Microneedling is a modern solution to improve skin texture and eliminate pimples and acne. This non-invasive method will rejuvenate your skin in a few minutes and give it a wonderful glow. This problem is caused by stimulating the skin to produce more collagen, giving your skin a youthful, healthy, and beautiful appearance. However, specialists perform the microneedling procedure in different ways, and each of these methods helps improve your skin’s condition in one way or another.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 20-30 min | – | 4-8 weeks |
Microneedling is a procedure in which specialists create tiny holes in the skin using a series of small needles on a roller device. This minor damage to the skin is similar to a male facelift and stimulates the skin, increasing collagen production in the skin. Your skin even produces and repairs collagen to repair these minor damages.
Before microneedling, you should first clean and disinfect your face. Then, using medium pressure, the specialists roll the device 4 to 10 times on the desired area or the entire face. The direction of rotation of the device changes with each pass. Usually, specialists continue this for at least 2 to 4 minutes with equal pressure. For better results, specialists move the device vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. It is also necessary to use a moisturizing serum containing hyaluronic acid on the skin before the procedure.
If you have sensitive skin, you can ask the practitioner to numb your skin before this procedure. The doctor’s skill is essential to use this procedure. The device must move over the face to stimulate collagen production evenly throughout the skin. Microneedling removes skin imperfections, blemishes, and wrinkles.
The procedure rejuvenates the facial skin, removes acne with skin blemishes, and helps hair growth. It also brightens the skin, eliminates knee stiffness, removes darkness under the eyes, and rejuvenates the skin under the eyes. You can also choose this procedure to remove forehead wrinkles, lighten stretch marks, eliminate skin pores, and tighten the skin.
This procedure has many advantages; the most important is the increase in skin collagen. When your skin produces more collagen, its elasticity increases. Fine wrinkles disappear, and as a result, your skin looks younger and fresher. This non-invasive skin rejuvenation method is less complicated than many skin rejuvenation methods, and the needles used by specialists in the procedure are so gentle and delicate that specialists even use this method to rejuvenate the skin around the eyes.
Although this procedure is non-invasive and has low complications, it can cause skin irritation and severe redness in some people. The most critical side effects are skin bleeding, bruising, infection, and exfoliation. Avoid hairdressers after this procedure. Before the procedure, the skin and hair doctor must carefully observe your skin condition and use the best method.
This procedure is one of the methods that usually doesn’t involve any recovery period or extraordinary pain after the treatment. You can easily continue with your daily activities after the procedure. The burning and redness of the skin after this treatment is entirely standard and will disappear after a few days. Remember to use sunscreen for a few days after the treatment. Usually, the results will be visible after a few weeks. You can use therapeutic creams after this treatment method.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a safe and non-invasive treatment method that specialists use to treat various skin conditions. This technique involves specialists using several tiny, sterile needles to pierce the skin and cause physical trauma. By hitting the skin, this procedure increases collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are essential to skin proteins that make the skin young, smooth, and firm. Acne and scars, blemishes, and wrinkles can occur on the skin for various reasons.
No one wants to look older than their age, but premature aging in the form of lines and wrinkles requires it. The tiny scratches caused by the procedure eliminate wrinkles by increasing the amount of collagen and elastin. Since this procedure stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, it is also very effective in removing acne and other scars on the skin. The only type of scar that specialists cannot treat is keloid or raised scars.
Microneedling is highly effective in diminishing the visibility of sun damage, notably targeting hyperpigmentation and age spots with remarkable precision. Suppose you have spots on your face, probably due to too much time in the sun. In that case, this procedure and its ability to stimulate the production of new collagen and skin cells revitalizes and even improves the appearance of your skin.
Aging isn’t only manifested by wrinkles; as you age, the skin loses elasticity, making your skin look saggy. Skin aging also leads to a loss of radiance and clarity. This procedure improves all these problems. Although microneedling involves making tiny punctures in your skin, it does not increase the size of your pores; in fact, it helps your pores appear much smaller. The procedure increases the effectiveness of topical products.
After the procedure, it is the best time to apply anti-aging products, moisturizers, and other topical treatments that help the health and appearance of the skin. The micropores that appear after the procedure take creams, serums, and gels more efficiently and absorb them more deeply than you would typically apply to your skin.
Like all treatment and beauty methods, the microneedling procedure has side effects. Immediately after the procedure, bleeding, soreness, burning, and itching sensations may occur. There may also be mild swelling and temporary inflammation. Each of these side effects is temporary and will disappear over time. It is better to take acyclovir tablets before micro-needling to prevent herpes.
