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More Radiant Skin,Naturally
Your skin is a dynamic canvas, yet over time, the visible markers of a life well-lived—such as sun damage, acne scars, fine lines, or uneven pigmentation—can obscure the healthy vitality you feel within. At RISE Med Spa in Houston, Texas, microneedling stands as our premier, physician-led treatment for comprehensive skin renewal, working to significantly improve skin tone and support long-term skin health without requiring minimally invasive surgery or extended recovery time.
We specialize in advanced microneedling treatment using the globally recognized, FDA-cleared SkinPen® device. It harnesses the power of your body’s natural healing. By utilizing tiny needles to create controlled micro injuries in the skin's surface layers, we initiate a profound, restorative process known as collagen induction therapy. This advanced approach is a safe procedure for all skin types, including darker skin tones. It's highly beneficial for patients seeking to diminish facial wrinkles, refine overall skin texture, and achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance.
Under the expert medical direction of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ravi Somayazula and the hands-on aesthetic leadership of Dr. Swapna Gopathi, every microneedling procedure is meticulously calibrated. Our goal is always to deliver naturally beautiful results that are uniquely tailored to enhance your skin's appearance and health.
Microneedling, scientifically referred to as collagen induction therapy, is an elegant, minimally invasive treatment that capitalizes on the skin’s innate ability to repair and rebuild itself. The process involves gliding a microneedling device equipped with precision, tiny needles over the treatment area. These tiny holes, or micro-channels, penetrate the skin at controlled depths, reaching the dermis where structural proteins reside.
This physical stimulus is the key to renewal. The controlled, superficial skin damage triggers an immediate, localized healing response. Specialized cells rush to the treated skin, initiating the synthesis of new collagen and elastin. The resulting robust increase in collagen and elastin production fortifies the dermal structure, smoothing and tightening the surface.
One of the greatest advantages of microneedling is its physiological mechanism. Because it initiates regeneration mechanically rather than using heat (like ablative lasers) or aggressive chemicals, it is gentler on the epidermis. This makes it an especially intelligent choice for patients dealing with sensitive skin conditions or skin discoloration concerns, such as melasma. At RISE Med Spa, we choose the SkinPen® to ensure controlled depth and superior precision, guaranteeing optimal results from your microneedling treatment.
Microneedling is a highly effective, versatile aesthetic tool that directly targets common imperfections resulting from aging, environmental factors, and past skin trauma. By tapping into the skin’s natural healing capabilities, it provides comprehensive surface rejuvenation and reinforces structural integrity.
Microneedling works by rebuilding the skin’s support scaffolding. The treatment stimulates collagen production to address the structural degradation that causes fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating the synthesis of new collagen and elastin, the dermal layer thickens and firms, effectively pushing out and smoothing fine lines, resulting in a refreshed and youthful appearance. This is particularly effective for treating fine lines on the cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth.
Microneedling treatment provides significant improvement for various types of scarring. The process physically disrupts the dense, disorganized collagen fibers that make up acne scars and surgical scars. As the body heals the controlled micro injuries, it replaces the old scar tissue with a new, more uniform layer of collagen, minimizing the depth and visibility of recessed facial acne scars. This ability to remodel scar tissue makes it a powerful component of any scar revision plan.
The microneedling procedure dramatically accelerates cellular turnover. This encourages the skin to shed old, pigmented cells, helping to gradually lift and fade areas of superficial hyperpigmentation, including mild sun damage and dark spots. The result is a brighter, more homogeneous skin tone and a reduction in generalized skin discoloration, leading to a clearer, more radiant complexion.
The regenerative process spurred by collagen induction works to firm the skin surrounding the follicular openings. This structural tightening helps to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and refine pore size. Simultaneously, by encouraging consistent cell renewal and generating new collagen, the skin achieves a noticeably softer, more refined overall skin texture and improved smoothness.
While challenging to treat, microneedling can offer significant improvement in the appearance of stretch marks. This application involves using slightly longer needle lengths to reach the deeper dermal layers where the damage resides. The collagen induction therapy works to reorganize the tissue structure within the marks, helping them blend more seamlessly with the surrounding skin texture and tone over the course of multiple treatments.
In the competitive Houston aesthetic market, the choice of provider is paramount. At RISE Med Spa, we elevate the standard of non-surgical aesthetics through physician-led care and unwavering clinical excellence.
The leadership of Dr. Swapna Gopathi, a board-certified physician with profound experience in aesthetic medicine, means your microneedling treatment is guided by medical precision and deep anatomical knowledge, not fleeting trends.
Operating under the medical direction of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ravi Somayazula, we maintain uncompromising safety standards. This integration allows us to confidently address complex skin concerns and offer seamless integration with other treatments, from injectables to advanced laser procedures like laser hair removal.
