Microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to make thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin. Your body repairs them by producing new collagen and elastin, which gradually firms texture, softens scars and evens out tone. At The Skin Retreat in West Little Rock, every microneedling treatment is performed under the medical direction of plastic surgeon Dr. Kris Shewmake .
We perform collagen-induction microneedling with SkinPen, the first microneedling device cleared by the FDA, indicated to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults 22 and older.
What Microneedling Treats
Microneedling works best on concerns that live in the texture of the skin rather than deep volume loss or heavy laxity. Patients in Little Rock most often come to us for:
- Acne scars, especially rolling and shallow boxcar scars
- Fine lines and early wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead
- Enlarged pores and rough, uneven texture
- Stretch marks on the abdomen, hips and thighs
- Dullness and mild sun damage
Deep icepick scars, significant skin laxity and pigment-driven concerns like melasma usually respond better to other treatments. We will tell you at your consultation if microneedling is the wrong tool.
Benefits of Microneedling
- Builds your own collagen, so results look natural and improve over months
- Safe for a wide range of skin tones, since it does not rely on heat or light
- Short appointments with one to three days of visible redness for most patients
- Works on the face, neck, chest, hands and body
- Pairs well with PRP, HydraFacial and medical-grade skincare
Are You a Candidate?
Good candidates are healthy adults with textural concerns who want gradual, natural improvement and can commit to a series of treatments.
Microneedling is not a fit, or needs to wait, if you have:
- Active acne breakouts, cold sores or a skin infection in the treatment area
- Active eczema, psoriasis or rosacea flares on the face
- A history of keloid scarring
- Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use, pregnancy, or a sunburn
If active acne is the main issue, we treat it first with options like BBL Forever Clear, then move to microneedling for the scars once skin is calm.
How a Microneedling Appointment Works
Consultation. Your provider looks at your skin, asks about your history and builds a plan. Many patients start with our Face 360 consultation.
Numbing. A topical numbing cream sits on the skin for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Treatment. The device passes over each area with a sterile, single-use needle cartridge. Depth is adjusted zone by zone, deeper on scars and lighter on delicate skin. Most patients describe a light vibration and scratching sensation.
Finish. A soothing serum is applied and you leave with written aftercare. Plan on about an hour in total.
Downtime and Side Effects
Expect redness similar to a mild sunburn for one to three days, with some tightness and light flaking as the skin renews. Pinpoint bleeding during treatment and minor swelling are normal. Bruising is uncommon.
Skip makeup for 24 hours, avoid workouts, saunas and swimming for 48 hours, and use SPF 30 or higher daily. Infection and post-inflammatory pigment changes are rare when aftercare is followed, which is why treatment is done in a medical setting rather than at home.
Microneedling Cost in Little Rock
Most patients invest around $290 per face session. Neck, chest and body areas are priced by size, and treatment series typically lower the per-session cost. Members of our Skin Retreat Membership receive member pricing, and we offer CareCredit and Alphaeon financing.
Results and Number of Sessions
Skin looks brighter within a week, but the collagen that changes scars and lines builds over 4 to 12 weeks. Most patients need a series of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Deeper acne scars sit at the upper end of that range.
Results last because the collagen is your own, though aging continues. One or two maintenance sessions a year keeps the improvement going.
Microneedling vs. Other Resurfacing Options
Microneedling is one of several ways to resurface skin at The Skin Retreat. The right choice depends on how deep your concern goes and how much downtime you can take.
- Microneedling with PRP: adds your own growth factors to support healing and collagen.
- HydraFacial: a no-downtime cleanse and hydration that makes a good maintenance step between sessions.
- Chemical peels: better suited to surface pigment and dullness.
- Sciton ProFractional and Halo Laser: stronger laser resurfacing for deeper scars, wrinkles and sun damage, with more downtime.
Why Choose The Skin Retreat for Microneedling
The Skin Retreat has treated patients in Little Rock since 2013. Treatments are performed in our 6,500-square-foot clinic on Executive Center Drive under the medical direction of Dr. Kris Shewmake, a plastic surgeon. Because we also offer lasers, injectables and medical-grade skincare under one roof, we can recommend microneedling when it is the best option and something else when it is not.
Microneedling FAQs
Where can I get microneedling in Little Rock?
The Skin Retreat performs physician-supervised microneedling at 11220 Executive Center Dr, Suite 201, Little Rock, AR 72211, in West Little Rock. Call 501-492-8970 to book.
How much does microneedling cost?
Most patients invest around $290 per face session at The Skin Retreat. A series package or membership lowers the cost per session. Your exact price depends on the areas treated.
Do you offer RF microneedling?
We perform collagen-induction microneedling with SkinPen. If you are looking for radiofrequency microneedling for laxity, ask about our skin tightening options at your consultation and we will recommend the best match.
Is professional microneedling better than at-home rollers?
Yes. Medical devices use sterile, single-use cartridges and adjustable depths that home rollers cannot safely reach. Home tools also tear skin more easily and carry a higher infection risk.
When will I see results from microneedling?
Skin often looks smoother within a week. Collagen remodeling takes 4 to 12 weeks, so the biggest change shows a few months after your final session.
Can microneedling be done on darker skin tones?
Yes. Microneedling does not use heat, so the risk of pigment change is lower than with many lasers. Your provider adjusts depth and aftercare for your skin type.
What should I avoid before microneedling?
Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids a few days before, avoid sunburn or tanning, and reschedule if you have a breakout or cold sore in the area.
Book Microneedling in Little Rock
Ready to smooth scars, soften lines and refine texture? Call 501-492-8970 or request an appointment online for a consultation at The Skin Retreat.
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