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 do microneedling on their face, but you can also do it on your legs, back, neck, or other areas where you notice damaged or aging skin. You will likely need several treatments to achieve your desired results.
Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion: What’s the Difference?
Microneedling and microdermabrasion are both ways to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. But needles are not used in microdermabrasion. Instead, a healthcare provider will use a device with a rough edge, such as sandpaper, to exfoliate the top layer of your skin. Microneedling goes deeper into your skin than microdermabrasion, so it may work better for subsurface problems, like acne scars.
Who gets microneedling?
Microneedling has cosmetic and medical applications. If you are concerned, you may consider microneedling:
Enlarged pores.
Fine lines or wrinkles.
Loose or fluffy skin (thin and wrinkled).
Mild scars, especially those caused by acne or burns.
Skin discoloration or uneven skin tone.
Stretch marks.
This method can also help people with medical conditions:
Alopecia areata (hair loss due to an autoimmune disease).
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
In some cases, healthcare providers use microneedling to deliver drugs or vaccines directly to your skin. Microneedles may be part of a patch that people apply themselves instead of seeing a doctor for the vaccine.
Who should not do microneedling?
Talk to your doctor before microneedling if you have:
Acne or taking medication for acne.
Blood disorders or anticoagulants (medicines that prevent blood clotting).
are cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Frequent skin rashes (contact dermatitis) or cold sores.
Keloid tendency (your skin develops hard, raised scars).
Moles, freckles, skin tags, or other growths that change in size or shape or bleed.
Skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis.
Procedure details
What happens before microneedling?
Before microneedling, you should consult a healthcare professional. A plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or esthetician may perform microneedling. Make sure that whoever performs the procedure has experience with the procedure.
Your healthcare provider will examine your skin, review your health history, and discuss your goals for the procedure. They may also take pictures of the area so you can compare your skin before and after microneedling.
This is a good time to ask any questions about microneedling, such as:
Are there any risks or side effects?
Does microneedling hurt?
How soon will I see the results?
Is there a rest period after the operation?
Will I need more than one treatment?
About a month before treatment, your doctor may ask you to apply vitamin A or C cream to your skin. These creams can help start the collagen production process.
What happens during microneedling?
The healthcare provider will clean your skin and apply a numbing cream or ointment, such as lidocaine gel. They do this about 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure, so the ointment has time to work.
Next, your healthcare provider will use a manual roller or an electric tool to create a wound in your skin. The roller has fine needles. Your healthcare provider will gently and gently rub it on your skin. If they use an electric device, the needles move up and down to puncture your skin. They can change the length of the needles of the electrical device. Longer needles go deeper into your skin, which may be necessary if you have deep wounds or acne breakouts. The length of the needle can be from 0.5 mm to 2 mm.
After the start of microneedling, you may feel a warm or scratchy feeling on your face. Some of AThe needles are near bony areas like your cheekbones. Deep microneedling may cause minor bleeding.
The microneedling procedure can take from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the size of the area that needs treatment.
What happens after microneedling?
Microneedling is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home after the procedure. Your skin may be red and swollen for up to five days. An ice pack can help reduce irritation and discomfort. Most people can wear makeup the day after surgery, but you should stay out of the sun until your skin heals.
Risks/Benefits
What are the risks of microneedling?
Microneedling is a safe procedure, but risks may include:
a bruise
scar.
skin infection
What are the benefits of microneedling?
Microneedling can help improve the appearance and texture of your skin. It can minimize stretch marks, scars, wrinkles and other skin concerns.
Unlike some facial rejuvenation methods that use heat, light, or lasers, it does not carry the risk of skin discoloration. This makes microneedling ideal for people with darker skin.
Recovery and perspective
What can I expect after microneedling?
In the days and weeks following microneedling, you may notice that your skin burns or feels tight. Some people also have dry, flaky skin that improves with moisturizer.
Most people need several microneedling treatments, usually 3 to 8 weeks apart. It may take 3 to 6 months to see results. After that, you may need this procedure once a year for maintenance.