We exclusively utilize the FDA-cleared SkinPen® microneedling device. This ensures that the controlled micro injuries are delivered with the utmost precision and sterility, providing a safe procedure and predictable results across all skin types and tones.
We understand that every patient’s health history and skin type is unique. We’ll always take the time to customize the treatment plan, adjusting factors like needle depth and technique to ensure we target your specific skin concerns, whether you require a series of sessions for deep acne scars or a single refresher for tone and texture.
As the Director of Medical Aesthetics at RISE Med Spa, Dr. Swapna Gopathi is committed to helping you achieve a refreshed, enhanced look—never an artificial or "done" appearance. Dr. Gopathi is a double-board-certified physician with over ten years of experience in anti-aging and cosmetic medicine, and her philosophy centers on the conviction that true beauty is rooted in trust, clarity, and personalized planning. This commitment to transparency and patient empowerment is the guiding principle for every microneedling treatment and aesthetic procedure offered at RISE Med Spa.
Dr. Gopathi’s methodical approach ensures every patient feels heard: she listens first, conducts a meticulous skin and health history review, and designs the treatment plan next. Her expertise blends medical accuracy with profound aesthetic sensitivity, whether she is personally administering microneedling for acne scars and fine lines, performing specialized injectable techniques, or supervising advanced skin-focused therapies.
She leads a dedicated team where integrity, patient education, and subtlety matter just as much as achieving significant and lasting results. Working collaboratively with the surgical team at Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, Dr. Gopathi ensures that every patient receives a seamless, medically informed, and elevated standard of care.
Dr. Swapna Gopathi, board-certified anti-aging and cosmetic physician in Houston, Texas, is the Director of Medical Aesthetics at Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics.
Benefits of Microneedling at RISE Med Spa
Microneedling with SkinPen® is an exceptional investment in long-term skin health, offering a wide array of functional and aesthetic rewards.
Most patients who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations are ideal candidates for microneedling. The procedure's minimally invasive nature and safety profile make it appropriate for individuals seeking to correct textural imperfections, reduce the appearance of scars, or soften the visible signs of aging.
However, certain precautions are necessary. We may recommend postponing your treatment if you present with a current skin infection in the treatment area, active, inflamed acne, or a recent history of aggressive ablative resurfacing. Patients with certain skin conditions like active rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis flare-ups, or those with a weakened immune system or a tendency toward keloid scarring, require careful assessment.
During your consultation at RISE Med Spa, we will conduct a thorough review of your health history to ensure you are an excellent candidate for this safe procedure. For most patients prone to cold sores, a short, preventative antiviral course may be prescribed before receiving treatment.
The consultation is the first step toward achieving your desired results. Our experienced aesthetic specialists at RISE Med Spa will work with you to understand your specific skin concerns and long-term goals.
We begin with a detailed skin analysis, evaluating your skin texture, elasticity, and any areas of skin discoloration. We review your health history, past aesthetic experiences, and other treatments you may be currently undergoing. Based on this assessment, we formulate a customized treatment plan. You will learn precisely how the microneedling procedure works, the recommended series of multiple treatments required for optimal results (often three to six sessions), and the expected aftercare. We also clarify pricing and discuss synergistic options, such as incorporating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to deliver powerful growth factors deep into the skin for superior collagen production.
Comfortable. Controlled. Expertly Delivered.
Microneedling treatment is performed in our tranquil, clinical treatment suite at RISE Med Spa and typically lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.
The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed. To ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process, a high-strength numbing cream, or topical anesthesia, is applied to the skin for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Using the SkinPen® microneedling device, our specialist glides the small, handheld unit over the targeted skin. The needle lengths are meticulously adjusted across different areas—for instance, a shorter length for the delicate skin under the eyes and a longer length for stubborn acne scars or stretch marks. The movement of the microneedling device over the numbed skin is often described by most patients as a mild vibration or light pressure.
In cases where it is part of the treatment plan, topical solutions rich in vitamins or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are applied immediately before and during the microneedling to ensure deeper penetration into the micro-channels, maximizing the biological response and accelerating the synthesis of new collagen and elastin.
There is typically minimal downtime associated with the microneedling procedure. Most patients resume their normal routine the day following their treatment session.
Immediately post-treatment, the treated skin will exhibit mild to moderate redness and feel warm, similar to a sunburn. This is a normal, healthy sign that the collagen production process has been activated. Redness and slight swelling generally subside completely within 24 to 48 hours. We strictly advise against intense exercise, heat exposure (saunas/hot tubs), and direct sun exposure during this period. Makeup application should be avoided for the first day to allow the micro-channels to close naturally.
Long-Term Aftercare is crucial for success. Sun protection is non-negotiable following microneedling. The new, regenerating skin is particularly vulnerable. We guide you toward high-quality, clinical-grade skincare products designed to soothe the treated skin and support the ongoing synthesis of collagen and elastin, which is essential for achieving optimal results.
