The Ultimate Guide to Microneedling: Benefits, Downsides, and the big questions
Microneedling has become one of our most popular treatments for our clients looking to enhance their skin’s appearance, smooth out texture & reduce fine lines & wrinkles.
We have had a few clients ask about microneedling, so we thought we’d take the leap & make a quick blog post answering the most common questions!
What does microneedling do to your skin?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, works by using a device equipped with tiny, fine needles that create micro-injuries in your skin. These tiny punctures stimulate your body’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen & Elastin are the two essential proteins that keep skin looking young & firm!
In practical terms, microneedling helps to:
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles As your skin regenerates, new skin cells form, giving your face a smoother, & younger appearance.
Improve skin texture Microneedling can smooth out rough, uneven skin tone, and reduce pore size.
Combat acne scars Microneedling & the subsequent healing process helps to fade the appearance of scars over time. You might also want to pair this with a TCA peel or Clearskin laser treatment, as both are extremely beneficial for acne scarring!
Tighten skin The increase in collagen can firm up loose or sagging areas of the skin. Let’s be real, microneedling isn’t a facelift, however the tightening results can be profound if you stick with a programmed routine.
Downtime You wouldn’t want an important social event on 1 week post treatment, however you should only be red for 12-24 hours post treatment. The following 5-6 days is where the magic happens. Although your redness will have subsided, your skin may appear flakey as the ‘micro-wounds’ heal. our clients usually find this manageable when following & using the skin pen aftercare products. You’ll be given these at the completion of each micro-needling session!
What Are the Disadvantages of Microneedling?
Temporary redness and irritation After treatment, it’s common to experience redness, slight swelling, or a sunburn-like sensation, which typically lasts 24-48 hours.
Risk of infection Although rare, microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin, which can leave you vulnerable to infection if aftercare instructions are not followed carefully. This is extremely rare, especially if you follow our detailed aftercare instructions.
Not for all skin types People with active acne, eczema, rosacea, or other serious skin conditions should avoid microneedling, as it could exacerbate those issues. If you do have Rosacea (Redness) then take a look at our DYE-VL laser treatment. It’s incredible at reducing redness & rosacea
Multiple sessions required For optimal results, several sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart may be necessary, which could add up in both time and cost.
Results aren’t immediate! Microneedling triggers collagen production, which usually takes around 4-6 weeks to show visible improvements… We understand that many of our clients want to see immediate results (who doesn’t) but trust us, this treatment delivers some pretty profound results.
What is Better, Bot*x or Microneedling?
B*tox and microneedling are both popular cosmetic treatments, but they target different issues, and the “better” option really depends on your skin needs!
Bot*x works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, which smooths out wrinkles caused by facial expressions (like crow’s feet or frown lines). It's ideal for wrinkles and fine lines that are more dynamic (caused by muscle movement).
Microneedling on the other hand, promotes collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, reducing scars, and tightening the skin. It’s better for overall skin rejuvenation and treating issues like acne scars or sagging skin… Put simply, microneedling promotes your bodies natural healing processes to do the work!
If you’re looking to treat wrinkles that form from facial expressions, b*t*x is likely your best bet. If you want to improve skin texture, tone, and reduce scarring, microneedling would be a more effective option.
How Long Does Microneedling Last?
The results of microneedling can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on factors like your skin type, age, and how well you follow our aftercare instructions. Since microneedling works by stimulating collagen production, the results can continue to improve for months after treatment. However, we recommend periodic maintenance treatments every 6 months to maintain that golden glow!
Is microneedling really worth It?
To be honest, we get asked this question a lot!
Microneedling is worth it depending on your skincare goals. If you’re looking to improve skin texture, reduce acne scars, or tighten your skin without the need for invasive surgery, microneedling is a great option. Microneedling is minimally invasive, requires little downtime, and offers long-term benefits as it encourages the production of your skin’s natural rejuvenating proteins.
However, if you're expecting a quick fix or you're dealing with more significant skin issues (like deep wrinkles or volume loss), you might need to pair microneedling with our other treatments, such as volume replacing or wrinkle reducing appointments
What does your face look like after Microneedling?
Immediately after microneedling, your face may appear slightly red, similar to a mild sunburn. This is a normal reaction as your skin starts its healing process. You might also experience some swelling or dryness, but these symptoms typically subside within 24-48 hours.
In the days following your treatment, your skin will begin to peel slightly as it sheds the outer layers, revealing smoother, more radiant skin underneath. It’s important to avoid direct sun exposure during this time and follow your aftercare regimen to ensure the best results.
How Often Should I Get Microneedling?
This can be a subjective question, as everyone has different skin concerns & goals. However, you’re reading this for an answer, so we would recommend a series of 3 treatments, spaced 3-5 weeks apart. We offer packages that reduce the cost of treatment down to $315 per treatment. (pricing valid as of 12/11/2024)
3 treatments will provide you with some great results! To be honest, unless you have significant acne scarring on texture issues, this is most likely all you’ll need, with 1-2 maintenance treatments each year.
Is microneedling as good as filler?
Microneedling and dermal fillers are two distinct treatments that address different skin concerns. Dermal fillers are great for adding volume to areas like the cheeks, lips, or under your eyes. The results from Fillers will also be far more apparent following treatment, as we are adding volume, unlike creating micro-wounds & waiting on your bodies natural healing processes to work it’s magic.
Microneedling, on the other hand, is best for improving skin texture, reducing scars, and stimulating collagen for natural skin tightening. While fillers provide immediate, visible results, microneedling offers long-term benefits by improving the skin’s health from within.
Is Microneedling Painful?
Everyone has different pain tolerances. Regardless, we’ll class micro needling pain levels are ‘uncomfortable’. During your procedure, a topical numbing cream is applied to your skin, so you’ll feel far less pain. (We’ll give it a 3.5/10 on the pain scale)
Afterwards, your skin may feel sensitive for a few hours, like a mild sunburn, but this discomfort usually fades quickly. If you have a lower pain tolerance, it’s always good to talk to our Golden Girls, who will leave the topical numbing cream for a little longer to reduce any pain!
Final Thoughts
Microneedling can provide a profound improvement for a variety of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and uneven texture. The long-term benefits can be well worth it if you’re looking to improve your skin’s health naturally.
Whether you choose microneedling, fillers, or a combination of treatments, the key is to work with experienced clinicians who can treat you safely! (That’s us)