Microneedling - What to Expect

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a well-studied, minimally invasive skin treatment that has been used clinically for decades.

The treatment uses a device with very fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These microchannels stimulate the body’s natural healing response, encouraging new collagen and elastin production.

Over time, microneedling can help improve:

• Fine lines
• Uneven skin texture
• Mild skin laxity
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven tone and discoloration
• Mild acne scarring and other textural scars
• Overall skin firmness and elasticity

Microneedling also enhances the absorption of certain topical products applied during or immediately after treatment.

It is appropriate for most skin types and typically involves minimal downtime.

Before Your Treatment

To prepare for your appointment:

• Discontinue retinoids, including retinol, tretinoin, Retin-A®, and adapalene, for at least 4 days before treatment.
• Discontinue exfoliating acids, including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other AHA/BHA products, for at least 4 days before treatment.
• Avoid other potentially irritating skincare products as directed by your provider.
• Do not use self-tanner on the treatment area.
• Avoid significant sun exposure for approximately 1–2 weeks before and after treatment.
• Arrive without a sunburn, active rash, or significant skin irritation.

If you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex outbreaks, notify your provider. Preventative antiviral medication may be recommended beginning 1–2 days before treatment.

To minimize the risk of bruising, your provider may recommend avoiding certain blood-thinning medications or supplements before treatment, including:

• Aspirin for approximately 4 days
• NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, for approximately 2 days
• Fish oil and omega-3 supplements
• Vitamin E
• St. John’s Wort
• Alcohol for approximately 48 hours

Do not stop any prescribed medication or supplement without first consulting the provider who prescribed it.

Candidate Considerations

Treatment may need to be delayed, modified, or avoided if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active skin infection, rash, open wound, or cold sore
• Have certain skin conditions, including vitiligo, psoriasis, or active melasma
• Have a medical condition that affects healing
• Have a history of abnormal scarring
• Are taking medications that may affect healing or increase skin sensitivity

Make sure your provider is aware of your complete medical history, medications, supplements, allergies, and previous reactions to skin procedures.

Day of Your Appointment

Please arrive:

• On time to allow adequate numbing time
• With clean skin
• Without makeup, sunscreen, or skincare products whenever possible

Your provider will thoroughly cleanse the treatment area and apply a strong topical anesthetic for approximately 20–30 minutes.

The microneedling portion of the appointment typically lasts approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the areas being treated.

Most patients experience little to mild discomfort, although sensitivity varies from person to person and between treatment areas.

Various topical products may be applied during or immediately following the treatment based on your skin needs and goals.

Options may include:

• Biopelle® Growth Factor Serum
• Plated™ Exosome Serum
• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) Serum
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
• Tranexamic Acid (TXA) Brightening Serum

Some upgraded serum options may involve an additional cost.

After Your Treatment

Immediately following treatment, it is normal to experience:

• Redness
• Mild swelling
• Warmth
• Tenderness
• Tightness or sensitivity

Redness typically improves within 1–3 days, although every patient and every treatment session may heal differently.

You may also notice:

• Dryness
• Mild flaking
• Tiny pinpoint marks
• Temporary roughness
• Mild bruising, especially over bony areas

The neck, chest, and other body areas may take longer to heal than the face.

Do not pick, scratch, peel, or exfoliate the treated skin.

Aftercare

For the best healing and results:

• Avoid makeup for 24 hours.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sweating, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and temperature extremes for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water for several days.
• Avoid retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, AHA/BHA products, scrubs, and other irritating active ingredients for approximately one week.
• Avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure during the first week.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Use only gentle, provider-approved skincare products during the initial healing period.

Apply sunscreen generously at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply as directed, especially when sweating or exposed to water.

Tinted mineral sunscreen may be used for light coverage after the first 24 hours. High-quality mineral makeup may be less likely to contribute to irritation or breakouts during healing.

Recommended Skincare: First 3 Days

Morning and Evening

1. Gentle cleanser
2. Repair cream or provider-recommended treatment serum
3. Optional hyaluronic acid serum
4. Gentle moisturizer
5. Broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning

Your provider may provide an aftercare kit containing cleanser, repair cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Use only the products recommended for your skin and treatment plan.

Breakouts and Bruising

A temporary acne flare may rarely occur following treatment.

If this happens:

• Do not pick or pop blemishes.
• Avoid thick, occlusive products such as petroleum jelly or Aquaphor® unless specifically recommended.
• Contact your provider if the breakout is significant or persistent.

Mild pinpoint bruising may occasionally occur, especially in bony treatment areas or in patients taking certain medications or supplements.

Contact your provider before using any topical or oral product to treat bruising.

Risks & Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Common effects may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Tenderness
• Dryness
• Flaking
• Temporary sensitivity
• Mild bruising

Less common risks may include:

• Acne flare
• Infection
• Cold sore reactivation
• Prolonged redness
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Hypopigmentation
• Scarring

Following your pre-treatment and aftercare instructions helps reduce these risks.

Contact the office if you experience increasing pain, blistering, drainage, worsening redness, significant swelling, or other unexpected symptoms.

Results

Collagen production and skin remodeling occur gradually.

Many patients begin to notice improvement within the first 4 weeks, but collagen and elastin development may continue for up to 6 months after treatment.

For patients beginning microneedling for the first time, a typical treatment plan may include:

• 3 treatments
• Treatments spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart

Your personalized treatment plan may vary depending on your skin concerns, treatment areas, skin type, and desired results.

Microneedling is best viewed as a gradual, long-term investment in skin quality rather than an instant correction.

Because collagen-producing cells eventually return to their normal resting state and natural collagen loss continues with age, periodic maintenance is recommended.

A common maintenance schedule is approximately 2–4 treatments per year, depending on your individual goals and skin needs.