Microneedling

Overview

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that utilize fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin’s surface. This process stimulates the skin’s natural healing mechanisms, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin firmness and smoothness. While microneedling is commonly sought for cosmetic improvements—such as reducing acne scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles—it can also address certain medical conditions.

Typically performed on the face, microneedling can be applied to other areas like the legs, back, and neck to treat damaged or aging skin. To achieve optimal results, multiple sessions may be required.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

Microneedling serves both cosmetic and medical purposes and might be a suitable option if you’re addressing concerns such as:

• Fine lines or wrinkles
• Loose or crepey skin
• Large pores
• Stretch marks
• Mild scars, including those from acne or burns
• Skin discoloration or uneven skin tone

Microneedling can also benefit individuals with certain medical conditions, including:

• Alopecia areata (hair loss caused by an autoimmune disorder)
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Additionally, microneedling is sometimes used to administer medications or vaccines directly into the skin. In some cases, the microneedles are part of a self-administered patch, offering an alternative to traditional injections at a healthcare facility.

Before undergoing microneedling, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider if you have:

• Acne or are undergoing acne treatment
• Blood disorders or are on anticoagulant medications
• Cancer and are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Frequent skin rashes, such as contact dermatitis, or cold sores
• Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
• A tendency to develop keloids 
• Moles, freckles, or other skin growths that change in size, shape, or bleed

Risks

Microneedling is generally considered a safe procedure; however, potential risks include:

• Bruising.
• Scarring.
• Skin infection.

Before the procedure

Before undergoing microneedling, you’ll have a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or aesthetician. It’s essential to choose a practitioner experienced in this procedure.

During the consultation, your provider will evaluate your skin, review your medical history, and discuss your goals for the treatment. They may also take photographs to compare your skin condition before and after the procedure.

This consultation is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about microneedling. To prepare for the treatment, your provider might recommend using vitamin A or C creams for about a month beforehand. These creams can help stimulate collagen production.

During the procedure

Before starting the microneedling procedure, your healthcare provider will clean your skin and apply a numbing agent, such as lidocaine gel, about 30 to 45 minutes beforehand to ensure it takes effect.

During the procedure, your healthcare provider will use either a hand-held roller or an electric device equipped with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in your skin. If using the roller, it is gently rolled across your skin. With the electric device, the needles move up and down to puncture the skin. The length of the needles can be adjusted, with longer needles reaching deeper layers, which may be necessary for treating deeper scars or pockmarks. Needle lengths typically range from 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters.

As the microneedling begins, you might experience a sensation of warmth or slight scratching. Discomfort can occur, especially near bony areas like the cheekbones. Deeper microneedling might lead to minor bleeding.

The duration of the microneedling procedure can vary from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the size of the area being treated.

After the procedure

Microneedling is conducted on an outpatient basis, so you can return home right after the procedure. You may experience some redness and swelling for up to five days afterward. Using an ice pack can help reduce irritation and discomfort. Generally, you can start wearing makeup the day after the treatment, but it’s crucial to avoid sun exposure until your skin has completely healed.

Outcome

Microneedling can enhance the appearance and texture of your skin by reducing stretch marks, scars, wrinkles, and other skin concerns. Unlike some facial rejuvenation techniques that use heat, light, or lasers, microneedling does not pose a risk of skin discoloration, making it a suitable option for individuals with darker skin tones.

In the days and weeks following the procedure, you may feel sensations of burning or tightness in your skin. Some individuals might also experience dryness or flaking, which can be addressed with moisturizer.

Generally, multiple microneedling sessions are recommended, spaced 3 to 8 weeks apart, with visible results typically appearing within 3 to 6 months. To maintain the improvements, annual maintenance treatments may be necessary.

If you observe any of the following issues in the treated area, contact your healthcare provider:

• Persistent bleeding lasting longer than 24 hours
• Blistering
• Swelling that persists for more than a week