The special pen used for your microneedling procedure is the same premise as a tattoo gun; however, a tattoo gun penetrates 5 layers of your skin while a microneedling pen only penetrates the top layer.
"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."
The idea with laser procedures is that the light passes through the surface layers of skin and concentrates the heat below at the point where it interacts with the tattoo ink. Microneedling is the opposite, it makes mincemeat out of the surface of the skin, which is what causes the scarring.
In some cases, microneedling can actually cause more pain than traditional tattoos because the needles are very small and go deeper into the skin. Additionally, the procedure can be quite uncomfortable as the needles are used over and over again.
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.
Certain conditions can make a person a poor candidate. These include pregnancy, recent Accutane use, active acne outbreaks, or specific skin disorders. A history of poor wound healing and skin treatments like radiation and microneedling with PRP injection in the past year also raises red flags for patients.
With microneedling, there will always be a certain level of pain because it involves needles piercing the skin.
Both microneedling and chemical peels can help to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, however, for deeper wrinkles, Dr. Green may recommend adding Botox or dermal fillers to your treatment plan.
The study showed that the tattoos could last for at least a year and are likely to be permanent, which also makes them viable cosmetic options for people who want an aesthetic tattoo without risk of infection or the pain associated with traditional tattoos.
While no fake skin can 100% simulate human skin, platinum silicone makes it come closest.
Immediately following a microneedling treatment, some patients may experience slight swelling and redness or pinkness in the treated areas. Pinpoint bleeding is also normal and can occur in some treatments.
At-home microneedling devices also only superficially affect the skin—they penetrate just its outer layer (the stratum corneum or epidermis), reaching 0.25 mm deep. Professional devices can go deeper (2 mm to 3 mm deep), reaching not only the epidermis but also the dermis, a deeper layer of skin.
Microneedling does not require any downtime. You can leave your treatment and return to work or your daily routine. Your skin may look red and feel sensitive for 24 to 48 hours. Many people compare this to a mild, rapidly-fading sunburn.
According to Healthline – with estimates from Dermapen – the average cost of microneedling is about $350 per session. Most patients need about three to six microneedling sessions to see their ideal results, which means the total cost of treatment can be anywhere from $1000 to $2000+.
As stand-alone treatments, these are both fantastic in their own ways. Botox will provide good visual results on the skin, as the area will look and feel smoother – although for firmer, plumper, healthy-looking skin, microneedling wins, hands-down.
Microneedling doesn't require active downtime, meaning you won't have to take time off from work to recover from the treatment. However, the aftereffects of microneedling can make it so that it's tough to go right back to work or your normal routine immediately after your treatment.
Germ-free skin is essential to promote healing, prevent infection, and achieve a healthy glow after microneedling. Always wash your hands before touching your face. Only touch your face when washing it or applying serums and moisturizer. Sleep on your back for the first week or at least 3 days after microneedling.
Despite its many advantages, there are some risks associated with microneedling such as infection, inflammation and discoloration. Long-term effects may include scarring or changes in pigmentation so caution should be taken when undergoing this treatment.
Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham, and even Brad Pitt have been known to embrace these miraculous tools. However, in a world that expects stars to stay eternally youthful without any intervention, many keep it as their best-kept beauty secret!
How to choose the right procedure. Microneedling and chemical peels treat many of the same conditions, but the same therapy won't work for everyone. Chemical peels treat more surface damage, like wrinkles, texture issues, and scarring. Microneedling treats conditions like rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and sagging skin.
In general, because this treatment can be used on virtually any skin type and skin tone, there are no age restrictions on who can use microneedling to achieve brighter, healthier-looking skin.