Microneedling

Latest update: May 09, 2024
Medically reviewed by: Jennifer Trent MD, FAAD

Details

Microneedling creates minute, controlled injuries to the skin to encourage collagen production. The treatment uses tiny needles to puncture the skin's surface to achieve a beneficial cosmetic response.

Microneedling can target many skin problems, including wrinkles and lines, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, lax skin, scars, and stretch marks. It is a cost-effective alternative to expensive laser treatments or chemical peels.

This beauty treatment provides immediate results. Skin looks plump and radiant after treatment. It also has long-term benefits where collagen production increases over time. The procedure is customized depending on the targeted areas, such as under the eyes or on a scar. These tiny micro-injuries also allow skincare products and serums to penetrate and absorb better.

Optimal results require a few sessions, and results are not permanent. Patients need to be aware that microneedling can trigger cold sores. Those with a history of cold sores need to take antiviral medication before the sessions.

Doctors discourage the use of DIY microneedling devices. These devices can cause damage and scarring to the skin and infection.

An hour before a microneedling session, a topical numbing cream is applied to the face as the treatment can be a little painful. Practitioners first cleanse the targeted area. They roll the microneedling device over the skin. This device is customizable to reach different skin depths, which changes depending on the thickness of the skin in that area. After the treatment, the skin may look red and sunburnt for 24-48 hours. Patients need to use a gentle skincare routine.

Other variations of the microneedling treatment are Aquagold and Rejuvapen.

Aquagold uses a device that has 24 karat gold plated microneedles. These penetrate the layers of the skin with a unique solution to target wrinkles, skin laxity, hyperpigmentation, and scarring.

Botox and fillers can be added to the solution. The treatment only takes 20 minutes with no downtime needed.

Rejuvapen works similarly, with a pen-like device that pricks the skin to stimulate collagen. The benefits of the Rejuvapen treatment are firmer skin, smaller pores, and even skin tone. The Rejuvapen treatment session takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Anesthesia
topical
Operation Time
4-6
Inpatient Period
n/a
Number of Appointments
4-6
Recovery Period
2-3 days
Invasiveness
minimal

What is Microneedling? | Microneedling Treatment

Dr. Jenni Holman, a dermatologist, and Tori Burns, a physician assistant, talk about Microneedling and describe it as one of their favorite treatments. Tori explains the varied uses of this treatment. Dr. Holman explains how the procedure works. Both practitioners express their views on the effectiveness of the treatment.

My Microneedling Facial Experience

Karin Bohn, a designer from Vancouver, takes us with her on a Microneedling journey. She goes through the procedure from the point of view of the patient and tells us about her experience. She explains each step in detail. She talks about the things that surprised her and describes the sensations. The full procedure is shown.