Microneedling

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a treatment that uses a special device, often called a pen, which contains many tiny needles. These needles are used to induce controlled injury to the skin which causes the stimulation of collagen as it heals.  Collagen lives in the skin, helping it to look healthy, radiant, and firm.  Microneedling can also help serums and products to better absorb, so the skin can reap the full benefits.

Microneedling is a great treatment option for patients of a range of ages and skin tones who wish to improve their complexion. Treatments can be customized to fit each individual’s skin goals, with lighter treatments resulting in a subtle enhancement, and deep treatments creating more drastic outcomes. This versatile treatment can address a variety of skin issues, including scars, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, as well as dull skin or thin skin.

Microneedling is recommended as a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, this is recommended for best results.  We recommended a consultation with one of our providers to discuss your concerns and create a treatment plan which helps you attain your desired results.

Microneedling With Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Microneedling can be paired with PRP.  Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is harvested through a standard blood draw done in the office. When PRP is added to your treatment, it helps to reduce downtime and works synergistically with Microneedling to help skin rejuvenation, build collagen, and improve scarring. PRP is recommended with Microneedling for best results. 

If you decide to pursue Microneedling with PRP, it is recommended that you discontinue the use of any NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil) and Aspirin 7 days before the treatment.

Possible Side Effects Of Microneedling

Microneedling is, overall, a very safe and low-risk procedure with minimal side effects. However, any procedure runs the risk of potential adverse effects. Possible side effects of microneedling include:

  • Bruising

  • Pinpoint bleeding 

  • Redness

  • Skin Infection

  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 

  • Transient swelling

Finding The Right Care

Dr. Monica Rani and the Advanced Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine team, located in the South Loop of Chicago, can evaluate your condition thoroughly and identify the best microneedling treatment plan for your specific needs. They specialize in educating and working with all patients to provide the best care possible. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Microneedling FAQs

  • This depends on a lot of factors. Microneedling helps to stimulate the skin’s collagen and support the quality of skin which can improve the texture and quality of the skin overall. However, we cannot stop the process of aging which continues to contribute to signs of aging. So the benefits of microneedling will last longer based on how you maintain the quality of your skin, reduce sun exposure, apply daily sunscreen, and maintain with other treatments and procedures.

  • Microneedling can cause slight discomfort. However, on the day of your microneedling treatment, we will apply a topical numbing agent to reduce the discomfort.

  • Your skin will be mildly red and swollen for 24-72 hours after the treatment, along with some pinpoint bruising or bleeding. You may also experience a sandpaper-like dryness to your skin for 7-10 days after the treatment. If you decide to add PRP to your treatment, this downtime will be reduced. After your treatment, your provider will review the expectations with skin care.

    After this immediate period of healing and dryness, you will notice a brightening of your skin and overall fresher look to the skin. The wrinkles and fine lines will improve overtime which can take 6-9 months to see improvement.

    We will take photos to document your process with microneedling.

Microneedling Before And After Photos