Microneedling Frequently Asked Questions


What conditions does microneedling treat?

  • Microneedling is used to treat a variety of skin conditions.

  • Acne scarring

  • Surgical scars

  • Other scars

  • Burns

  • Enlarged pores

  • Wrinkles

  • Stretch marks

  • Uneven skin tone

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Hair loss

What are the side effects of microneedling?

  • Like all cosmetic procedures, microneedling carries some risks.

  • The procedure can cause short-term swelling, redness, and skin flaking, which can last for a few days.

  • Most people can return to wearing regular makeup within 24-48 hours of treatment.

  • Skin will be more sun-sensitive after treatment, so sunscreen is also advised.

  • Microneedling may worsen active breakouts, so people with active inflammatory acne or oral herpes should not be treated with microneedling until the lesions have cleared.

Is microneedling safe for everyone?

You may not be an ideal candidate for microneedling if you:

  • have certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema

  • have open wounds or active acne

  • have had radiation therapy recently

  • have a history of skin scars

People who are pregnant may need to be cleared by an obstetrician or gynecologist before the treatment.

How do I prepare for my microneedling session?

  • You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen, before the treatment.

  • It’s recommended that you avoid using agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin 48 hours prior to your appointment.  These agents include topical retinoids and exfoliants.

What should I expect the procedure to be like?

  • Upon arrival your esthetician will cleanse your face before applying a topical anesthetic to the treatment area.  This will numb the skin during the microneedling process, which takes about 30 minutes.

  • After the removal of the anesthetic, the treatment area will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe.

  • During the procedure, your esthetician will make small pricks in the skin using a pen-like tool with tiny, sterilized needles. The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure.

  • Microneedling sessions can be performed as a basic service using a gliding gel, or as a deluxe service by infusing a growth serum, brighting serum, or exosome serum.

  • In total, the average microneedling session lasts approximately 1 hour.

What should I expect after my treatment?

  • Microneedling isn’t as invasive as plastic surgery, and the recovery time is minimal. Most people require very little downtime if any at all.

  • Make sure to not wash the treated area for a minimum of 8 hours. 24 hours after treatment is ideal.

  • Avoid strenuous exercise or any event that may cause or expose you to excess heat. (Ex:  No heavy sweating, exercise, outdoor activities, saunas, steam rooms, exposure to chlorine, etc.)

  • Excluding heat and exercise, you may go back to your normal daily routine after the procedure if you’re comfortable.

  • Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to apply sunscreen. Still, it’s recommended that you wait one week before exposing your skin to sunlight and make sure you are using one of our safe post-procedure spf options.  If needed, wear a hat.

  • Avoid applying artificial fragrances to the treated area for at least a couple of days. This includes skincare not designed for post-treatment care.  Ask one of our professionals about our post-care recovery kit options.

  • You need to let your skin heal before applying makeup. However, after 24-48 hours, camouflaging makeup can help disguise the redness as it dissipates.

  • If your treatment was on your face or scalp, make sure to sleep on a clean pillow sheet following the treatment to prevent potential infections.

  • You might notice the treated area starting to flake a couple of days after the treatment. This is normal and a wanted result – the upper layer of the skin is shedding.

  • You might experience some tenderness the days following your treatment. This is also normal, as the micro needling created a large number of micro-injuries.

  • If you notice any persisting localized inflammation, get in touch with one of our practitioners.

How many treatments will I need?

  • In general, best desired outcomes are reached after 6-8 treatments.

  • Please keep in mind, everyone’s skin and goals are different. We recommend scheduling a complimentary consultation to get a customized answer for your skin concerns.

  • You may need other complementing treatments to reach your desired outcome. One of our licensed professionals will work with you to develop a plan of action based on your individual goals.