Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling

Micro needling after years of being a niche treatment has now gone mainstream. And many expect its appeal to continue growing. Moreover, celebrities, influencers, and skincare professionals have jumped on this trend and even cosmetic product manufacturers are advancing the microneedling technology.

But the big question is: What does microneedling really entail? Also; microneedling does it work? And, most importantly, does it really hurt? So if you are curious, stick around to find out everything you need to know about microneedling and what it can do for your skin.

Micro Needling After — How it Works

From the get-go, we affirm that microneedling after benefits are real. This non-surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure works by naturally stimulating your skin to remodel and restructure itself. Micro needling after shading the damaged or old skin cells, it reveals a rejuvenated skin.

If you’re wondering, what is true of microneedling? Well, it is a widely researched procedure backed by science and proven to enhance skin health. Here, an experienced aesthetician customizes the procedure to meet your needs. That is after considering factors like your skin type, tone, and age.

So, here are the top micro needling after benefits you'll probably enjoy, including microneedling for stretch marks.

The Top Benefits of Microneedling

1. Visibly Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As you age, your skin’s ability to produce sufficient collagen and elastin (the two proteins responsible for your skin's youthful look) diminishes. The results? The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that get deeper with age. Especially around the eyes, the forehead, and the mouth.

Microneedling procedure reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But if you’re wondering, does microneedling hurt? Rest assured that the microneedling procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible with the help of numbing creams.

Microneedling procedure triggers your skin to regenerate elastin and collagen, plumping the area with fine or deep lines. Moreover, it stimulates the skin to produce new cells around the wrinkled area, lifting it to achieve a relatively youthful and refreshed look.

2. Enhances The Effectiveness of Topical Products

Microneedling procedure involves the use of a derma roller or derma pen to create micro-punctures on the skin. This not only triggers the natural skin remodeling or restructuring process but also leaves micro-channels on the skin for easier absorption of topical products.

Enhancing absorption of these products boosts the effectiveness of their active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and growth factors.

3. Microneedling for Skin Tightening

Microneedling is a popular treatment for skin tightening as it naturally stimulates the body’s collagen and elastin production. Microneedling creates tiny, controlled punctures in the skin’s surface, triggering the skin’s healing response, which leads to smoother, tighter, and more toned skin over time.

The non-invasive nature of this procedure is especially effective for reducing the appearance of fine lines, sagging, and crepey texture, particularly on the face, neck, and décolletage. And unlike surgical options, microneedling for skin tightening offers gradual but noticeable improvements with minimal downtime.

4. Reduces The Visibility of Acne Scars

Whereas boxcar scars are rectangular, round, or oval in shape with well-defined edges, rolling scars are wavy. Now, boxcar scars occur when severe inflammatory acne destroys collagen and other supportive structures. This leaves your skin vulnerable to volume loss. That’s why boxcar scars manifest as depressions on your skin.

Rolling scars, on the other hand, form when severe inflammatory acne forms a fibrous mesh between the dermis and subcutaneous layer. This pulls the underlying skin downwards. So, your skin ends up with shallow depressions, characterized by sloping edges. Multiple rolling scars in one area, like the face, form a wavy pattern.

Microneedling procedure for acne scars is a highly effective procedure that breaks down the fibrous tissues holding the scarred skin in place. The procedure also promotes elastin and collagen production, which also help to repair the damaged skin.

Note: Ultimately, consistent micro needling after acne or injury helps replace damaged and scarred tissue with fresh, healthy skin, minimizing the appearance of scars over time.

5. Minimizes Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Microneedling also helps you address a common pigmentation issue like hyperpigmentation. This issue usually occurs when prolonged sun exposure or a severe acne outbreak triggers skin’s melanocytes to produce extra melanin. So, eventually, this process forms the dark spots on various parts of your body.

Microneedling gets rid of the dark spots by increasing cell turnover. More cell generation leads to the shedding of the old and darkened ones, revealing an even skin tone.

Furthermore, applying skincare products with brightening agents (eg., niacinamide and glycolic acid) after procedure sessions — as post microneedling care — enhances the positive effects of microneedling. The topical products penetrate the skin, reducing pigmentation and evening out your skin tone.

1. Reduces The Visibility of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are evidence of overstretched skin due to weight gain, pregnancy, or growth spurts. Initially, stretch marks manifest as purple, red, dark brown, or pink streaks but as time progresses, the color changes to silver or white. Stretch marks are usually more of a physical appearance concern than a medical condition.

However, it is common to start feeling self-conscious about their existence. Especially if they are highly visible. So, to bring back your confidence, there's an innovative microneedling for stretch marks procedure. It helps diminish the appearance of stretch marks.

Now, many people wonder, does microneedling hurt with numbing cream when treating stretch marks? This is common considering that stretch marks result from sudden skin tearing. Remember: While some sensitivity may occur during microneedling for stretch marks, the procedure is well-tolerated with numbing creams.

