What is the difference between microneedling and Microneedling with PRP?

Both use the same needling step. Microneedling with PRP adds platelet-rich plasma prepared from a small sample of your own blood, applied to the skin during or right after treatment. Your provider will help you decide which option fits your goals.

Is microneedling the same as RF microneedling?

No. RF microneedling is a separate treatment. You can learn about it on our RF Microneedling in Algonquin, IL page.

Does microneedling hurt?

A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment for comfort. Most people describe microneedling as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful.

Is there downtime after microneedling?

Your skin may look red, like a mild sunburn, for 1 to 3 days, and some flaking can follow during the first week. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two. Your provider reviews your aftercare before you leave.

How many microneedling sessions will I need?

Microneedling is usually planned as a series. For concerns like acne scars, 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart is common. Your provider sets your plan at your consultation. Results may vary.

Can microneedling be done on the neck or chest?

Yes. Microneedling with PRP can be booked for the neck or the décolletage, as well as the face, or for all three in one visit. Your provider confirms the right area for you at your consultation.

How do I book a microneedling consultation?

Call Catara Med Spa at (847) 658-1300 or book online. We are at 308 S Main Street in Algonquin, IL, and every microneedling treatment starts with a consultation.

Provider guiding a microneedling pen with an amber needle cartridge across a client's forehead during a microneedling treatment at Catara Med Spa in Algonquin, IL

Collagen Induction Therapy

Microneedling in Algonquin, IL

Looking for microneedling near you? At Catara Med Spa in Algonquin, IL, microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to create tiny channels in the skin that prompt its natural healing response. You can book it on its own or with PRP prepared from your own blood, and every treatment starts with a consultation.

Book Now

DownTime

4-7-days

RESULTS TIMELINE

Gradual: many clients notice changes within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Results may vary.

Result Last

Not permanent; many clients plan maintenance sessions once or twice a year. Results may vary.

BEST FOR

Fine lines, acne scars, uneven texture and tone, enlarged pores, and dull-looking skin

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses fine, sterile needles to create tiny channels in the skin. That prompts your skin's natural healing response, which encourages collagen and elastin production.
Where Microneedling Is Used

At Catara, microneedling is offered on its own or with PRP. Microneedling with PRP is booked by area: the face, the neck, the décolletage, or all three in one visit. Your provider confirms the right plan at your consultation.
What Your Microneedling Appointment Looks Like

Your visit starts with a consultation. Your skin is cleansed, a topical numbing cream is applied for comfort, and your provider works a handheld microneedling device across the treatment area. For Microneedling with PRP, a small blood sample is drawn first and processed while your treatment begins.
When Results Appear and How Long They Last

Your skin may look red, like a mild sunburn, for 1 to 3 days. Results build gradually over the following weeks, and a series of sessions is common. Results are not permanent, and results may vary.
Microneedling Compared with Its Variations

Microneedling uses the needles alone. Microneedling with PRP adds plasma prepared from your own blood, applied to the skin during or right after treatment. RF microneedling is a separate treatment.

About This Treatment

New to microneedling? The quick answers below cover how it works, where it is used, what your appointment looks like, when results show, and how the options we offer compare.

Treatment Pricing

View our full med spa price menu

*Pricing is subject to change.

Who Microneedling in Algonquin, IL is For

Good Candidates? Is This Right for You?

Concerns Microneedling Addresses

Microneedling is used to help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, pitted acne scars, uneven skin texture and tone, enlarged pores, and dull or tired-looking skin.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Your candidacy is confirmed at your consultation. Good candidates are in good general health, want smoother, more even-looking skin, and prefer a non-surgical option. If microneedling is not the right fit for your skin, we will tell you, and if there is a better option, we will explain why.

What to Tell Your Provider

Before treatment, tell your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have an active skin infection, open wound, or active acne breakout in the treatment area, or if you have a history of keloid or raised scarring. For Microneedling with PRP, also share any blood or platelet disorder. Share every medication and supplement you take, including isotretinoin now or in the past 6 months; any decision about your medications belongs to your prescribing clinician. Results may vary.

Contraindications & Risks / Side Effects

Contraindications

An active skin infection, inflammation, or open wound in the treatment area. Treatment is postponed until the area has healed.

Active acne breakouts in the treatment area. Your provider may postpone treatment until the inflammation has cleared.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your provider, as treatment is generally deferred.

A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring. Tell your provider before microneedling so your candidacy can be reviewed.

Isotretinoin use now or within the past 6 months. Tell your provider so timing can be reviewed.

