Here’s What Happens After Microneedling
- Posted on: Feb 28 2020
Microneedling has become a popular treatment among those seeking to preserve the resiliency of their skin or address a cosmetic concern such as stretch marks or acne scars. This brief collagen-inducing treatment involves passing an automated, needle-clad instrument over the skin. As the applicator tip moves, the microneedles move in a vertical up-and-down motion to create tiny channels to a depth of about 2mm. The channels close right away because they are so tiny. However, the body is stimulated to produce collagen and elastin to heal the micro-injuries that have been made.
If you have been considering how you can boost your skin’s firmness, smoothness, and radiance, you may love what microneedling can do. Here, we discuss a few things that patients can expect after their microneedling treatment.
- Right after microneedling, patients can expect their skin to look red. The degree of redness can vary based on a person’s natural response to treatment. A good moisturizer can help soothe and hydrate the skin during this time, and we may apply nourishing ingredients such as a serum or platelet-rich plasma immediately after microneedling to promote tissue regeneration. Redness typically lasts less than 24 hours.
- Swelling and bruising. While not every person experiences this side effect, it is possible. This usually happens around the eyes, if it does, and it mild enough to be disguised with makeup.
- Rough skin. The tiny channels made during microneedling treatment induce cellular turnover. At first, the skin may feel rough. Some people notice subtle marks on the skin, as well. About 3 to 5 days after treatment, the layer of dead and damaged cells that have been adhering to the epidermis may slough off with mild flaking or peeling.
What to Do After Microneedling
The downtime for microneedling is virtually zero. Side effects, other than peeling, typically go away within 12 to 24 hours. After this time, patients may continue to experience slight sensitivity for a short time. A gentle cleanser and lukewarm or cool water can be used to wash the face. The skin should be patted dry before applying a gentle moisturizer. Patients should avoid taking ibuprofen products like Advil or Motrin. Microneedling is intended to provoke an inflammatory response. This is needed to bring collagen into the skin. Taking an anti-inflammatory would interrupt that process.
Microneedling can be performed every 4 to 6 weeks for a time. Doing so wakes up dormant fibroblast cells and rebuilds the skin’s foundation. Once prolonged results are achieved, treatments may decrease to a few times a year.
Schedule microneedling with or without PRP in our Manhattan office. Call 212.391.8600.
Posted in: SkinPen Microneedling