An expert aesthetician also adjusts the depth of the micro needling needles to target stretch marks at different depths. This is helpful in avoiding critical nerves and blood vessels. The needles create micro-wounds on the stretched tissue, disrupting and loosening up its structure. Then, your skin’s natural self-healing mechanism kicks in, synthesizing novel elastin and collagen fiber to remodel the stretched tissue.

Over a number of microneedling sessions, depending on the depth of the stretch marks, you’ll notice them becoming less visible. This transformation is often clearly visible in microneedling before and after pictures. You get to observe how the remodeled tissue blends in with the skin’s complexion.

2. Revitalizes Hair Follicles for Optimal Hair Growth

Besides getting microneedling for stretch marks, the treatment also activates dormant or weak hair follicles to enhance hair growth. This helps you eliminate issues like alopecia or hair thinning. But remember, the process of microneedling the scalp requires expertise. And when executed properly, the procedure increases blood circulation within the scalp. This enhances oxygen and nutrient supply to hair follicles, improving their health and ability to generate sturdy hair.

Microneedling using a derma pen also boosts collagen, elastin, and cell synthesis in your scalp. This cultivates the ideal conditions for hair growth. What’s more? Combining microneedling with hair growth products like topical minoxidil enhances the positive microneedling effects.

Now, to help you understand the process, here’s a detailed overview of what to expect during a microneedling procedure.

What Should You Know About the Microneedling Procedure?

As we've mentioned earlier, microneedling requires utmost expertise. This is why you should entrust your skincare needs to a licensed and experienced practitioner only. So, before the microneedling procedure, the skincare professional must schedule a consultation with you. That is to determine whether microneedling would resolve your cosmetic concerns.

A personalized consultation session is also the perfect opportunity to ask questions like, does microneedling hurt and how you can minimize discomfort. An experienced aesthetician knows what factors to assess. These include your skin type, tone, texture, and the overall skin condition to answer all your questions.

The aesthetician also reviews any recent skin treatments you may have had, your medical history, and any active skin conditions (eg., acne, rosacea, and eczema). All these checks are necessary to assess your suitability and safety. Especially when considering micro needling after acne scars have formed.

Safety Steps Before Microneedling

It’s important to set up your consultation with the aesthetician at least two weeks before the procedure. This is to ensure you're fully prepared for micro needling after evaluating your skin’s specific needs.

So, during this period:

● Avoid extended sun exposure as tanned or sunburned skin is more sensitive. This increases the potential for complications during and after microneedling procedure.

● Other than sun exposure, keep off blood-thinners (eg., ibuprofen, aspirin, and vitamin E).

● Additionally, discontinue potent topical products with active ingredients (eg., glycolic acid and retinoids) as they may increase your skin’s sensitivity, potentially leading to irritation during the procedure.

● On the day of the consultation, answer questions honestly extensively to help the practitioner put together a personalized treatment plan for you.

Now, after a thorough analysis, the practitioner should let you know whether microneedling will help and set a date for the procedure.

A Step-by-Step Guide for the Microneedling Procedure

The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the nature of the issue, with noticeable results from micro needling after just a few sessions.

So, microneedling procedure involves these critical steps:

1. Preparation

Your chosen practitioner will clean the treatment area, aiming to eliminate oils, debris, makeup or dirt to reduce the probability of contamination. Once done, the practitioner must re-examine the treatment area to ensure all’s well. Then, they apply numbing cream and allow it 15 to 30 minutes.

2. Microneedling

After 15 to 30 minutes, the practitioner uses a derma pen to evenly microneedle the treatment area. At this stage, many patients wonder if microneedling hurts. Well, don't worry! Thanks to the numbing cream, microneedling pain is minimal and well-tolerated, ensuring a more comfortable experience.

Unlike a derma roller (mostly used for at-home microneedling), a dermal pen or derma pen is motorized. It rapidly creates tiny openings around the treatment area. This alongside the numbing agent minimizes discomfort. Besides being motorized, it uses one-time use sterile needles, reducing the chances of an infection.

During the entire microneedling procedure, monitor your comfort levels. If the pricking sensation becomes too uncomfortable, let the practitioner know, as proper adjustments can improve your experience and micro needling after results.

3. Serum Application

Right after the procedure, you’ll notice redness around the treatment area and experience mild pain. This is completely normal. However, it often leads to the common concern: Whether microneedling hurts or not. While some discomfort is expected, it typically subsides within a few hours.

Redness and mild pain after micro needling are normal signs that your body is responding to the micro-punctures and activating the skin’s natural repair process. To calm the pain and gradually reduce redness, your practitioner applies serums such as hyaluronic acid essence to help with healing and keep the area moist.