Stop using active products such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, and salicylic acid one week before the procedure. Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen at least one week before the procedure. Wash your face only with lukewarm water a few hours after the procedure. 24 hours after the procedure, wash your skin with a mild soap and use moisturizer, moisturizing, and sunscreen creams suitable for your skin.
Usually, your skin returns to normal within 3 to 10 days, and you can resume normal activities. During this time, you can use skin repair creams to accelerate the rate of skin repair. The procedure is an effective and long-lasting treatment. Still, it would be better to follow your doctor’s advice and make lifestyle changes if necessary for the results to be permanent.
Who Should Have Microneedling Procedure?
Specialists use the procedure to improve the appearance of the skin by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. Check out the ideal candidates for the microneedling procedure:
- Acne scars: It is especially effective for acne and scars.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Improves overall skin texture and smoothness.
- Large pores: Helps minimize their appearance.
- Stretch marks: Reduces their visibility.
- Uneven skin tone: Improves overall skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation.
- Hair loss: In some cases, it stimulates hair growth.
However, not everyone may be an ideal candidate for microneedling. Individuals with certain skin conditions such as active acne, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may not be suitable candidates as this procedure may worsen these conditions. Take a look at some additional points to consider:
- Skin type: This procedure is generally safe for all skin types, but darker skin tones require extra care to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Desired outcome: Be clear about your goals and realistic about the results. This procedure isn’t a miracle cure; you will need more than one session for optimal results.
- Provider expertise: Choose a health professional who is qualified and experienced in the techniques of this procedure.
What are the Risks of the Microneedling Process?
This transformative procedure ensures safety under the skilled hands of trained professionals. However, as with any cosmetic treatment, you should know some risks and potential side effects. Here are the risks of the microneedling procedure:
- Skin irritation: Temporary skin irritation, redness, and swelling are joint after the procedure. This usually resolves within a few days but, in some cases, may persist for longer.
- Bruising: Piercing the skin with tiny needles can sometimes cause bruising, especially in people with sensitive skin or prone to bruising.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection with any procedure that breaks the skin’s barrier. To minimize this risk, it is crucial to ensure that specialists properly sterilize their equipment and carefully follow post-treatment care instructions.
- Pigment changes: This procedure can sometimes cause temporary changes in skin pigmentation, especially in people with darker skin tones. This can manifest as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to the topical products used during or after the procedure. It would be best to inform your practitioner of your allergies before starting the procedure.
- Scarring: Although specialists often use this procedure to improve the appearance of scars, there is a risk of new scars or worsening of existing scars if they don’t first perform the procedure correctly.
- Skin sensitivity: People with susceptible skin may experience more discomfort during microneedling and may be more prone to side effects such as redness and swelling.
- Herpes reactivation: In individuals with a history of herpes or herpes simplex virus (HSV), this procedure can trigger the reactivation of the virus. Those with a history of HSV should take precautions such as antiviral medication.
What Will You Encounter During a Microneedling Consultation?
You can expect several necessary steps during a microneedling consultation:
Discussion of your goals and concerns:
- The healthcare professional will ask about any specific concerns you would like to address, such as acne scars, wrinkles, or large pores.
- Be prepared to discuss your overall skin health, including allergies or sensitivities.
- Share any previous cosmetic procedures you have had and their results.
Assessment of your skin:
- The professional will assess your skin type, tone, texture, and the areas you want to treat.
- They may take photos for documentation and treatment planning.
- Based on your assessment, they will discuss whether microneedling is right for you and offer alternative options if necessary.
Explanation of the microneedling process:
- Experts will explain how the procedure works, its potential benefits and limitations, and the expected timeline for results.
- They will discuss the different types of microneedling devices and needle depths.
- You will learn about the preparation process, what to expect during the procedure, and aftercare instructions.
Discussion of risks and side effects:
- Experts will thoroughly explain this procedure’s potential risks and side effects, including previously common and less common ones.
- They will answer any questions or concerns about the risks and ensure you fully understand them.
Discussion of costs and treatment plan:
- The specialist will discuss the estimated cost of treatment, including the number of sessions you may need and possible additional fees.
- They will create a personalized treatment plan based on your goals, skin condition, and desired outcome.
- You can ask questions and explain your concerns about the cost and treatment plan.
Feel free to bring a list of medications and supplements you are taking at this stage. Bring photos of the results you want or examples you like. Ask your questions openly and honestly to ensure you make an informed decision. Remember, this is just a general overview. Each consultation may vary depending on the practitioner’s practices and your individual needs.
How Should You Prepare for Microneedling Procedure?
