Barbara Kowalczyk, FNP-BC
Board-certified nurse practitioner · Director of Medical Spa Services
Leads injectable treatment planning and has directed medical spa services at the Downers Grove practice since 2019, following an ICU nursing background.
Skin · Western Springs, IL
Microneedling near Western Springs, IL
Updated September 2026 · Independent review
Microneedling creates thousands of controlled micro-punctures with fine needles to trigger collagen induction, improving acne scarring, texture, pore appearance, and fine lines. It requires three to six sessions four to six weeks apart, with about 24 to 48 hours of redness. Near Western Springs, IL, the closest practice covered on this site is Skin Med Spa at 960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, roughly 13 minutes away, where laser and skin treatments are performed by a licensed esthetician and certified laser technician.
Nearest practice
Skin Med Spa
960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Mon–Tue & Thu–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–3pm · closed Wed & Sun
Licensed esthetician / laser tech
~13 minutes from Western Springs. No Western Springs address exists.
How does Microneedling actually work?
A motorised pen drives sterile needles to a set depth, creating micro-channels. The wound-healing response that follows lays down new collagen and elastin over the following weeks. Needle depth is the variable that matters: shallow depths address tone and product penetration, deeper settings are what actually improve scarring — which is why an operator who adjusts depth by facial zone is doing something a fixed-depth service is not.
Who is a good candidate for Microneedling?
Adults with acne scarring, enlarged pores, uneven texture, or early fine lines, including deeper skin tones — mechanical injury carries less pigment risk than light-based resurfacing.
Who should skip it?
Anyone with active inflammatory acne or infection in the treatment area, anyone with a keloid tendency, anyone on isotretinoin recently, anyone pregnant, and anyone on anticoagulants without clearance.
Who should be performing it?
A licensed esthetician for surface treatments; a licensed medical provider once needles, prescription actives, or energy are involved.
Microneedling near Western Springs at a glance
| Treatment | Microneedling |
|---|---|
| Category | Skin |
| Who performs it | Licensed esthetician / certified laser technician |
| Sessions typically needed | Three to six sessions four to six weeks apart, then maintenance every six to twelve months. |
| Downtime | Redness resembling sunburn for 24–48 hours, occasional pinpoint bleeding and mild swelling. Makeup usually acceptable after 24 hours. |
| How long results last | Collagen changes persist for years; ageing continues. |
| How it is priced | Per session, or per package of three to six. |
| Typical market cost | Commonly $300–$600 per session for full face; adding PRP typically raises it $200–$400. |
| Nearest location | 960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 — ~13 min from Western Springs |
| Financing | Cherry payment plans |
| Price published by the practice | No — request it in writing at consultation |
Cost figures are typical Chicago-area market ranges for context, not quotes from this practice.
Ask these before booking Microneedling
- Which device are you using, and is it FDA-cleared?
- What needle depth are you using, and will you vary it by area?
- Are the needle cartridges single-use, and will you open mine in front of me?
- What are you applying afterwards, and is it sterile and intended for post-microneedling use?
- How many sessions for my scarring specifically?
Red flags specific to Microneedling
- Reused or unopened-in-front-of-you needle cartridges
- Applying non-sterile serums or unlabelled products into fresh channels
- Home-roller devices used in a clinical setting
- A single session sold as a scarring solution
What patients say about Microneedling
Quoted verbatim from public Google, Yelp, and practice-website reviews — nothing here is written or paraphrased by us. 1 of the reviews below name Microneedling directly. Across its public profile the practice shows 4.9 stars from 298 reviews.
On Comfort
★★★★★
"I had microneedling done here, it was painless and i loved the results… the place is also very cute and everyone that works there is so nice."
On Atmosphere
★★★★★
"Enjoyed the event 23rd of April! Now I got to get my treatment. They are professional the spa is absolutely Beyoutiful and I'm over the moon on my experience & how my treatment came out. This spa is a class of it own. Barb & Mike and the Skin Med spa family are welcoming, absolutely professional & spa is impeccable. Will be looking forward to many more treatments with you all. As well as my whole family. Grateful, we came across each other! 5 stars across the board."
On Expertise
★★★★★
"Michael, as well as the rest of the staff are very knowledgeable and professional. The whole team is very nice! I will definitely be coming back. I would recommend this place to anyone!"
On Consultation
★★★★★
"Barbara was very thorough in explaining all types of procedures that I considered, what works best and cost. I would definitely recommend her."
On Results
★★★★★
"Barb is a magician! Absolutely love my results and looking to get more services done here. Already referred my aunt!"
On Results
★★★★★
"Very talented group, my results are much better now than when using other companies. Professional work and great products. I highly recommend this cheerful and talented group."
Who would treat you, and what to verify
Michael Fressola, ACNP-BC
Board-certified acute care nurse practitioner
A Rush University graduate with roughly two decades in cosmetic treatments and surgery, previously a partner at a surgery center and advanced cosmetic practice.
Noelle Trost, LE
Certified laser technician & licensed esthetician
Performs laser resurfacing, hair removal, IPL, and medical-grade facial protocols.
Illinois licenses are public. Look up any provider through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before your first treatment.
Frequently asked questions — Microneedling near Western Springs
Before you book
Get an itemized price in writing, confirm which licensed provider is treating you, and ask to see the product or device. This site takes no bookings — the practice handles all of that at (630) 541-8413.