Real Results
Results from microneedling build gradually, requiring patience as the natural processes of collagen production take effect.
Within the few weeks following the first session, most patients notice an improved radiance and a smoother skin texture as cellular turnover is enhanced. After the recommended series of multiple treatments, typically done over three to six months, collagen production increases significantly. This leads to noticeable results—a reduction in the depth of scars, minimization of facial wrinkles, reduction in pore size, and significant improvement in skin tone and overall firmness.
To maintain the desired results achieved through the microneedling procedure, occasional maintenance treatment sessions (often annually) combined with a disciplined, protective skincare routine are recommended. This investment ensures the continued health and youthful appearance of your skin.
The total microneedling cost is dependent upon your customized treatment plan. Pricing factors include the specific number of treatment sessions required for optimal results, the size of the treatment area (face, neck, hands, or body areas with stretch marks), and whether we incorporate advanced other treatments like PRP.
During your consultation, we provide fully transparent pricing and walk you through every component of your plan. Our focus at RISE Med Spa is always on providing safe, thoughtful care that offers maximum long-term value for your investment in skin rejuvenation.
Renew your skin and feel more confident in your glow. RISE Med Spa proudly serves patients throughout Houston, Katy, Memorial, and surrounding areas. Our expert, physician-led team is here to help you achieve real, natural results through personalized microneedling treatment.
Call 281.602.3472 or submit our quick Contact Form to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward correcting your skin concerns.
With the use of a high-quality numbing cream or topical anesthesia, the discomfort associated with microneedling is minimal. Most patients describe the feeling of the microneedling device as a mild buzzing or light pressure, not pain.
Achieving optimal results often requires a series of multiple treatments. Depending on the severity of your skin conditions, such as deep acne scars or significant sun damage, we typically recommend three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart.
Improvements to deep scars and stretch marks are long-lasting. For concerns related to aging, such as facial wrinkles and maintaining skin tone, ongoing care and sun protection are essential, supplemented by occasional maintenance treatment sessions as collagen naturally depletes over time.
You’ll likely notice brighter skin and smoother texture within the first few weeks. Full, deep improvement continues to develop as collagen production peaks over the two to three months following your final treatment.
Yes, microneedling pairs synergistically with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), certain chemical peels, and injectables like dermal fillers for enhanced results. The integrated approach is customized to your specific treatment area and desired results.
Microneedling is a mechanical, non-thermal process that physically initiates regeneration in the dermis, making it safer for addressing skin texture on darker skin tones. In contrast, chemical peels exfoliate the surface, and treatments like laser hair removal target pigment using heat, which is a very different mechanism and goal.
Yes, microneedling is increasingly used to stimulate the scalp for hair loss. The micro-injuries in the scalp trigger circulation and growth factors, and when combined with topical solutions or PRP, they can help revitalize hair follicles and improve hair density.
If you have a weakened immune system, you must clear the procedure with your primary physician first. A compromised immune response can affect healing and increase the risk of infection in the treatment area. Safety for most patients is paramount.
A large treatment area, such as stretch marks on the body, will always be thoroughly pre-treated with a strong topical anesthesia (numbing cream). While you will feel pressure, the procedure is designed to be comfortable, even when treating deeper scars or extensive areas.
Microneedling can offer significant improvement for both old and new scars, including facial acne scars. However, newer scars may respond more quickly to the collagen induction process because the tissue is still more pliable. Old surgical scars may require more aggressive multiple treatments for optimal results.
Dr. Swapna Gopathi, MD, is a board-certified anti-aging and cosmetic physician with a passion for helping patients look and feel their absolute best without ever looking overdone. With nearly a decade of experience practicing in Houston, she’s known for her gentle approach, meticulous eye for detail, and ability to create natural-looking results that enhance, rather than change, your unique features.
At RISE Med Spa, the non-surgical arm of Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, Dr. Gopathi leads the way in providing high-quality, personalized med spa services. From injectables and skin rejuvenation to long-term anti-aging care, RISE Med Spa is designed for patients who want to enhance their appearance in a way that feels approachable, effective, and supportive. With a focus on real results and real relationships, RISE Med Spa is where aesthetics meet comfort, science, and trust.
As the Director of Medical Aesthetics at RISE Med Spa, Dr. Gopathi uses her deep knowledge of facial anatomy and her personalized approach to ensure each patient gets the right product in the right place for results that feel just right for them. Patients love her for how approachable and honest she is. She takes the time to listen, educate, and recommend treatments based on your goals, not trends or assumptions. Whether you're visiting for subtle lip enhancement, full facial balancing, or long-term skin rejuvenation, you can trust that you're in experienced, thoughtful hands.
