What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment where your healthcare provider uses very fine needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in the top layer of your skin. Don’t worry — these are super tiny and controlled. This might sound a little intimidating, but these micro-injuries actually trigger your skin’s natural healing process, which boosts the production of collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and youthful.

Most people choose microneedling for the face, but it can also be done on the neck, back, legs, or other areas where you notice signs of aging, acne scars, or uneven texture.

Why is it done?

Microneedling isn’t just a beauty treatment — it has cosmetic and medical benefits.
Cosmetic reasons you might consider microneedling include:

• Enlarged pores

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Loose or thin, wrinkled skin

• Mild scars, especially from acne or burns

• Stretch marks

Medical uses of microneedling include:

• Alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss)

• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

In some cases, doctors also use microneedling as a way to deliver medications or vaccines directly into the skin.

How does it actually work?

Think of it like “tricking” your skin into healing itself. The tiny pricks tell your body: “Hey, there’s a small injury here, let’s repair it!” As your skin repairs, it produces fresh collagen and new skin cells, making your skin smoother and healthier.

What happens during microneedling?

• First, your provider will clean your skin and apply a numbing cream. This usually takes 30–45 minutes to work.

• Then, they’ll use either a hand-held roller with tiny needles or an electric device where needles pulse up and down.

• The needle length can be adjusted: shorter ones for surface issues, longer ones (0.5 mm–2 mm) for deep scars or acne marks.

• During the procedure, you might feel a warmth or scratching sensation. It may be a bit more uncomfortable over bony areas like the cheekbones.

• Deep microneedling can sometimes cause a little bleeding.

• The session can last 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on how large an area is being treated.

What happens after microneedling?

• It’s an outpatient procedure, so you can go home right away and return to normal activities the next day.

• Your skin may look red and swollen for 1–5 days, similar to a mild sunburn.

• An ice pack can help soothe irritation.

• Most people can wear makeup the next day, but it’s important to avoid sun exposure until your skin heals.

Note: Contact your doctor right away if you notice:

• Bleeding that lasts longer than 24 hours.

• Blistering at the treated area.

• Swelling that persists for more than a week.

How many sessions do I need?

It depends on your concern, since skin repair and collagen production take time, you’ll usually need multiple sessions to see the best results.

For mild issues, 3–4 sessions may show results. For deeper scars or wrinkles, you may need 5–6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart.

Afterward, you might need the procedure once a year for maintenance.

Is microneedling safe?

Yes, when done by trained professionals. It’s a minimally invasive treatment, meaning no cuts, stitches, or heavy downtime. But it should always be done with sterile equipment to avoid infections.

Who should avoid microneedling?

Microneedling is generally safe, but certain conditions make it unsuitable or require extra caution. You should avoid the procedure or consult your doctor if you have:

• Active acne or are currently taking acne medications.

• Blood disorders or are taking blood thinners.

• Cancer and are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.

• Frequent skin rashes

• A history of keloids (hard, raised scars).

• Moles, freckles, skin tags, or other growths that are changing in size, color, or bleed.

• Chronic skin conditions

• Uncontrolled diabetes, which may delay healing.

Note: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should always check with their doctor before undergoing microneedling.

How soon will I see results?

Many people notice a glow within a week, but real changes (like smoother texture and lighter scars) usually show up after a few sessions, as collagen builds over time.

Is microneedling better than creams or facials?

Creams and facials mostly work on the surface. Microneedling works deeper, by naturally boosting collagen from within. That’s why results are longer-lasting and more effective for scars and wrinkles.

Myths vs Facts About Microneedling

• Myth: Microneedling is very painful.

  Fact: It may sound scary because of the word “needles,” but they are super tiny and fine. With numbing cream, most people feel only mild tingling or scratching.

• Myth: Microneedling causes damage to the skin.

  Fact: It creates controlled micro-injuries that heal quickly. These tiny pricks actually trigger the skin to repair itself and produce more collagen, which improves skin health.

• Myth: Results show immediately after one session.

  Fact: Some glow may be seen quickly, but real results like scar reduction or wrinkle improvement take a few sessions because collagen builds gradually.

• Myth: Microneedling is only for the face.

  Fact: It can be done on many areas — face, neck, hands, or even stretch marks on the stomach or thighs.

• Myth: It’s unsafe for darker skin tones.

  Fact: Microneedling is actually safe for all skin types and tones, unlike some lasers which may not suit darker skin.

• Myth: You can do microneedling at home with DIY rollers.

  Fact: At-home rollers are not the same as professional microneedling devices. They often don’t penetrate deep enough and, if not cleaned properly, can cause infections. Professional treatment is safer and more effective.

Final Thought:

Microneedling is like giving your skin a gentle workout — tiny needles stimulate repair, collagen production, and fresh skin growth, leaving you with smoother, firmer, and healthier-looking skin. It’s safe, effective, and gives long-lasting results when done by a qualified Dermatologist.

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.