Microneedling before & After - Facts about the Procedure

Microneedling is a beauty treatment that promises smoother, younger, firmer skin. Here is what you should know about microneedling -- the procedure, aftercare, and possible risks.

Microneedling has become increasingly popular for women wanting a firmer, plumper, renewed dermis and a reduction of skin discoloration and acne scars. But before submitting to microneedling, a prospective client should be well informed.

What is it, how safe is it, and who should submit to it? These are the questions to ask about microneedling before and after the procedure, including investigating possible side effects.

Microneedling is also known as collagen induction and is a process whereby a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or trained and experienced beautician uses very thin, sharp needles to inflict minuscule cuts in the skin. Board-certified dermatologist Bruce Katz explained:

"Once the body feels the small pricks, it works to heal those cuts, resulting in a refreshed look; the punctures are only surface-level, so the pain is minimal."

The incisions are very shallow and go from up to a maximum depth of 3.5 millimeters at 0.1-millimeter increments. Collagen production is increased, wrinkles and fine lines are much reduced, as are discolorations and acne scarring.

Microneedling - Before the Procedure

Before undergoing microneedling, the patient should not use harsh exfoliants. Doctors recommend using a soothing lotion for a few days before undergoing the procedure, which is, in essence, a medical facial. Plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft advised:

"Watch out for over-exfoliation or anything that's a little bit harsher. You want to have your skin in its most calm state beforehand."

The advice holds for those opting for home microneedling. Although microneedling rollers may give comparable short-term effects, the professional treatment is more effective.

Those who wish to undergo microneedling should not have had any treatment like botox, dermal filler, laser/IPL, or light therapy. Microdermabrasion or salicylic acid is used within two weeks of the procedure.

If suffering from sunburn, it is advisable to delay the procedure until the skin has recovered, and any recent skin piercings in the area to be treated should be at least eight weeks old.

Under ideal antiseptic conditions in professional hands, microneedling can have enormous benefits for those with scars, stretch marks, and wrinkling, but it may not be for everyone.

It is also not advisable to use any prescription skin products, AHA, BHA, or vitamin A, or to have skin bleaching, waxing, hair coloring, or electrolysis one week before undergoing microneedling.

Microneedling - After the Procedure

Aftercare is essential to guarantee a good outcome for microneedling. The skin will be reddened as if by a mild sunburn, and doctors recommend that no products such as exfoliants, retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, AHAs, or makeup be used for the first 48 to 72 hours.

The skin should be protected from the sun, and swimming, saunas, and hot tubbing are not advised as they can expose the skin to bacteria that can cause infections. Strenuous exercise that leads to profuse sweating is also not advisable.

Hyaluronic acid can be beneficial, and if the skin becomes dry, coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer and a cleanser for dry skin; alcohol-free witch hazel is recommended.

Side Effects of Micro-Needling

Any procedure that penetrates the skin barrier holds inherent risks. Under ideal antiseptic conditions in professional hands, microneedling can have enormous benefits for those with scars, stretch marks, and wrinkling, but it may not be for everyone.

Some may have allergic reactions to the needles or to the products applied to the skin during the procedure. People with darker skin may develop hyperpigmentation, and those prone to keloid scars should avoid microneedling.

Under the right conditions and for the right person, microneedling can bring beautiful results. However, doctors advise that home microneedling processes must be done with great care to avoid damage to the skin.