Proper preparation for the procedure is crucial for its success. Here is the preparation process for the microneedling procedure:
1-2 weeks before:
- Stop certain medications: Talk to your doctor about stopping blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen 1-2 weeks before the procedure to minimize the risk of bleeding.
- Avoid sun exposure: Protect your skin from UV rays with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin after inflammation).
- Inform your doctor about skin products: Share all the skin care products you use, including peels, retinoids, or harsh chemicals, because you may need to stop some of them temporarily.
- Explain medical conditions: Mention any pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or active acne, as these may require extra precautions or may not be suitable for microneedling.
- Schedule a lip synchronization session (optional): If you are treating the lip area, you may want to consider taking a cold sore medication, as microneedling can trigger outbreaks.
24-48 hours before:
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: These can affect healing and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Skip exfoliating treatments: Avoid scrubs, harsh cleansers, or chemical peels that can irritate your skin.
- Stop wearing make-up: Avoid wearing make-up on the day of the procedure for hygiene and better penetration of topical products used during the session.
Day of treatment:
- Cleanse your face: Gently wash your face with a fragrance-free cleanser to remove surface dirt or oil.
- Arrive dressed comfortably: Wear loose clothing that you can easily take off and put on after the procedure.
- Be prepared for mild discomfort: Although specialists often use topical numbing creams, you may experience tingling or stinging during the procedure.
- Relax and communicate: Be open with your doctor about any discomfort or concerns you experience during treatment.
Additional tips:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after the procedure to aid healing.
- Aftercare plan: Have soothing products such as aloe vera gel or soft moisturizers to calm the skin after the procedure.
- Avoid strenuous activities: Take it easy 24-48 hours after the procedure to allow your skin to heal.
- Follow the aftercare instructions: Strictly follow your doctor’s specific post-treatment instructions to optimize results and minimize side effects.
How is the Microneedling Procedure Performed?
Specialists perform this cosmetic procedure to rejuvenate the skin, reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks, and improve overall skin texture. Here are the microneedling procedure steps:
- Preparation
On the day of the procedure, the specialists will clean your skin thoroughly and apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort during the treatment. This cream usually takes about 30 minutes to take effect.
- Microneedling procedure
Once your skin is sufficiently numb, specialists will pass the microneedling device over the treatment area. This device contains fine needles that create controlled micro-injuries to the skin. Specialists can adjust the depth of needle penetration according to your skin’s specific needs and targeted concerns. Experts apply microneedling on various body areas, including the face, neck, décolleté and hands.
- Serums or growth factors
Sometimes, during or immediately after the procedure, specialists may apply serums containing growth factors, hyaluronic acid, or other beneficial ingredients to the skin. The microchannels created by the needles allow these products to be better absorbed, increasing their effectiveness.
Final
After the procedure, your skin may appear red and tender, similar to a mild sunburn. Your skin care specialist will provide post-treatment instructions, including avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skin care products, and applying moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. However, the skin may look slightly red or irritated for a few days. The procedure results aren’t immediate and usually become noticeable within a few weeks as the skin undergoes natural collagen production and remodeling. We typically recommend multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart for optimal results.
What to Consider After Microneedling Procedure?
One of the most critical measures after microneedling is proper care. This step dramatically impacts the operation’s outcome, and if you don’t follow this step, you may see negative results on your skin. Here are the things to consider after the microneedling procedure:
- Avoid washing your face for at least 24 hours after performing this beauty procedure, and wash your face with warm water.
- Use a very mild detergent for washing three days after the operation. Also, allow your face to dry naturally.
- After the cosmetic procedure, the affected area may be arid. To solve this problem, use hyaluronic acid to restore the skin’s balance.
- Avoid any kind of cleansing scrubs for the week after the operation.
- During skin regeneration and complete recovery, your skin is more sensitive, and it is better to avoid direct sunlight. For better results after the procedure, use peptides that stimulate collagen production.
- Avoid activities such as swimming, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam bath for 3 days after the operation.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory painkillers for 5 days.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and spicy foods.
- Use acetaminophen for pain and inflammation.
- Sleep on your back for at least a week to minimize skin pain and swelling.
What is the Recovery Process After Microneedling?
Microneedling involves specialists using a device with fine needles to create tiny holes in the top layer of the skin. The recovery process after microneedling typically consists of several stages:
- Immediately after the procedure: After this procedure, your skin may appear red and slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. Some people may also experience minor pinpoint bleeding. However, this is usually minimal. Your skin may feel tight and a little tender.
- First few days: You may experience mild discomfort, redness, and swelling for the first few days following this procedure. You may also notice some dryness and flaking as your skin begins to heal. During this time, it is essential to keep your skin moisturized and avoid harsh skin care products or treatments that can irritate the skin.
