Microneedling has become one of the industry’s leading aesthetic procedures — and for good reason. This treatment harnesses the power of your body’s natural ability to produce collagen to address everything from scars and sunspots to wrinkles.
But with “needles” right there in the name, you’re likely wondering if the results are worth what sounds like a painful process.
We understand feeling skeptical of treatments, especially those that have a lot of hype. So, our dynamic duo of aesthetic specialists are here to field your questions about microneedling and help you find out if it’s right for you.
What is it?
Microneedling treatments use needles to create “micro” punctures in your skin in an effort to stimulate collagen production. The result is improved skin texture and tone and less visible fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
At Serenity Women’s Care, we use SkinPen®, a handheld device equipped with sterile needles that prick your skin and trigger a natural healing response that gives you better looking skin.
Will it hurt?
That’s the question on everyone’s mind — is beauty really pain? In some cases it is, but microneedling is a well-tolerated procedure. Bonus: It actually delivers on its promises.
This minimally invasive procedure only requires puncturing your skin’s outermost layer. That means we aren’t sending needles plunging deep into your skin, only the surface.The goal is to kick-start the healing process, which triggers an increase in collagen production and new skin cells.
Around an hour before the procedure, we apply a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment area and make sure you’re completely comfortable.
During the procedure, our microneedling tool evenly punctures the stratum corneum, your skin’s outermost layer. This process usually lasts for 15 to 30 minutes. You may notice a warm, scratchy sensation as the tool moves across your face.
The time you feel the most uncomfortable is when we treat areas of the face that are bony, such as your hairline, forehead, and jawline.
Following the procedure, we use saline pads to clean your skin and gentling cooling agents to soothe your skin and decrease inflammation and redness. Depending on your skin’s needs, we may also send you home with creams and lotions to help with the healing process.
The best part? There’s no need for downtime after the procedure, and you can leave the office right away. You may notice some redness and minor skin irritation for a few days after the procedure, but these side effects should resolve as your skin heals.
It can take some time for new collagen to develop, so expect to wait around 2-6 weeks between sessions for your skin to heal completely and the best results to develop. You may need up to four sessions to see noticeable results from microneedling.
Can I do anything to reduce discomfort?
Most of our patients get through their treatment with little to no pain, but there’s no guarantee. And since there’s a possibility you may experience some discomfort during or after the procedure, we want to give you a few simple pain-management strategies.
For starters, we recommend avoiding any products that might increase your skin’s sensitivity, such as retinoids or exfoliants. You should also avoid laser treatments and sun exposure, as they can damage your skin and make it more sensitive.
Additionally, take a break from shaving, waxing, or using depilatories before the procedure.
Some research indicates that prepping your skin with vitamin A and C formulations may promote collagen production and help prepare the skin for the procedure.
After your microneedling treatment, make sure to follow our care instructions carefully and apply any prescribed or recommended topical creams or lotions to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation. As your skin heals, avoid makeup and using anything other than warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your face for the first few days.
If you do choose to wear makeup after this period, use clean brushes and avoid harsh cleansers or exfoliants that could further irritate your skin. It’s also essential to stay out of direct sunlight for at least a few days, but if you can’t avoid sun exposure, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen.
Ready to experience life with the skin you’ve always dreamed of? Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation with our experts at our Scottsdale, Arizona, office.