What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses thin needles to reduce common skin concerns. It stimulates your body’s natural ability to increase new cell growth without harsh beauty products or invasive procedures. Microneedling is safe and highly effective. 

What are the benefits of microneedling?

Microneedling can:

• Reduce lines and wrinkles
• Smooth and tighten skin
• Reduce large pores
• Increase collagen and elastin production 
• Lessen tissue imperfections 
• Diminish scarring or burns
• Improve acne
• Improve skin tone and texture

You might undergo microneedling treatment on your face and neck containing skin damage. It may help you achieve the smoother, healthier skin.

What can I expect before microneedling?

Before you undergo microneedling, an Integrated Dermatology of NJ specialist examines your skin, reviews your medical history and lifestyle, and discusses your cosmetic goals. They also evaluate your skin and let you know what to expect during and after treatment. 

SkinPen Pre-Treatment Instructions:   

• Please discontinue products containing any exfoliating agents (retinoic acid,  tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.) 24  hours before treatment. 
• If you have a history of herpes or cold sores, we highly recommend a course of  anti-viral medication pre and post treatment. This will prevent an outbreak of cold  sores if you are prone to them.  Cold sores can also break out on people who are  not prone to them, but who have sensitive skin.  

What happens during microneedling?

About 30-45 minutes before microneedling, your dermatologist cleans your skin and applies numbing cream to ensure the procedure feels comfortable. They use a handheld device to make tiny micropunctures in your skin with fine needles. Your specialist glides the device gently across the surface of your skin or scalp.

You simply relax during your microneedling treatment, which isn’t painful. However, you might feel some scratching or a warming sensation. Deep microneedling could cause some bleeding. 

Microneedling often lasts 15 minutes up to an hour or longer, depending on the size of the areas treated. 

What is recovery like after microneedling?

There’s no downtime needed after microneedling, so you can head home afterward and resume your typical day. However, treated skin may be swollen or red for several days. Ice the area to minimize swelling or discomfort if you’d like during the healing process, and avoid sun exposure until your skin fully heals.

Over the next few weeks and months, new cells form, and you may notice healthier, younger-looking skin or thicker hair. 

SkinPen Post-Treatment Instructions:  

• Immediately Following Treatment: 
  • Do not apply anything to the skin for 6-8 hours after treatment. This includes  make-up, SPF or products of any kind.  
  • Avoid clothing, headbands, hats or scarves on the treated area.  If clothing is to  be worn over the treatment area, we recommend cotton clothing that hasn’t been  treated with fabric softeners or dryer sheets. 
  • Redness and/or swelling is common and will resolve within 1-2 days.  
• 8 Hours After Treatment:
  • Cleanse skin then apply hyaluronic acid serum using the products recommended to you by your clinician. Do not apply anything else to the skin.  
• Days 1-6 Post Treatment:
  • AM Routine-Cleanse skin then apply hyaluronic acid serum using the products  recommended to you by your clinician. Follow with SPF.  
  • PM Routine- Cleanse skin and apply hyaluronic acid serum using the products  recommended to you by your clinician.  
  • Bruising, pinpoint bleeding, minor scabbing, minor breakouts, swelling and/or  redness may occur and will resolve within 7-10 days of treatment.·  
  • Do not pick, peel, rub, scrub or irritate your skin in any way while it is healing, as  this may cause scarring.  
  • Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs and sweaty activity; this includes exercise of any  kind.  
  • Do not use an electric or manual facial brush of any kind (i.e. Clarisonic or  something of the like).  
  • Mineral make-up may be worn, however, we recommend leaving skin clean for  this time period if possible.  
• Days 7+:  
  • You may resume your regular skin care routine as long as peeling/flaking has  subsided. 
  • If you are still peeling/flaking, be patient and allow your skin the time it  needs to heal before starting back on your routine. 

For the best results, the Integrated Dermatology of NJ team may recommend you complete multiple treatment sessions with yearly maintenance procedures. They let you know when to schedule your next appointment.

Book a microneedling consultation at Integrated Dermatology of NJ by phone or request one online today.