What Does Microneedling Do?
- Jackie Koenig, L.Ac.
- Nov 27, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 25
Let's walk through a microneedling treatment and learn how it can help smooth, tone, and firm up skin.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a medical grade skincare treatment which uses your skin's natural ability to regenerate healthier, smoother skin. The treatment involves using an oscillating pen that inserts short, sterile, fine needles into the dermal layer of the skin where skin is regenerated while keeping the integrity of the outermost layer of the skin.
What does Microneedling Do?
This treatment works by stimulating collagen and elastin production while increasing the skin's ability to absorb hydrating serums by 2000%. Microneedling may help to reduce wrinkles, scars, and age spots and promote a long-lasting regeneration of smoother, firmer and healthier looking skin!
Who shouldn't get this treatment?
Contraindications include patients who are pregnant or nursing, patients who have had fillers or botox in the past 2-4 weeks, those with collagen vascular diseases or cardiac abnormalities, rosacea of the face or blood clotting problems, active bacterial or fungal infections, immunosuppression, active acne, and scars less than 6 months old around the face.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream/lidocaine is applied to the face for 20 minutes (during your complimentary acupuncture session) before the procedure to decrease facial sensitivity. The range of sensation from microneedling depends on the patient's sensitivity, area of treatment (forehead is often more sensitive than cheeks, for example), and depth of needling. Nanoneedling, by contrast, is a more superficial treatment that is pain-free and feels like a facial.
Tell me about the complimentary acupuncture treatment!
One of the perks of getting cosmetic microneedling by an acupuncturist is... well... the acupuncture! A mini acupuncture treatment for general wellness is included with your appointment at Hidden Root Acupuncture since we believe whole body health is an essential foundation for beautiful skin. About 10 needles will be inserted after a brief Q&A and you will rest for about 25 minutes with these needles as the numbing cream sets before the microneedling begins.
What happens during the treatment?
After a brief intake, numbing cream application, and your complimentary acupuncture treatment works to boost your body's vitality and support luminous skin, we start the microneedling portion of the treatment. Hyaluronic acid (a hydrating anti-aging product) is applied to the face as a medium for the microneedling pen to glide across the face while the moisturizing serum is worked deeply into the skin.
After about 15 minutes of needling, the treatment concludes with a spritz of rose water and a chilled aloe face mask to ease any of the the sensation you may feel post-treatment. Often, the skin feels sensitive as if slightly sunburned. You will be sent home with leftover serums and aftercare instructions.
What can I expect AFTER microneedling?
After the procedure, the skin might be red and flushed in appearance, similar to a sunburn. In the treatment area, skin tightness and mild sensitivity may also be experienced. These side effects will diminish within a few hours following treatment and will be mostly gone over the next 24 hours. For many people, there will be little evidence that the procedure has taken place the next day.
It is recommended that you do not sweat, exercise, apply makeup, or use soap during the evening following treatment as the skin is now primed for absorption.
Should I take the day off?
The treatments don’t require any downtime, however your face may look flushed and red for 24 hours. We recommend that you limit sugar, processed/greasy foods, smoking and alcohol in the days before your treatment to help minimize your body's overall inflammatory response and reduce any chances of bruising.
How many sessions are recommended?
It is not uncommon to see results in one or two treatments after a few weeks post-treatment (the body regenerates healthier looking cells in the next skin cycle), but 3-6 treatments are recommended for the full effect. You must wait 1 month in between sessions in order for the skin to heal and regenerate properly.
Sound like a good fit to add to your skincare routine?
Check out our availability and schedule your first treatment here!
Don't Forget! Acupuncture and Herbs Could Also Help!
Our internal health is reflected on our face and skin. Acupuncture and herbal formulas help the body find balance and can be a great support in your ongoing health journey! Make an appointment today with us at Hidden Root Acupuncture to learn more about how we might be able to help.
Next On Your Reading List:
Disclaimer
Our website and related materials are provided for educational and informational use only and are not health advice. As a user of this site, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless our website and company for any direct or indirect loss or conduct incurred as a result of your use of our website. If you have a medical question, you should consult your own medical doctor.