4. Post Microneedling Care Instructions

Before heading back home, your practitioner should outline clear post microneedling care guidelines. With these guidelines, you will prevent infections, manage microneedling pain effectively, and know when to see the practitioner again.

Some instructions include:

● Not touching the treated area.

● Applying cold compress to help with the pain.

● Not applying makeup up until a week or two.

If you were worried about microneedling hurting, following these aftercare steps ensures a smooth and comfortable recovery. So, adhere to all post-treatments recommendations without fail. And, in case the pain becomes unbearable or you spot signs of an infection including swelling, reach out to your practitioner promptly.

Side Effects and Risks of Microneedling

1. Redness and mild swelling

These two are pretty expected and common. Redness and mild swelling develop immediately after microneedling due to your skin’s natural response to the micro-wounds. Using a cool compress and soothing moisturizer should decrease the swelling and clear the redness within a few hours or a couple of days.

2. Dryness and flaking 

Dryness and flaking are also common side effects of micro needling after the procedure, as increased cell turnover prompts the skin to shed damaged layers. To see these common side effects, check out microneedling before and after photos.

Flaking may go on for about a week or so, depending on the microneedling intensity or nature of your skin. Manage flaking by keeping your skin moist and avoiding harsh skincare products.

1. Bruising

Temporary or minor bruising may occur around sensitive areas of your skin. That is when the tiny needles accidentally puncture the blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. This results in small, red, patches which clear after about a week.

The bruises are rarely painful. And you can easily get rid of them by following your practitioner’s post microneedling care instruction to the latter.

2. Allergic Reaction

Sometimes, allergic reactions may occur after the application of the numbing agent or topical products. For example, you may experience itching, extreme redness, or swelling due to the potent compounds (eg., prilocaine or lidocaine) found in local anesthetic.

Always inform your practitioner of any sensitivities or allergies before the session to prevent adverse reactions during or micro needling after the procedure. They will conduct a patch test to determine an optimal approach and identify potential alternatives.

3. Infections

Though rare, infections may occur during or after a microneedling procedure. This is possible if the practitioner did not sterilize the micro needling equipment properly or the procedure room was contaminated. You could also have caused the infection by touching the treated area with contaminated hands or applying makeup sooner.

Common signs of infections include:

● Persistent redness.

● Warmth.

● Pus.

● Swelling.

So, if you notice any of these signs, it's important to seek medical attention before it worsens.

What To Use After Microneedling

Here's a table summarizing what to use after microneedling to support healing, maximize benefits, and protect your skin:

How Long After Microneedling Can I Wear Makeup

Now, if you're concerned about: How long after microneedling can i wear makeup, put it on hold for some time. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after microneedling before applying makeup. This allows the skin to begin healing from the micro-injuries and reduces the risk of irritation, infection, or clogged pores.

How Much Does Microneedling Cost?

Wondering: How much does microneedling cost? On average, a microneedling procedure costs anywhere between $250 and $1,000. The cost varies based on factors like the provider, location or region, skin condition, number of sessions, and combining treatments.

At times, the practitioner may recommend combining microneedling with other treatments like radiofrequency to address severe skin laxity or stubborn stretch marks, and this may cost you more.

How Often Should You Do Microneedling

Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment that can be performed several times a year. The treatments should be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for the initial series of treatments. And for the maintenance sessions, it should occur every 6 to 12 months. However, the exact frequency depends on individual skin concerns, goals, and the advice of a skincare professional.

Note: Consulting with your chosen skincare professional will help determine the best treatment schedule for your specific needs and goals.

Final Thoughts

Microneedling procedure is a rewarding process that involves creating multiple tiny openings on your skin. And visible improvements often seen in the weeks following micro needling after consistent treatment. During this treatment, your chosen certified practitioner uses a derma pen to achieve this, allowing your skin to fend off fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and more. Furthermore, it addresses several cosmetic issues including stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.

Nonetheless, ensure you are entrusting the procedure to an experienced and board certified professional. One who is capable of assessing your suitability for the procedure and understanding what you need to regain your confidence.

Microneedling is Safe and Effective With Diaminy's Innovative Equipment

Diaminy’s cutting-edge microneedling equipment, (eg., the Derma Pen E6) delivers a safe and highly effective treatment experience. With its adjustable needle depth (0–2.5 mm) and variable speed settings, it offers personalized precision, and it's gentle enough for delicate areas (eg., the eyes).

What's more? It's powerful enough for more firmer skin zones (eg., the forehead and chin). Powered by a quiet, stable motor, the Derma Pen E6 penetrates vertically to stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping smooth texture, tighten skin, and diminish scars and pores — all without excessive trauma.

So, looking to experience professional-grade results with micro needling after just a few sessions? Contact us today for high quality and FDA-approved microneedling equipment and unveil firmer, glowing skin safely and confidently.