For Microneedling with PRP, a blood or platelet disorder, or a medication that affects clotting. Tell your provider so your suitability can be reviewed, and do not stop any prescribed medication unless your prescribing clinician says it is safe.

An allergy or sensitivity to topical numbing agents. Tell your provider before your appointment, because a numbing cream is applied before treatment.

Risks / Side Effects

Redness that can look and feel like a mild sunburn for 1 to 3 days.

Pinpoint bleeding, mild swelling, or slight bruising in the treated area.

Dryness, flaking, or peeling while the skin heals.

For Microneedling with PRP, bruising or soreness where the blood is drawn.

Infection is uncommon but possible any time the skin barrier is broken. Contact us if you notice spreading redness, warmth, drainage, or a fever.

Changes in skin pigment and, rarely, scarring have been reported with microneedling.

Your provider reviews the risks with you at your consultation and answers your questions before treatment.

What To Expect

Pre & Post Treatment Care

Pre-Care Instructions

For Microneedling with PRP, drink plenty of water before your appointment, which makes the blood draw easier.

For Microneedling with PRP, eat a normal meal before your visit.

For Microneedling with PRP, skip alcohol for 24 hours before treatment.

Avoid sun exposure before treatment.

Tell your provider about any anti-inflammatory medication, blood thinner, or blood-thinning supplement you take, and do not stop or pause any of them unless your prescribing clinician says it is safe.

Reschedule if you develop a fever, an infection, or an open sore in the treatment area.

Post-Care Instructions

Avoid direct sun for the first 48 hours, then wear sunscreen every day to protect your healing skin.

Skip makeup and harsh skincare products for the first 48 hours.

Cleanse gently and use a basic, fragrance-free moisturizer.

Avoid strenuous workouts and heavy sweating for 24 to 48 hours.

Expect some flaking during the first week. Let it shed on its own, and skip retinol and exfoliants until your provider says it is time.

Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid touching your face while your skin heals.

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin treatment. A handheld device passes fine, sterile needles across the skin to create tiny channels. Those micro-injuries prompt your skin’s natural healing response, which encourages collagen and elastin production, two proteins that help keep skin firm.

At Catara Med Spa, microneedling is offered two ways. Microneedling on its own uses the needles alone. Microneedling with PRP adds platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentration of platelets prepared from a small sample of your own blood, which is applied over the treated skin so it can soak into the channels the needles create. Your provider helps you decide which option fits your goals.
Where Microneedling Is Used
Microneedling is one of the skin rejuvenation treatments at Catara Med Spa. You can book microneedling on its own or Microneedling with PRP, which is booked by treatment area:
- The face
- The neck
- The décolletage (the upper chest)
- The face, neck, and décolletage together in one visit
Your provider maps the treatment area with you at your consultation, so your plan fits your skin and your goals.

Looking for help with thinning hair? Microneedling with PRP on the scalp is a separate service:PRP Microneedling for Hair Growth in Algonquin, IL.
What to Expect at Your Microneedling Appointment

Every microneedling visit starts with a conversation. Your provider asks about your goals and your health history, looks at your skin, and recommends only what makes sense for you. No upselling. No pressure.

On treatment day, your skin is cleansed and a topical numbing cream is applied for comfort. Your provider then works a handheld microneedling device across the treatment area. If you are having Microneedling with PRP, a small amount of blood is drawn first, similar to a routine lab test, and placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma while your treatment begins. The PRP is applied during or right after the microneedling, and a Microneedling with PRP visit usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

Before you leave, your provider reviews your aftercare with you and answers your questions.
When Microneedling Results Appear and How Long They Last

Right after treatment, your skin may look red and feel like a mild sunburn for 1 to 3 days, and you may notice pinpoint bleeding or mild swelling. Some dryness, flaking, or peeling can follow during the first week. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two.

Results build gradually as your skin heals. Many clients notice changes within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Microneedling is usually planned as a series: for concerns like acne scars, 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart is common, and your provider sets the number of sessions and the spacing with you. Results are not permanent, so many clients plan maintenance sessions once or twice a year. Results may vary.
Microneedling, Microneedling with PRP, and RF Microneedling

Microneedling and Microneedling with PRP share the same needling step. The difference is what is applied to the skin: Microneedling with PRP adds platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood. Your provider explains both options at your consultation and recommends what makes sense for your skin. To learn more, read Microneedling with PRP: Benefits and What to Expect.

RF microneedling is a separate treatment. To learn about it, visitRF Microneedling in Algonquin, IL. If another treatment would serve you better, your provider will tell you and explain why.