7 Things to Expect After a Microneedling Treatment

Microneedling is a minimally-invasive anti-aging treatment that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, eliminate visible scars (including acne scars), and reverse sun damage and pigmentation. Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling involves using tiny needles to make hundreds of punctures into the top layer of your skin. These invisible punctures stimulate your body’s natural healing process to promote cell turnover and increase collagen production.

Receiving hundreds of pinpricks may not sound like a pleasant way to spend an hour, but microneedling is virtually painless and efficient—most treatments last an hour or less. SpaMD offers microneedling in-house, administered by our expert consultants. We use SkinPen, the leading microneedling technology in the market, to achieve drastic improvement in your skin tone and texture.

Your microneedling experience at SpaMD will start with a consultation for us to assess your needs. But what can you expect after your microneedling treatment?

1. Your skin will be red after microneedling.

If you look in the mirror after your treatment and find that your face is totally red, don’t panic. It’s normal for your skin to be red following a microneedling treatment. Using a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated will help minimize the redness.

2. Bruising and swelling.

Be aware that the roller your clinician will use around your eyes may cause some slight bruising. It’s nothing to be worried about, and the bruising is usually faint enough to be covered up with makeup. Some people may also experience some mild swelling after microneedling.

3. Rough skin and visible marks.

After your procedure, your skin will feel and look different. It might feel rough to the touch for a few days, and you may notice some slight visible marks on your skin. Both of these effects are caused by the microinjuries created by the punctures. As your skin heals, these marks will soon fade and your skin will become smoother than it was before.

4. Minimal microneedling downtime.

The inflammatory effect of microneedling is short. Within just 12-24 hours, your skin should fade from red to pink and the swelling should go down, though you may experience some sensitivity for up to 48 hours. Wash skin with a gentle cleanser and cool water, and pat dry with your hands. If you received a more aggressive treatment, the redness may linger a bit longer.

5. Stay away from ibuprofen.

Microneedling relies on your body’s natural inflammatory process to stimulate cell regeneration, so it is highly recommended that you stay away from anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil. These medications will interfere with your body’s recovery process and affect your results. Use a cool compress to soothe any discomfort or swelling.

6. Peeling will start 3-5 days after treatment.

Peeling is a normal and important part of the microneedling healing process, caused by the increased cell turnover. You can expect peeling to start within 3-5 days after your appointment. It is very important that you don’t pick at or scratch your skin. Keep it well moisturized to minimize itching that might encourage scratching.

7. Schedule your next appointment for 4-6 weeks.

While the downtime after microneedling before your skin returns to normal is just a day or two at most, you should wait a few weeks to repeat the treatment. You can safely repeat the procedure every 4-6 weeks until you achieve your desired results. Your technician will counsel you on what’s best for your skin.

Nervous about what to expect after microneedling? Don’t be. Your SpaMD consultant will walk you through the process and give you clear instructions for how to take care of your skin in the days afterward. If you follow their directions, your skin will heal beautifully and you’ll love your rejuvenated skin.