What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This triggers the skin’s natural healing process which leads to collagen and elastin production. This treatment targets acne scars, pores, wrinkles, fine lines, loose skin, uneven texture, and skin tone.
As far as pain is concerned, the needles are extremely thin, and your healthcare provider will numb the area to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications and excessive sun exposure, self-tanning, and NSAIDs before treatment to ensure optimal results.
What Does Microneedling Feel Like?
While you may not feel pain during treatment, the sensation can be explained as:
- A light scratching
- A vibrating tickle
- Mild pricking
However, the level of discomfort can vary based on the treatment area. Areas with thinner skin or more bone underneath – like the forehead, jawline, or hairline – may feel a little more sensitive compared to the cheeks or softer parts of the face.
How to Manage Discomfort During Treatment
While microneedling is well tolerated, here are some tips to manage discomfort during treatment:
- Most professionals use numbing creams to manage discomfort.
- It is advised to skip harsh skin care, such as retinol, exfoliants, or waxing, a few days prior to treatment.
- And most importantly, patients need to stay calm and relaxed to reduce anxiety.
What To Expect After Microneedling?
Apart from a little discomfort, you may notice some side effects like:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth or tingling
- Mild sensitivity
However, these symptoms are temporary and should go away within a few days, as advised by your healthcare provider. If they persist or worsen over time, get it checked right away.
Aftercare Tips for Faster Healing
Here are some tips for faster healing after microneedling treatment:
- Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer regularly
- Avoid using retinol, acids, or exfoliants until your provider says it’s safe
- Your skin becomes very sensitive to UV light, so it is recommended to apply sunscreen every few hours
- Do not scrub or pick at your skin
How Can Clinics Help You Reduce Anxiety?
We understand that everyone has different pain thresholds; this is why clinics often try to reduce patient anxiety by:
- Applying numbing creams
- Explaining each step to help you stay calm
- Using advanced devices that promise gentler treatment
- Checking in to make sure you are comfortable
- Putting on soothing music
- Personalizing treatment on the go by adjusting needle depth or technique
Overall Insight
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that promises long-lasting results with very little downtime. And the best part is that it does not hurt! Yes – microneedling is very well tolerated by patients with just a little sensation of pricking, scratching, or tickling.
If you are also looking for a skin treatment that boosts collagen and improves overall skin health with minimal discomfort, get in touch with the experts at Asthetik Skin for a microneedling treatment. Call us at (571) 562-5855.