Why do I look older after microneedling?

Author: Dana McKenzie  |  Last update: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Why Do I Look Older After Microneedling? You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers.

Will microneedling make me look older?

Microneedling should NOT make your lines or wrinkles worse. It takes a series of treatments to get the best results so I recommend giving it some time. You definitely should not have significantly aged only 5 days post treatment.

Is it normal for wrinkles to look worse after microneedling?

Microneedling is generally considered a safe treatment that should not make conditions worse. In fact, microneedling is actually proven to help improve the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. However, if the procedure is not performed properly, it is possible that it could make wrinkles worse.

Can microneedling increase wrinkles?

Microneedling Results For Wrinkles

Under eye wrinkles and ageing signs are reduced. The texture and tone of the skin have improved. Additionally, imperfections on the skin, such as acne scars, are reduced.

How long will my face look bad after microneedling?

It's normal to experience certain side effects after a microneedling procedure. Your skin can be flushed or even bright red when you leave your visit. Within 48 hours, the majority of the redness you experience after microneedling will go away. Peeling, flaking and breakouts may take a little longer.

3 Facial Procedures that will actually AGE you and make you look older!

How long does it take for collagen to rebuild after microneedling?

Results will depend on the severity of the area being treated. The tightened and final results will be seen gradually over 6-9 months which is the time it takes for each individual's body to produce collagen naturally and for the skin to rebuild after injury.

Why do I look darker after microneedling?

You'll see noticeable improvement within a few days, but the full effects of microneedling appear after several weeks. Some patients may experience temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially those with darker skin tones.

What are the cons of microneedling?

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.

How to maximize microneedling results?

Microneedling Aftercare Tips
  1. Boosting progress with supplements.
  2. Avoiding intense activities.
  3. Staying out of hot showers and baths.
  4. Letting the skin rest before further treatments.
  5. Not wearing makeup.
  6. Protecting your skin from the sun.
  7. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Does microneedling change your face?

Microneedling can help improve the appearance and texture of your skin. It can minimize stretch marks, scars, wrinkles and other skin concerns.

Why does my skin look awful after microneedling?

It's all normal for skin to look red or inflamed, possibly even scratched or bloody, and possibly feel rough and tender to the touch. These side effects of microneedling will go away eventually.

What is the average price of a microneedling session?

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.

Can you overdo microneedling?

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.

Does microneedling bring out age spots?

As collagen production increases the skin gets plump and thicker, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. The process of microneedling also breaks up melanin in the skin absorbing it into the body, so it is an effective treatment for age spots.

What is the best age to start microneedling?

Early Intervention: Late 20s to Early 30s

Experts generally recommend starting microneedling in your late 20s to early 30s.

How long does microneedling take to look normal?

This triggers your body's wound healing processes to heal your micro wounds immediately. However, the most dramatic results will not be visible until four to six weeks after treatment. It takes roughly this long for your body to create new, strong, healthy collagen.

Why do I see more wrinkles after microneedling?

You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers. This initial phase is crucial for the rejuvenation process, leading to improved texture and reduced wrinkles later.

How often do I apply hyaluronic acid after microneedling?

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.

Can microneedling cause sagging?

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.

How often should I microneedle my face?

Generally, a cycle of skin cell regeneration takes about 28 days. It's during this period that collagen production takes place and new skin cells are formed. Given this, a typical treatment regimen involves getting a session every 4–6 weeks.

Is microneedling worth it for anti-aging?

Prevents Signs of Aging: Microneedling is highly effective in stopping early signs of aging or preventing new wrinkles from forming. Improves Skin Tone: Microneedling breaks apart the pigmentation on the skin caused by age, sun exposure, and damage for a more even skin tone.

Why does my face look dull after microneedling?

In most cases, this exfoliation happens the day after microneedling and can make the texture look a bit dull. Skin that is pink and a bit sandy-looking is common for some clients in days 2 – 4 after the treatment.

Do you look younger after microneedling?

If done perfectly, microneedling can make you look younger. The skin tends to become less tight and firm. As you age, the amount of collagen goes on decreasing. But collagen is the most crucial protein required in humans and animals.

What are the long term side effects of 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.

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