Microneedling

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure for your skin. Your healthcare provider uses thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin. The damage helps stimulate your skin’s healing process, so it produces more collagen and elastin. These proteins keep your skin firm and smooth.

Most people get microneedling on their face, but you can also get it on your legs, back, neck or other areas where you notice damaged or aging skin. You’ll probably need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results.

Microneedling doesn’t carry the risk of skin discoloration, unlike some facial rejuvenation procedures that use heat, light or lasers. This makes microneedling ideal for people with darker skin tones.

You might consider microneedling if you’re concerned about

• reducing the appearance of scars, including acne scars
• reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• reducing enlarged pores
• reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots
• smoothing uneven skin tone
• improving skin elasticity
• reducing the appearance of stretch marks
• reducing the appearance of scars
• promoting hair growth in people with alopecia

Microneedling may not be safe for people who use certain acne medications, for those with active acne, or for those with moderate to severe psoriasis or eczema.

Before the procedure

Before the treatment, your provider will assess your skin and discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. They will also provide instructions on how to prepare for the treatment, which may include avoiding certain medications, skincare products, or activities. About a month before treatment, your healthcare provider may ask you to apply vitamin A or C cream to your skin. These creams can help start the process of collagen production.

During the procedure

During the treatment, your provider will apply a topical anesthetic cream to the treatment area to help minimize any pain or discomfort. They do this about 30 minutes to 45 minutes before your procedure, so the ointment has time to work.

They will then use the microneedling device; the device is moved over the surface of the skin to create tiny punctures. You might feel warmth or a scratching sensation on your face once the microneedling starts. Some people feel discomfort if the needles are near bony areas, such as your cheekbones. Deep microneedling might cause a little bleeding.

A microneedling procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of the area that needs treatment.

The punctures stimulate the skin’s natural healing response and encourage the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. The depth and intensity of the treatment will depend on the specific needs of your skin and the area being treated.

After the procedure

Microneedling is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home once it’s done. Your skin might be red and swollen for up to five days. An ice pack can help reduce irritation and discomfort. These side effects should subside within a few hours to a few days, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Your provider may recommend that you avoid using any skincare products or makeup on the treated area for a day or two but you should stay out of the sun until your skin heals.

You may notice some immediate improvements in your skin’s texture and tone, but the full results of the treatment will become more visible over the next few weeks as your skin’s natural healing processes produce more collagen and elastin.

You may need multiple treatments to achieve the desired results, depending on the severity of your skin concerns. While microneedling is generally safe, there is a risk of infection, scarring, and other side effects. It’s important to choose a licensed and experienced medical professional to administer the treatment and to discuss potential risks and benefits before undergoing microneedling.