Microneedling 101: everything you need to know
WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses small, sterilized (one-time-use) needles that prick the skin to induce the production of collagen and elastin. It is minimally invasive and safe for most people (see below for contraindications). It can help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and large pores. It has very few side effects and a short recovery time.
WHO CAN PERFORM MICRONEEDLING LEGALLY IN CALIFORNIA?
Since the needles penetrate the skin, only those trained and licensed in clean needle techniques are allowed to perform microneedling. In California, this includes Acupuncturists, Medical Doctors, and Nurses. Apart from their usual studies, they undergo specialized training to learn microneedling. Aestheticians or facialists are not allowed to legally perform microneedling in California.
CAN I GET IT DONE IF I AM PREGNANT?
You cannot get microneedling done when pregnant, but we do offer an alternative: nanoneedling. Nanoneedling does not penetrate the skin with needles, but rather stays on the surface. It has similar benefits as microneedling, but is less dramatic since it is not penetrating the skin.
CAN I GET MICRONEEDLING IF I ALSO GET BOTOX AND FILLERS?
Yes, they definitely can be used together! However, we do recommend you wait 2 weeks after getting botox or fillers done to get microneedling.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR MICRONEEDLING?
Pregnancy- nano needling is safe
Avoid doing during active contagious diseases (i.e. Shingles, cold sore, etc…)
Skin disease flare ups
Patients on coagulant or blood thinning therapy
Cancer patients in active treatment and radiation of the skin within a year
Keloidal fibroma
Use of Accutane within the last three months
Discoid Lupus
Wait 2 weeks post filler or botox
DOES IT HURT?
The tiny needles in a microneedling machine move very rapidly over the surface of the skin, so the sensation is very minimal. There may be some minor discomfort, but for most people it is very manageable and many people relax during the treatment. Some people may be more sensitive, and for those people we offer a topical numbing cream to reduce the sensation.
WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM MICRONEEDLING?
First, I have to preface this question by saying that everybody is different in their response. Some people will get more noticeable results right away while others it may take a bit longer to see results. The result will not be as extreme as getting botox, fillers, or a face lift, but if you’re looking for a more natural approach to anti-aging methods, it is a great alternative. Some people notice a difference in their skin tone and appearance after one treatment, but it really is meant to have an accumulative effect. This means that each treatment the results will get more and more noticeable. This is because of the time it takes for collagen production, new skin growth and cell turnover. One full course of treatment consists of 4-6 treatments; once every 4-5 weeks. You will not truly reap the full potential of the benefits until you complete a full course of treatment. Some things like hyper-pigmentation and deep acne scars may take longer to treat. And results may vary according to the age you start getting microneedling as well. Any age is a great place to start, but microneedling won’t make a woman in her 80’s look like she is in her 20’s. Microneedling works with the body, not against it. It is not a magic bullet treatment to rewind time. Diet and lifestyle also have a great affect on the body’s natural response to aging.
WILL I BE RED AFTERWARDS?
Yes, your face will be red and feel dry for the next day or so after treatment. Everybody has different skin so it can vary from person to person. Some people just get more red than others with microneedling in the same way that some get flushed more easily, may be more sensitive to heat and the sun, or get more red when they exercise. After a few days the redness should be gone.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?
We recommend no facial products, face washing, makeup, or skincare on your skin for 24 hours after the procedure. If your skin feels dry use hyaluronic acid to keep it moisturized (we provide a small container of this for you with your treatment). Stay away from the sun, sweating, and exercise for 24 hours. Wear a hat if needed to be outdoors. After the 24 hours is up you can go back to wearing makeup, washing your face, and putting on your normal skincare. I do recommend using all natural face products as to not irritate your skin, and applying sunscreen when going in the sun. Avoid using NSAIDS (ibuprofen, aleve, aspirin) the day of and for a couple days afterwards as we want to encourage the local inflammation (this is what brings all the blood flow, lymph flow, and essentially the benefits of doing microneedling). Tylenol is okay to use.
HOW OFTEN CAN I GET MICRONEEDLING DONE?
Microneedling can only be done once every 4-5 weeks. The skin needs time to heal between sessions. We want to go along with the natural cell turnover cycle of the skin. We recommend 4-6 treatments done every 4-5 weeks for the best results. After this you can come anywhere from once every 2-3 months or once every 4-6 months, depending on your age and your skincare needs. While you can only do Microneedling every 4-5 weeks, you can do nanoneedling and/or Cosmetic Acupuncture weekly between Microneedling treatments.
IS THE FACE/NECK THE ONLY AREA TO GET MICRONEEDLING DONE?
No, we can also microneedle the scalp to help with hair loss (for both men and women). We can also microneedle the upper chest and the back of the hand to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
CAN MEN GET MICRONEEDLING DONE TOO?
Yes! Microneedling is a great way of slowing down the visual effects of aging, without being as extreme as botox. It’s a great way to stay looking youthful without being able to tell you “get work done.” Many men like to get microneedling done on the scalp to help with hair loss.
HOW MUCH DOES A MICRONEEDLING OR NANONEEDLING SESSION COST?
The cost will vary depending on where you live. At Blooming Poppy Health in Los Angeles, Ca we charge $475 for a Microneedling treatment, which includes either Microneedling or Nanoneedling of either the face/neck or the scalp, body Acupuncture, LED Light Therapy, and high quality all-natural facial skincare products. If you want to add-on either the face/neck, scalp, backs of hands, or the upper chest it is an extra $45 per area. We also offer packages of Microneedling sessions to keep costs down. Check out all our pricing here