Clarifying Microneedling at Solace Wellness Aesthetics in Fort Myers, FL is $250, takes 75 min, with 24-48 hours of downtime.
Clarifying Microneedling is a targeted protocol designed for patients with acne scarring, post-acne texture issues, enlarged pores, and ongoing breakout-prone skin. Unlike the deeper Collagen Boosting protocol, Clarifying uses shallower needle depths (0.5-1.5mm) plus clarifying serums to simultaneously refine existing scarring AND prevent future breakouts. The result: smoother, clearer skin without aggravating active acne.
Investment
$250
Duration
75 min
Downtime
24-48 hours
Series
4-5 sessions
The Treatment
How Clarifying Microneedling works
Clarifying Microneedling is a targeted protocol designed for patients with acne scarring, post-acne texture issues, enlarged pores, and ongoing breakout-prone skin. Unlike the deeper Collagen Boosting protocol, Clarifying uses shallower needle depths (0.5-1.5mm) plus clarifying serums to simultaneously refine existing scarring AND prevent future breakouts. The result: smoother, clearer skin without aggravating active acne.
Pre-Treatment Salicylic Cleanse
We start with a salicylic acid cleanse to clear surface oil and reduce bacterial load — critical for preventing post-procedure breakouts.
Topical Numbing
Medical-grade numbing cream for 20 minutes for comfort.
Microneedling Phase
Medical-grade automated microneedling at 0.5-1.5mm depth — calibrated for acne scar tissue without aggravating active blemishes.
Clarifying Serum Infusion
Custom niacinamide + zinc + green tea polyphenol serum infused through the microchannels — anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating, brightening.
Blue LED Phase
Blue LED targets acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) reducing chance of post-procedure breakouts.
Calming Mask & Aftercare
Aloe-based calming mask, then home with salicylic-balm aftercare kit.
What You'll Notice
Benefits of Clarifying Microneedling
Visible smoothing of acne scarring (ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars all respond)
Reduced active acne breakouts over 4-6 sessions
Refined pore appearance — smaller, less visible
Even skin tone — post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation fades
Reduced oil production (sebum regulation from niacinamide + zinc)
Smoother makeup application and better skincare absorption
Best For
Who should book Clarifying Microneedling?
Patients with: post-acne scarring (especially ice-pick and rolling scars), enlarged pores, ongoing acne breakouts wanting both clarifying + texture refinement, oily skin with congestion, hormonal acne survivors. NOT for active severe cystic acne — consult Dr. Flávio first.
Recovery & Results
What to expect day by day
Day 1-2
Mild redness; possible small breakout (purge) as deeper congestion surfaces.
Day 3-7
Redness resolves. Surface texture begins to refine. Any purge usually clears.
Week 2-4
Scarring begins to smooth. Pore size visibly reduced. Skin tone evens.
3-5 sessions
Significant scarring improvement. Active acne controlled. Long-term clarity.
Before & After Your Clarifying Microneedling
▣ Before Your Treatment
Stop retinoids, vitamin C serums, and exfoliating acids 5 days before
Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) for 3 days prior
No sun exposure or tanning 2 weeks before your session
Arrive with clean, dry, makeup-free skin
Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment
▣ After Your Treatment
Expect redness and warmth for 24–48 hours — this is the healing response
Apply the provided post-care serum (hyaluronic acid) every 4–6 hours for 72 hours
Avoid sun, sweating, and swimming for 72 hours
No makeup for 24 hours; mineral makeup only for days 2–3
Start SPF 30+ the morning after and continue daily for 2+ weeks
Peeling or flaking may occur days 3–5 — do not pick or peel
Frequently Asked
Clarifying Microneedling — common questions
It uses shallower depths (0.5-1.5mm) to avoid aggravating active acne, plus clarifying serums (niacinamide, zinc, green tea polyphenols) instead of growth factors. Blue LED targets acne bacteria. The protocol simultaneously refines scarring AND treats active breakouts — standard microneedling can worsen acne if not modified.
$250 per session at Solace. Most patients book 4-5 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart for full scar improvement. Series packages and CareCredit financing available.
Initial purge is possible — deeper congestion may surface in days 1-3 then clear. We minimize this with pre-treatment salicylic cleanse and post-treatment care. Most patients see improvement, not worsening. Severe active cystic acne patients should see Dr. Flávio for medical management first.
Yes — Clarifying Microneedling significantly improves rolling scars, boxcar scars, and ice-pick scars. Depth and intensity are calibrated to your scar type. Deeper ice-pick scars may benefit from combination treatments — we'll discuss in consultation.
Most patients see significant improvement after 4-5 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Severe scarring may benefit from 6+ sessions. Maintenance every 6 months.
Numbing cream for 20 minutes makes it tolerable for almost all patients. Sensation is light vibration, occasionally a brief sting over scar tissue. No anesthesia needed.
No makeup for 24 hours. Mineral makeup OK day 2. Regular makeup day 3+. SPF mandatory for 14 days post-treatment.
Excellent combination. Many patients book Back Detox Facial for body acne + Clarifying Microneedling for face/scarring. Best comprehensive approach to clearing skin holistically.
Clarifying Microneedling at Solace starts at $200. This acne-focused microneedling protocol combines collagen induction with salicylic acid serums and targeted acne-fighting ingredients to simultaneously improve skin texture AND address active breakouts and congestion. A series of 3–6 sessions produces the most significant improvement for acne-prone skin.
Clarifying Microneedling is specifically designed for clients who have both active acne or congestion AND scarring or textural damage from past breakouts. Standard microneedling targets scar tissue; clarifying microneedling adds acne-fighting serums that address the active breakout component simultaneously. Ideal for clients frustrated with treating one issue while ignoring the other.
