Why does my skin look more wrinkled after microneedling?

Author: Cassidy Hartmann  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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.

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.

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.

Does microneedling make skin look worse before better?

Sometimes skin can look slightly swollen after microneedling. This is due to the natural and mechanical injury of the treatment. Degree of swelling (if any) will depend on skin sensitivity and the aggressiveness of the treatment. When swelling does occur, it is subtle and subsides in about three days.

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.

Microneedling: 5 Tips You MUST Know BEFORE & AFTER | Doctorly + Esthetician

How many years does microneedling take off your face before?

How Many Years Does Microneedling Take off Your Face? Microneedling typically reduces your apparent age by 5-10 years by enhancing skin texture and diminishing wrinkles. Results depend on your skin's initial condition and the number of treatments you undergo.

How long does skin look bad after microneedling?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why does my face look bad after microneedling?

Common Side Effects of Microneedling

The procedure causes short-term redness, swelling, and skin flaking, often lasting a few days. You should call your doctor immediately if you notice more severe side effects, such as bruising, bleeding, peeling, and infection.

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 long does microneedling take to tighten skin?

You will notice an immediate initial tightening. However, it takes around a month to see the final tightening results because that is how long it takes your skin to finish producing all the new collagen.

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.

How to remove dead skin after microneedling?

You shouldn't wash your skin at all during the first 72 hours. After that, gently exfoliate the skin after 3 – 5 days to remove the flaky dead skin that commonly forms after treatments. Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, and make sure your hand motions are as gentle as possible.

Why am I not seeing results from microneedling?

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.

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.

How soon can I drink coffee after microneedling?

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment.

What is the best moisturizer after microneedling?

It is best to stick to gel-based moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and do not cause acne. You can also opt for oil-free options such as those made with vitamin E or other natural ingredients like aloe vera gel which are known for their healing properties.

Does microneedling age your skin?

This medical procedure helps to prevent skin ageing by creating micro-punctures in it and stimulating its remodelling, resulting in the reduction of wrinkles, discolouration, and stretch marks.

Does your skin purge after microneedling?

Believe it or not, it's actually a good thing! The correct term for this is called Purging. The term skin purging refers to an increase in cell turnover speed when using active ingredients or a cell turnover increasing facial like Microneedling.

Do wrinkles come back after microneedling?

With repeated RF Microneedling treatments (an average course is 3-5 sessions), new collagen fibres are formed. This means that the appearance of scars may permanently be reduced. Treatments to combat fine lines and wrinkles are long-lasting but may require maintenance treatments spaced approximately 6-12 months apart.

How many times a year should you do microneedling?

Most people need multiple microneedling treatments, usually about 3 weeks to 8 weeks apart. It can take 3 months to 6 months to see results. Afterward, you might need the procedure once a year for maintenance.

Can you microneedle your lips?

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.

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