling results explains why this window matters.
3–6 months: Full collagen remodeling. This is why microneedling is typically performed as a series — each session builds on the previous one, with results compounding over time.
Aftercare priorities: daily SPF 30+, gentle cleansers only for 72 hours, no active ingredients for one week, no sun exposure or sweating for 48 hours.
— Why Chicago Medspa —
Why Choose Chicago Medspa for Microneedling
Microneedling outcomes depend significantly on the provider performing the treatment, the equipment used, and the protocols applied. At Chicago Medspa, microneedling is performed by licensed medical providers under physician supervision. Our medical team brings clinical training to every session — assessing skin condition, adjusting depth based on individual anatomy, and modifying protocols across the treatment series as your skin responds.
Located at 30 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1220 in the Chicago Loop, Chicago Medspa is steps from Millennium Park, Block 37, and the Magnificent Mile. The Loop location is convenient for clients across downtown Chicago including Streeterville, River North, the Gold Coast, and the West Loop, as well as accessible via the State/Lake and Washington/Wabash CTA stations.
New clients begin with a $50 Professional Skin Consultation, credited toward any treatment booked within 30 days. The consultation includes a full skin assessment and a customized treatment plan recommendation. We do not pressure same-day bookings.
— Frequently Asked —
Questions, Answered
— Begin Here —
Start with a Professional Consultation
Begin with a $50 professional consultation — credited toward any treatment booked within 30 days.
Begin