Microneedling should NEVER be performed over active pustular acne — this spreads bacteria across the treatment area and can cause a serious breakout flare. The Clarifying Microneedling protocol at Solace always begins with a skin assessment; providers avoid active lesions and spot-treat rather than treating inflamed areas. Clients in a significant breakout phase may be advised to wait until the active phase settles before treatment.
For mild acne scarring: 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart typically produces visible improvement. For moderate scarring: 4–6 sessions. For severe, deep ice-pick or boxcar scars: 6+ sessions plus potentially combination with PRF, subcision (undermining the scar tissue), or TCA CROSS technique. Results continue improving for 3–6 months after the final session as collagen remodeling completes.
The Science of Acne-Focused Microneedling
Why Clarifying Microneedling Is Different from Standard Treatment
Standard microneedling focuses on collagen induction — triggering the wound healing cascade to produce new structural proteins. Clarifying Microneedling at Solace is a targeted protocol designed specifically for acne-prone skin and post-acne concerns: active congestion, enlarged pores, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and the textural scarring that follows breakouts.
The protocol differs in three key ways:
1. Salicylic Acid Pre-Treatment
Before microneedling, a calibrated salicylic acid (BHA) application dissolves excess sebum and opens follicle linings. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble — it penetrates the lipid-rich environment inside follicles where aqueous ingredients cannot reach. The result is a cleared, decontaminated follicle before needling begins, which reduces the risk of bacteria being distributed through microchannels and maximizes the treatment's access to follicle walls.
2. Niacinamide-Rich Post-Needling Infusion
Post-microneedling serum selection for acne-prone patients specifically includes high-concentration niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which has demonstrated clinical efficacy for:
Sebum regulation — reduces sebum production by approximately 20–25% in patients with oily skin
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation reduction — inhibits melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes
Barrier function improvement — upregulates ceramide synthesis, strengthening the compromised barrier common in acne-prone skin
Anti-inflammatory activity — reduces cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α that drive acne inflammation
3. Calibrated Needle Depth for Scar Remodeling
Acne scarring requires needling at the correct depth to reach the fibrotic scar tissue in the reticular dermis. Superficial needling (0.25–0.5mm) addresses texture and pore appearance. Deeper needling (1.0–1.5mm) is required for the dermolysis of fibrotic scar bands that cause atrophic (indented) scars. Dr. Flávio calibrates needle depth per treatment zone and scar type during each session.
Treatment Protocol
The Clarifying Microneedling Series Approach
Acne scars and post-acne hyperpigmentation do not resolve in a single treatment. The collagen remodeling process required to smooth an indented acne scar takes 3–6 months of progressive collagen synthesis. The recommended protocol at Solace:
Session 1
Assessment and baseline photography. Clarifying prep + microneedling at conservative depth (0.75–1.0mm). Post-needling niacinamide + zinc infusion. Focus: active congestion clearance, barrier support.
Session 2 (4–6 wks)
Assessment of response and PIH progress. Depth increased to 1.0–1.5mm on scar zones. Addition of Vitamin C to post-needling infusion for brightening. Focus: scar remodeling begins, pigmentation reduction.
Session 3 (4–6 wks)
PRF add-on option introduced if response is positive. Full depth protocol on all scar zones. Combination niacinamide + growth factor infusion. Focus: maximum collagen stimulation and remodeling.
Session 4 (6–8 wks)
Assessment of cumulative results. Determine maintenance schedule. Most patients achieve optimal results at 3–4 sessions; deeper scarring may require 5–6. Maintenance: 1–2x/year.
Between sessions, Dr. Flávio recommends a home skincare protocol: niacinamide serum, SPF30+ daily (critical for PIH prevention), and avoidance of active acne-triggering ingredients. The home routine and treatment series work together — home skincare between sessions maintains the cleared state while the treatment series produces structural improvement.
Acne Scar Types and Prognosis
Which Acne Scars Respond Best to Clarifying Microneedling
Rolling scars: Broad, shallow, undulating depressions caused by fibrous attachments below the skin. Excellent response to microneedling — the needling releases fibrotic bands and stimulates collagen fill. Often the most dramatic improvement per session.
Boxcar scars: Defined edges, flat base, variable depth. Moderate-to-good response. Shallower boxcar scars respond very well; deeper boxcar requires more sessions.
Ice pick scars: Narrow, deep, V-shaped. Most resistant to microneedling alone. Combination with TCA CROSS (chemical reconstruction) or subcision may be recommended for significant ice pick scarring.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Flat dark marks, not textural. Excellent response — typically 50–80% reduction in pigmentation index over a 3-session series with niacinamide infusion and daily SPF.
Atrophic scarring (general): Combination protocol with PRF or exosomes enhances collagen fill for diffuse atrophic patterns.
Near You
Clarifying Microneedling for Acne Scars in Fort Myers, FL
Solace Wellness Aesthetics provides Clarifying Microneedling at 12545 New Brittany Blvd, Building 26, Fort Myers, FL 33907, serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples. Free consultations available for acne scar assessment. Dr. Flávio will evaluate your scar types, recommend the optimal protocol, and provide a realistic treatment timeline. Call (239) 323-9549 or book online.
Conveniently located at 12545 New Brittany Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, Solace Wellness Aesthetics serves clients from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, and throughout Southwest Florida. If you're searching for a medical spa near you in SWFL, we're minutes away.
Ready for visibly better skin?
Book your Clarifying Microneedling appointment online — same-day availability often available. Or call to discuss your goals with our team first.