Microneedling is a very effective skin treatment that can help dramatically improve your skin’s appearance – often after just one or two sessions. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your treatment.

Before Your Microneedling Treatment

Every microneedling treatment is customized to your unique goals and skin anatomy. We’ll talk about the procedure, your medical history, and your desired outcomes. Before your procedure, you should:

• Avoid extreme sun exposure.
• Stop using retinoid and glycolic acid lotions for one week before your treatment.
• Contact your doctor about getting a prescription for a prophylactic course of cold sore medication if you have a history of cold sores.
• Show up to your appointment without any makeup or skin care products on the treatment area.

During Your Microneedling Treatment

Microneedling appointments usually take around 30 minutes, but it depends on how large your treatment area is. Many microneedling patients receive the treatment on the face, however, it can also be used on the thighs or abdomen to spot help improve the appearance of stretch marks or scarring.

First, we’ll apply a thin layer of gel to your skin. Then we’ll use a sterile micro-exfoliating pen to prick tiny holes in the skin. We gently press the pen to your skin while gliding it along the treatment area. This micro-exfoliation helps promote cellular turnover and skin protein production through thousands of microscopic, superficial channels, giving the skin a firmer, more youthful, and even texture.

After Your Microneedling Treatment

We’ll apply a calming serum to help soothe your skin. Your skin will look red or flushed, but this will improve. You may also feel tightness in the skin and mild sensitivity. You can apply makeup and sunscreen the day after treatment. Avoid direct sun exposure and always wear sunscreen, as your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight. Take it easy for the first 48 hours and do not exercise vigorously.

After two days, you may notice that your skin is dry or flaking. This is normal and means that fresh, healthy skin cells are developing underneath the top layer of cells. You can apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer, but avoid using exfoliants, toners, glycolic acid, retinoids, or hydroquinone until your skin has fully recovered. Many patients notice that their skin is fully healed, smoother, and radiant within the first week after their microneedling treatment.

Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.