Cons of At-Home Microneedling Increased Risk of Infection: Without proper training or knowledge, there's a significant risk of infection if the device isn't sterilized properly. Poor technique or improper handling of needles can lead to unwanted complications.
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.
Regardless of what you may read or see on blogs, microneedle treatment should not be performed at home. You can cause pigmentation, injury, scarring, bleeding, and infection. It is best if it is performed by a dermatologist and numerous other treatments can be used such as PRP in addition to this procedure.
Answer: No, you should see a licensed professional It is never recommended or effective microneedling at home. For safe and effective results, it is best to see a licensed provider to perform this service.
What are the side effects of microneedling? There are a few temporary side effects to be aware of with microneedling. The procedure causes short-term swelling, redness, and skin flaking, which can last for a few days. Most people can return to wearing regular makeup within a day of treatment.
Why Do I Look Older After Microneedling? You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers.
“While at-home microneedling is effective, especially with consistent use over time, the technique only works for mild superficial scars and lines—it doesn't work miracles,” she says.
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.
Now that you know how to use the tool, you might be wondering how often you should microneedle your face. Start with once a week, then ease yourself into two to three times per week.
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.
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.
We recommend our Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, available for purchase. It is important to apply every 3 hours for the first 24 hours after the microneedling. These can also be continued twice a day for the first week.
Too Much Pressure. One of the most common mistakes made with at-home microneedling is applying too much pressure. Though we intend to press lightly, it's easier than you'd think to go in a little too hard. Especially when you're trying to make a difference to uneven skin.
In lip microneedling, hyaluronic acid is applied to the lips and is followed by microneedling, supposedly to help HA penetrate the dermal layer. In reality, because of the thinness of lip tissue, micro-wounds must be kept shallow, too shallow to elicit collagen formation or deliver HA to deep lip tissue.
The One Area You May Want to Avoid Microneedling—According to Experts. Experts agree: The midface is a no-go zone.
Even though microneedling benefits the skin, overdoing it can cause serious risks, including skin irritation, redness, and inflammation, leading to discomfort. Overdoing treatments or not allowing ample time between sessions can lead to scarring and even hyperpigmentation.
While the timeline for seeing results can vary, most individuals begin to notice significant improvements within a few weeks to a few months post-treatment. Between two to six months post-treatment, you'll continue to see improvements in your skin.
Top Picks: Banisher 3.0
I recommend the Banisher 3.0 for at home microneedling for a few reasons: Optimal Needle Length: At 0.5mm needles, it is the optimal length for at home use being long enough to boost collagen and skincare absorption, and minimzing risks of scarring.
Risk Of Infection Or Scarring If Not Done Properly
If not done correctly, microneedling can increase your risk of infection or scarring. Finding a qualified professional with experience performing this procedure is crucial.
Of course, if you're unable to get microneedling or Plasma Pen therapy, other options have excellent results and few complications. Below are such alternatives procedures that you can explore: Injectables: For wrinkles and fine lines, especially on the forehead. Laser Resurfacing: For advanced skin rejuvenating.
Professional microneedling is more expensive than its at-home counterpart, yet it also offers greater results in terms of safety, efficacy and longevity. At-home microneedling can still provide excellent results if done correctly; however, it may need to be repeated more often than a professional treatment would.
"Microneedling in the doctor's office can go a lot deeper than at-home devices and are thus more efficacious," says Dr. Katz. "At-home devices have minimal benefits compared to in-office microneedling. The needles are less sharp than the in-office microneedles, so there is less risk of injury to the user at home.
For the best results, we'd recommend applying your hyaluronic acid serum immediately after microneedling in the evening, and then again the following morning.
Microneedling can be an effective treatment option for fine lines, under-eye bags, puffiness, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and even stretch marks. The versatility of a microneedling treatment is what makes it beneficial for patients with varying skin tones and skin types.