Micro-needling: Your Questions Answered

Are you worried about deep acne scars or surgical scars? Do you have active acne, fine lines or wrinkles? Are you just not thrilled with the appearance of your skin’s texture?

More people are turning toward micro-needling to improve the appearance of their skin. This device is so effective it can actually remodel the appearance of scars. More commonly, it is used for skin rejuvenation and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. How does this work you ask? It helps to increase the production of collagen in the area—the natural protein found throughout the body that keeps your skin looking tight and elastic.
In fact, micro-needling is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of almost 4% between 2020 and 2023. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is MicroNeedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure with relatively no downtime that uses tiny needles to induce a thermal and mechanical injury to different layers of the skin (you are numbed prior to the treatment to avoid any discomfort). Your skin’s response to the injury is where the magic happens. This triggers your body’s ability to produce new collagen and elastin that plumps your skin, reduces the appearance of your pores and even breaks up scar tissue. It decreases the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation and helps to tighten the skin.

I’m sure you have seen the DIY at home versions on amazon but these treatments are best left to the experts. The dermarollers or at home stampers can actually damage your skin if not used at the correct depth or angle and can actually do more harm than good.

Pre-Treatment Tips

Before your microneedling appointment, you will want to avoid using topical exfoliants, antibiotics, acids or retinoids.

You’ll want to avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications at least three days before your appointment. These medications include Advil, ibuprofen, and Motrin. Otherwise, the medications might interfere with your body’s natural inflammatory process. You should also avoid any laser treatments, unnecessary sun exposure (wear sunscreen!), electrolysis, waxing, or depilatory creams.

What can I expect during the treatment?

Microneedling appointments are typically an hour- so it is easy to fit into your schedule. Your Hamilton Aesthetics provider will cleanse and numb your face or the desired treatment area to prep you prior to the treatment. After proper cleaning, the microneedling begins. Since all Hamilton Aesthetic providers are medical professionals, they can go deeper than non-medical providers, which means you’ll see noticeable results after a single treatment. There is minimal discomfort during the treatment, since you are numb.

First, you’ll likely notice your skin is red and flushed and might even bleed a little or look sunburned. The redness goes away within 4 hours.

Before you leave, your skin will be protected with Hamilton Aesthetic’s incredibly hydrating hylauronic acid serum to calm the redness and sooth the skin. Since your skin is healing, you should avoid the sun, any exercise, hot tubs or saunas for 24 hours.

It’s important not to cover the redness up with makeup. Cosmetic products might block your newly exposed pores, which might lead to unnecessary breakouts. Instead, give your skin time to heal naturally.

For the first 48 hours after your procedure, you might notice minor skin dryness as well. You can take care of your skin using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to minimize these side effects.

What will recovery be like?

After your micro-needling treatment, you’ll likely notice swelling in the treatment area. It is important not to touch the area or apply anything to your skin for the following 4 hours after the treatment. The redness will go away 1-2 hours after the treatment and your skin will feel like it has been sunburnt for the 4 hours following the treatment.

The medical professional will provide you with instructions you need to follow for your micro-needling aftercare routine. These instructions are based on your skin type and unique medical history.

First, make sure to wear sunscreen for the first two weeks after your treatment. You should wear sunscreen each time you head outside, even if you won’t be in the sun for long, as the treatment makes you more sensitive to the sun.

Try to avoid spending more than a few minutes outside at a time for the first week after the treatment. This is one of the most important factors of your post-micro-needling care. Otherwise, sun exposure could cause harmful skin damage.

In the meantime, make sure to wash your hands and avoid touching the treatment area as much as possible.

Remember to avoid wearing makeup or putting anything on your face for 4 hours afterwards.

You will also want to avoid submerging yourself in water or situations that can cause heavy sweating including saunas, pools or intense workouts. You can resume these activities 72 hours after your treatment.

Products to Avoid

You will want to avoid any products that contain harsh exfoliating chemicals for the first few days after your treatment. Make sure to avoid any products that are scented. You’ll also want to avoid using products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids or glycolic acid.

For the first 48 hours after your treatment, make sure to avoid using vitamin C serum and any retinols. Don’t rush to begin using these products right away. Instead, gradually begin using your products at half the dosage you’d usually use.

Your Hamilton Aesthetics provider will go over your products with you and when to incorporate them back into your routine. They can review your cleansers, toners, and scrubs to make sure their active ingredients won’t cause harmful side effects.

You can use hyaluronic acid as part of your micro-needling aftercare. It might even help stimulate collagen production to maximize the results of your treatment. Hylauronic acid works to lock in moisture. You can use hylauronic acid as often as every 15 minutes after your treatment to hydrate your skin.

4 hours after your treatment, you can resume washing your face with a gentle cleanser.

When will I see results?

Most patients see results within the week after their treatment. It takes your skin 30 days to regenerate so you will see most of the benefits 4 weeks after your treatment. If you are looking for skin tightening and scar remodeling, you may need multiple treatments for your desired results. Your Hamilton Aesthetics provider will provide you with a plan to best fit your needs.

What is PRP?

PRP stands for platelet rich plasma and is a component of your blood. It is often times paired with microneedling. PRP helps to stimulate collagen and elastin and has 8 different growth factors that help your skin to heal. It is a great option for patients with fine lines, wrinkles, scarring and has wonderful anti-aging benefits. It makes your skin feel softer, your eyes look brighter and helps soften the appearance of scars.

PRP is taken from your own blood, after drawing it in the office. It is spun down in the centrifuge and applied directly to your skin and injected into any areas of concern to stimulate collagen and elastin production and promote healing. This is very effective for deeper lines, creases and scars. Studies have shown that PRP increases collagen stimulation, beyond the production stimulated by microneedling and speeds up the recovery time from microneedling. PRP is clear, so you don’t even see it once its applied or injected. It is commonly referred to as “liquid gold” because of its incredibly rejuvenating properties and its ability to heal and repair your skin.

Microneedling is safe for every skin type and safe for pregnant and lactating women.