During a SkinPen treatment, there can be some slight discomfort but most patients report no more than mild pinching sensation as the needle penetrates the top layer of skin. Afterward there will be some redness or minor swelling that should resolve within 24-48 hours or less post-treatment.
While everyone's pain threshold varies, most patients describe the sensation as a light sandpaper-like feeling or a tingling sensation. The forehead, with its thin skin, might be slightly more sensitive than other areas.
While the micro-needling procedure has minimal side effects, visible recovery occurs 48 hours after the procedure. Pay extra attention to the healing process up to 7 days post-treatment. Healing will continue under the surface of your skin after two months.
"Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment that is not painful but can be a little bit uncomfortable," says microneedling provider Dr. Michele Green. "Some people describe it as similar to getting a tattoo, while others say it feels like a cat licking you or fine sandpaper being rubbed on the skin."
Microneedling may cause some discomfort, but it is generally tolerable. Numbing creams are often applied before the procedure to minimize any pain.
Although a topical numbing agent is used for both microneedling and laser treatment, the majority of patients find the pain associated with microneedling to be much more tolerable.
After Microneedling Treatment
You may notice that your skin is red and swollen for up to three days. During this time, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, and if necessary, use 1% hydrocortisone cream.
Skin damage is a risk that commonly occurs with microneedling devices. The damage may include bleeding, bruising, redness, tightness, itching and peeling, and these typically go away without any treatment after a few days or weeks.
The average cost of microneedling in the US is about $640 per session, according to over 300 patient experiences on RealSelf. This can vary between $300 to $700, however, depending on: Your location: Prices may be higher in major cities or upscale clinics.
Use a light, even pressure. If you have some loose skin, you may need to hold this area taut also.
If you're looking for a treatment that boosts collagen and tackles scars, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone with minimal downtime, SkinPen microneedling is worth considering. The benefits it offers make it a strong investment for those serious about skin rejuvenation.
Skin that is pink and a bit sandy-looking is common for some clients in days 2 – 4 after the treatment. Just like any time you're kick-starting cell turnover with a treatment or skin exfoliation, your skin will be sensitive to UV rays.
If you're looking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, four to six sessions should suffice. For more severe skin concerns, such as acne scars or stretch marks, you may need eight to twelve sessions.
Peeling of the dermapen skin varies from person to person, and most people do not experience peeling, but when it does occur, it generally begins 2 to 3 days after the procedure and settles down in about 1 to 2 weeks.
Fourteen stainless steel surgical-grade needles validated for sharpness, durability and penetration depth: No blunt, uneven length or hooked needles. Validated single-use-lock-out feature: No penetration of fluids such as blood or serum.
Still, our team understands that you may be nervous about your treatment, and some patients simply have a naturally lower pain tolerance. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your SkinPen microneedling session, we are happy to apply a topical numbing cream prior to treatment if desired.
A treatment session itself only lasts between 20 and 30 minutes depending on how many areas need to be treated. However, you must wait for the numbing cream to take effect and have your treatment area disinfected. Expect to spend at least an hour or two from start to finish.
The average cost of SkinPen treatments is $517, according to 36 reviews from RealSelf members. However, prices can range from $250 for a single treatment from a budget-friendly provider to $1,200 for a series of SkinPen procedures, from a more experienced provider.
Why Do I Look Older After Microneedling? You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers.
Areas more susceptible to discomfort during microneedling include your jawline, forehead, and hairline as these are the more bony areas of your face. To further decrease the chances of any discomfort, stop using products that can irritate your skin a few days before your procedure.
Purging after microneedling typically lasts about 3 to 7 days. During this time, dead skin cells and clogged pores are being expelled. As the skin heals and renews, purging should gradually subside, leaving smoother and clearer skin.
Microneedling essentially induces stress within the skin. While the body rushes to replenish lost collagen, it does so under duress. This may temporarily create the illusion of plumper skin, but the structural damage becomes evident long—term, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, hollow areas, and sagging.
While some people compare microneedling to the sensation of getting a tattoo, it often feels more like having fine sandpaper rubbed on the skin.