Microneedling

Microneedling at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery uses controlled micro-injuries to trigger collagen and elastin synthesis, improving skin texture, fine lines, pore size, acne scars, and mild laxity. Dr. Carpin incorporates microneedling into the non-surgical skin care programme. Available for face and neck. Combinable with PRP for enhanced growth factor delivery. Minimal downtime — mild redness for one to two days.

Microneedling at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery uses a motorised needling device to create a controlled pattern of micro-punctures across the target skin surface — typically the face, neck, and décolletage — at an adjustable depth of 0.5–2.5mm. Each micro-injury initiates a localised wound-healing cascade: the release of growth factors from activated platelets and fibroblasts drives new collagen and elastin synthesis in the dermis, gradually thickening and firming the skin matrix over the subsequent weeks to months. The net result is progressive improvement in skin texture, reduction in fine lines and superficial rhytids, diminishment of enlarged pores, softening of atrophic acne scars (rolling and boxcar subtypes), and a modest tightening effect on mildly lax skin. Because microneedling does not use heat or chromophore-based targeting, it is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types including darker tones (IV–VI) where laser and peel approaches carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — making it a versatile non-surgical option within HPRS's skin care programme. Dr. Kimberly Carpin incorporates microneedling into the non-surgical side of the practice alongside chemical peels, injectables, and skin care consultations. ThermiSmooth Face — a radiofrequency skin-smoothing device also available at HPRS — provides a complementary non-invasive thermal approach to facial laxity and may be offered in combination protocols. Microneedling is also performed in combination with PRP (platelet-rich plasma), a preparation of the patient's own concentrated growth factors derived from a bedside blood draw and centrifugation: the PRP is applied topically during the microneedling session and penetrates through the micro-channels created by the needles into the dermis, where the concentrated growth factors provide additional stimulus for collagen synthesis and tissue remodelling beyond what the needling injury alone produces. Three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart are the standard recommended protocol, with results developing progressively over three months; maintenance sessions every six to twelve months sustain the improvement. Recovery involves mild redness and minor swelling for one to two days following treatment. Houston market range: $300–$500 per session.