Alla’s TOP 10 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Microneedling

Skincare and health are a large part of our practice, and our medical aesthetican, Alla Fishman, fields questions about best practices for skin rejuvenation and maintaining its optimal health every day.  We recently asked Alla for her most commonly asked questions about microneedling, and she gave us very helpful information about this popular skin rejuvenation procedure.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy (CIT), is the treatment where tiny needles penetrate the skin to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Alla says she performs microneedling commonly to help the skin looks it brightest and healthiest; improve the appearance of fine lines and acne scars; and sometimes in combination with growth factors, to help these penetrate more deeply into the skin laters.  Alla recommends the combination of radiofrequency with radiofrequency technology to stimulate the production of collagen further and maximize the effectiveness treatment for patients with deep acne scars and those looking for more tissue tightening as opposed to skin polishing.

What are the benefits of microneedling?

Microneedling stimulates the body’s production of collagen and elastin, says Alla. This helps rejuvenate the skin, reduce acne and the appearance of acne scars, reduce pore size, and improve the signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Collagen and elastin production also helps plump the skin, smoothing fine wrinkles. Microneedling helps you have skin that feels smoother, more rejuvenated, and healthy.

In addition to regular microneedling, we offer RF or radiofrequency microneedling, which combines the benefits of microneedling with the precise added heat generated by radiofrequency.  A so-called “microneedling on steroids,” RF microneedling also goes by the name of Morpheus, provides a greater collagen and elastin stimulating effect, and is more effective as skin tightening that regular microneedling.

Who should have microneedling treatments?

Anyone can have microneedling treatments; best candidates are healthy people looking to address the appearance and health of their skin.  Alla reports positive feedback from patients seelomg to maintain the youthful look of their skin and prevent premature aging, as well as teenagers struggling with acne.  Patients who want to treat fine lines, sun damage, and skin dulness also benefit from microneedling, says Alla.  Microneedling provides a minimally invasive treatment that can help slow the aging process and help better your skin regardless of skin type or color. Many of the benefits of microneedling fit a wide variety of different peoples’ desires, making this a universal treatment.

Is microneedling safe for skin of color?

Yes, microneedling is a “colorblind” treatment and can be safely done for patients of all skin colors.  Individuals prone to hyperpigmentation or skin darkening after inflammation would do well to highlight this skin response during their initial consultation; Alla and our expert staff can help patients with a customized skincare program to decrease the risk of hyperpigmentation, or treat it.

Does microneedling hurt?

No, most patients report a slight sensation of pressure only, says Alla; she prefers to numb patients with a special lidocaine cream for about 20 minutes prior to microneedling treatments.  Most patients reports feeling a buzzing or pressure sensation during treatment, though there can be slight discomfort in some of the more sensitive areas on the face (like the very thin skin close to the eyelids or the bridge of the nose). 

How often should I do microneedling?

This a very commonly asked question, and Alla recommends you schedule your microneedling sessions 4-6 weeks apart to give your skin time to heal and achieve optimal results; however, this timeline varies from person to person. Depending on your needs and results and timeline this will be adjusted to fit your needs and goals; for example, a younger person dealing with acne and a limited period of treatment availability over summer break may benefit from treatments every 2 weeks. Depending on your reaction and skin type your schedule will likely vary.

How is traditional microneedling different from RF microneedling?

Traditional microneedling is more reasonable for most patients looking to address dull skin or fine lines and “polish” their skin’s appearance, whereas RF mocroneedling serves more as a skin tightening procedure. If your skin requires more tightening and or has very deep wrinkles you may opt to get RF microneedling; this penetrates the skin more deeply and delivers a greater collagen stimulating effect with the delivery of radiofrequency heat energy.

What does the face or treated skin look like after microneedling?

Directly after microneedling, your face (or other treated areas) may be red or slightly-moderately pink.  Alla counsels patient to expect resolution of the redness within 1 day to 2 days after treatment.  She provides patients with a post-microneedling skincare kit which helps maximize and speed recovery. After redness has cleared, you will see your results improve over a timeline of several weeks. Most individuals report that they see their best results–glowing, youthful, firm, and healthy-appearing skin–at week 2 and 3 after microneedling treatments.

What should I avoid after microneedling?

We provide a post-treatment skincare kit to use in order to calm the skin’s redness and speed up recovery. Alla advises patients to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and intense heat as well as sweating for several days after microneedling.  She recommends avoiding the use of products containing vitamin C, retinols, exfoliants, and harsh chemicals for at least 3 to 4 days post-treatment.

Can I wear makeup right after microneedling treatments?

No, we advise you wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup.

Schedule your consultation today

At Aviva Plastic Surgery, our medical aesthetician works with patients to develop tailored in-office treatments and skincare routines to optimize the skin’s health and appearance.  Microneedling is a great, low-downtime treatment option to incorporate into your skincare routine.  To schedule a consultation or microneedling treatment with Alla, call our office (678)-974-8435 or text us as (678) 990-7333.