What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic dermatology procedure that uses very small Microneedles. These small needles create tiny holes in the skin. Once your skin begins healing your body will produce new collagen.

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that helps keep the skin youthful and full.

Microneedling is a great choice to help your skin stay youthful-looking, but that’s not the only benefit.

Some other reasons to consider Microneedling are to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of acne scars or shrink pores. It can also help diminish sun damaged patches of skin and stretch marks.

Microneedling is a long-lasting solution as long as aftercare is followed properly (seen below).

Microneedling Procedure

The process generally takes about one hour per session, depending on how big the area is. We start by cleaning the area and then applying numbing cream.

We wait for about 10 minutes for the numbing cream to settle and then start the procedure.

Before Your Microneedling Appointment

Avoid heavy sunlight and especially sunburn 3 days before your procedure. The skin should not be in the process of healing before the procedure!

Avoid plucking, waxing, threading or any hair removal services within 3 days of your procedure. This can also trigger the skin healing process and should be avoided.

Do NOT drink coffee or anything with caffeine on the day of the procedure.

Do NOT take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E and/or Ibuprofen, omega-3, unless medically necessary, 48-72 hours prior to the procedure. (Tylenol or acetaminophen is okay!)

Do NOT drink alcohol 24 hours before the procedure.

The following treatments should be avoided within four weeks of the procedure:

  • Botox or other fillers
  • Chemical Peels
  • Laser treatments

If you have any questions about these restrictions, please give us a call at (858)263-9591! We're happy to help.

A typical microneedling appointment lasts 30 minutes to an hour.

A standard microneedling appointment will have the following steps:

    1. Cleanse skin
    2. Numb the skin
    3. Apply treatment serum
    4. Go over skin with Microneedling pen
    5. After the procedure we'll use an ice roller to calm skin
    6. Apply vitamin e oil for healing

    Is Microneedling Painful?

    Most of our clients report little or no pain. We leave a topical anesthetic on for 20 minutes before we begin the process, so this leaves most clients totally numb during the procedure.

    Is Microneedling for Everyone?

    While microneedling is great for most people, there are some people who are ineligible for microneedling:

    1. Those prone to keloids or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. Unfortunately, since microneedling punctures the skin, we cannot work with clients with these conditions.
    1. If you have a transmittable blood disease such as HIV or Hepatitis. Again, microneedling artists cut the skin so it is our policy not to work with these conditions.
    1. If you’ve had Juvederm or other fillers in that area. Depending on the timing, we recommend getting microneedling first! Otherwise, check with your doctor.
    1. Patients undergoing chemotherapy. Although microneedling is great for restoring your sking, we would require a doctor’s note in order to perform the procedure for anyone undergoing chemotherapy. Once you're cleared, however, microneedling is a great solution for cancer survivors.
    1. If you have any kind of skin condition. This includes eczema, shingles or rashes.
    1. Those with allergies to alcohol or numbing agents. If you think you might have an allergy to our numbing cream, then you may have a reaction.
    1. Microneedling is for adults only! We do not recommend microneedling for anyone under the age of 18.

    Microneedling Aftercare

    Avoid Sun Exposure

    It’s best to avoid sun exposure for 72 hours following the procedure as your skin will be sensitive. You can return to your normal sun protection routine in 24 hours.

    If possible, try to avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen for the full 72 hours. Protective clothing such as sunglasses, hats should be worn when going out in the sun during this time.

    This will allow your skin to heal and provide the best results.

    It’s important to know that a sunburn-like effect is normal for 1-3 days after the procedure. The skin may feel tight, dry, swollen, or sensitive to the touch. It’s common for the skin to peel after treatment, but this may not occur until up to 1 week.

    Skip Makeup

    Microneedling leaves tiny holes in the skin as mentioned above. This is why we suggest you avoid putting on makeup for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

    While these tiny holes are open anything you place on the treated area can easily access the underlayers of your skin. This can cause irritation and possibly an infection.

    After 24 hours you can return to your normal routine. If you can avoid makeup and harsh products for longer, your skin will feel even better.

    Limit Sweating

    Avoiding excessive sweating is important for the same reasons we mentioned avoiding makeup above.

    While your skin has tiny holes during the healing process it’s more susceptible to bacteria.
    Sweating causes your pores to open, which can allow bacteria to gather and since you shouldn’t use harsh cleansers while your skin is healing you won’t be able to effectively wash away the bacteria.

    Hydrate

    Staying well hydrated is always good for your skin and you. Staying hydrated after your microneedling treatment can help your skin heal faster.

    Reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake for a few days after treatment can also help.

    Be Gentle with Your Skin Care Routine

    If you read the steps above you already understand, after your procedure you’ll want to be gentle on your skin.

    This means avoiding any harsh chemicals, cleansers and anything that might cause irritation. You’ll especially want to avoid products with active ingredients such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide

    If you have any questions about microneedling, please give us a call or text
    If you’re ready to schedule your appointment, click here