- The next few days: The redness and swelling will gradually subside over the next few days. Your skin may still feel a little rough or sensitive. But most of the visible side effects should subside. It is crucial to moisturize your skin regularly and protect it from the sun using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Long-term improvement: The full benefits of the procedure usually appear in the weeks following the procedure as your skin renews collagen and elastin. Over time, you may notice skin texture, tone, and firmness improvements. Following the post-procedure instructions provided by your skin care specialist and attending follow-up appointments as needed is imperative. During the healing process, avoiding activities that can further irritate or damage the skin, such as excessive sun exposure, strenuous exercise, or using harsh skin care products, is essential.
How Long After Microneedling Will You See the Final Result?
While microneedling offers numerous benefits for various skin concerns, understanding the healing process and timeline for final results is crucial to setting realistic expectations and optimizing your experience. This procedure creates controlled micro-injuries to the skin, triggering a cascade of healing that produces collagen and elastin. Following the procedure, you can expect the following:
Immediate (1-3 days):
- Redness and mild swelling: These are common and typically subside within 48 hours.
- Tension and dryness: Gentle moisturizers can relieve these temporary sensations.
- Light spot bleeding: This can occur in certain areas, especially at deeper needle lengths.
- Tingling or itching: Occasional discomfort is normal, but consult your doctor if it persists or worsens.
Days 1-7:
- Gradual reduction of redness and swelling: The most visible signs should decrease significantly.
- Possible slight flaking: Similar to a mild sunburn, this usually resolves within a few days.
After 7 days:
- Normal activities can resume: You can gradually return to your regular skincare routine and make-up applications.
- Sun protection is critical: Apply SPF 30 or higher daily to protect your healing skin and prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Gradual improvement: Visible changes in skin texture, fine lines, and scars usually appear within 4-8 weeks as new collagen forms.
Final results:
- Patience is vital: Unlike procedures that provide instant results, the magic of microneedling unfolds over time.
- Initial changes: Some experience slight improvements in texture and fullness within 2-3 weeks due to a temporary fluid response.
- Steady progress: The fundamental transformation occurs within 3-6 months as your body builds collagen. During this time, you will witness gradual improvements in volume, definition, and texture.
- Final result: Expect the full and final microneedling results approximately 6 months after your last treatment session.
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
The cost of microneedling can vary depending on several factors such as geographical location, experience and expertise of the practitioner, problem areas, number of sessions required, and any additional treatments or products included in the package.
While cost is a consideration, it is essential to keep in mind that the qualifications and reputation of the practitioner and the quality of the facility are also important factors to consider for any cosmetic procedure, including microneedling.
Some people may also combine microneedling with other treatments or procedures, such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy or topical serums, to improve results. These additional treatments may affect the total cost.
Before undergoing this or any cosmetic procedure, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a qualified skin care specialist to discuss your concerns, treatment options, expected results, and associated costs. The practitioner can provide a personalized treatment plan and a cost breakdown during the consultation.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Microneedling Procedure Performed?
Focusing solely on cost can be risky when it comes to medical procedures. It is crucial to prioritize safety and quality over looking for the cheapest option. While it is natural to understand cost considerations, prioritizing safety and quality should be paramount when looking for microneedling procedures. While some countries may offer seemingly lower prices, it is essential to be careful before making decisions based on cost alone:
- Microneedling done incorrectly can lead to complications: These include infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and more. Choosing a qualified provider with appropriate training and experience minimizes these risks.
- Regulations and standards vary between countries: Lower costs may mean less stringent hygiene protocols, sterilization practices, or equipment quality, potentially compromising safety.
Focusing solely on cost can miss essential considerations. Experienced providers often offer better consultation, personalized treatment plans, and post-procedure support, impacting your results and satisfaction. With all that said, here are microneedling prices by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $100 to $700 |
| Brazil | $50 to $300 |
| China | $100 to $300 |
| Japan | $100 to $500 |
| South Korea | $100 to $500 |
| India | $50 to $300 |
| Argentina | $50 to $300 |
| Mexico | $50 to $300 |
| Germany | $100 to $500 |
| Turkey | $50 to $200 |
| Colombia | $50 to $300 |
| Italy | $100 to $500 |
| France | $100 to $500 |
| Spain | $100 to $500 |
| Taiwan | $50 to $300 |
| Venezuela | $50 to $300 |
| United Kingdom | $100 to $500 |
| Netherlands | $100 to $500 |
| Egypt | $50 to $300 |
| Peru | $50 to $300 |
| AVERAGE COST | $50 to $700 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a skin specialist for personal guidance.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459344
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28796657
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27755171
