How Long Does Microneedling Take?
Microneedling rejuvenates the skin and encourages natural, healthy cell growth. The procedure improves your appearance by using your body’s natural healing capabilities to reduce signs of aging and improve skin tone and texture.
Microneedling’s use of your cell’s healing ability has made the treatment increasingly popular over the past few years. At Essential Med Aesthetics, our team prepares and walks you through the simple but effective treatment to help you achieve your skincare goals.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a skin rejuvenation treatment using short, fine needles to create microchannels in the skin. These micro-channels target a precise depth to create controlled micro-injuries.
These injuries are tiny and do not harm the skin, but the body responds to the micro-injuries by rushing growth factors into the area. These growth factors boost collagen and elastin production and replace the scarred, diseased, dull, and dead skin cells with younger, healthier ones over a few days.
How Long Does Microneedling Take?
Most patients complete a series of four to six treatments for the best results. The microneedling session takes 10-20 minutes, but the total prep and procedure time may take up to two hours. Your treatment will be quick and painless with trained professionals like our skilled aestheticians at Essential Med Aesthetics.
Before your microneedling treatment, our aestheticians will clean your face and apply a topical numbing agent. You will feel a prickling or stinging sensation similar to sandpaper lightly rubbing your face, especially in bonier areas such as the forehead. After your microneedling treatment, our aestheticians may spread specialized medical cream or serum on the treatment area to improve the results.
How Do I Prepare for Microneedling Treatments?
During your consultation with Dr. Cobbinah, please discuss any allergies or medications you currently have. We may use creams or serums after your treatment, which may contain allergens or ingredients that react poorly to certain medications.
Dr. Cobbinah may prescribe an antiviral medication two days prior if you have a history of cold sores. We recommend avoiding Accutane for at least six months before treatment. Dr. Cobbinah also recommends avoiding retina-A, retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide for three days prior to treatment.
Please do not shave or tan the treatment area and avoid direct sun exposure for three days before treatment. During your consultation, please discuss with Dr. Cobbinah what to expect in your preparation for microneedling.
When Will I See Results from Microneedling Treatments?
Microneedling does not provide immediate results. Inducing your body’s natural collagen production takes time. Most patients see results after four to six treatments, with final results six to eight weeks later.
To boost the results of your microneedling, we recommend using moisturizers and other skin rejuvenation products approved by Essential Med Aesthetics. Your skin will be more accepting of products for the first week after treatment.
You will see improved acne scarring, signs of aging, skin laxity, large pores, stretch marks, and skin tone. Microneedling cannot treat scars that are less than six months old. Microneedling also cannot treat deep wrinkles, lines, or deep scarring.
If you are interested in a more in-depth treatment, Essential Med Aesthetics offers other skin rejuvenation treatments. Some skin concerns may benefit more from chemical peels, dermaplaning, or an IPL PhotoFacial.
Can I Receive Microneedling in Areas Other than the Face?
Yes, you may receive microneedling on other areas of the body. While the face is the most common, patients sometimes want to target skin laxity or stretch marks on the stomach and thighs.
If you receive microneedling in other areas of the body, it may take longer and affect the pricing as it is a larger area. If you are interested in microneedling for different areas of the body, please schedule a consultation with Essential Med Aesthetics.
What are the Benefits of Microneedling?
Microneedling improves skin tone and texture through controlled micro-injury. These micro-injuries result in many benefits to your skin, including:
- Improving collagen production for more toned, firmer skin
- Reducing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles
- Removing skin abnormalities
- Shrinking large pores
- Reducing the appearance of acne, burns, or traumatic scars
- Reversing sunspots and age spots
- Enhancing the delivery of skincare products
Microneedling is safe for delicate and sensitive skin. During your consultation, our team will discuss with you any concerns about your skin’s condition and sensitivities to customize your treatment.
Request a Consultation
Simply fill out the form on this page, and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.
Is There Downtime with Microneedling?
There is minimal downtime after microneedling. Most can return to life immediately after treatment; however, deeper skin penetration may result in mild swelling for a day or two. Your skin may peel while it heals. Please keep your skin clean and avoid any harsh treatment to prevent injury or infection.
For at least a week after microneedling, please use sunscreen, avoid direct sun exposure, and stop using harsh chemicals, as your skin will be more sensitive afterward. We also do not recommend swimming during this time. Your skin will be temporarily more susceptible to infection.
Our team at Essential Med Aesthetics will discuss how to care for your skin after treatment and the timeline for returning to your usual activities. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team with any questions you may have before and after treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling works on nearly everyone. Due to the needle’s controlled depth, microneedling is excellent for delicate or sensitive skin. For patients with darker skin, microneedling may work better than other skin rejuvenation treatments as it does not heat the skin and risk pigmentation.
If you are pregnant or nursing, you cannot receive microneedling treatment. If you have active acne or a chronic skin disease such as eczema, you may not be a good candidate for microneedling treatments. If you struggle with keloids, we do not recommend microneedling.
To determine if you are a good candidate for microneedling, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Cobbinah. She will evaluate your skin and health condition to determine the best treatment to achieve your skin rejuvenation goals.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about microneedling, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.
