My Real-Life Microneedling Experience

Out of all the skincare products and treatments available to me over the years living in a dermatology household, microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, has yielded the most transformative results for me. That’s why I’m thrilled that we’re now offering this minimally-invasive procedure at Cornerstone Dermatology & Surgery Group!

Microneedling is an advanced form of dermal restructuring that uses tiny needles to create micro injuries in the skin. These micro injuries stimulate collagen production at the cellular level. This stimulates new cell growth during the wound-healing process, which results in smoother skin texture and more youthful-looking skin. It also helps reduce fine lines and improve the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating the formation of new collagen fibers. The result is visibly improved texture, tone, firmness and elasticity.

I had my first microneedling treatment in August 2017 to address two main issues: sun damage from my earlier years as well as melasma (sometimes called the ‘mask of pregnancy’). Thanks to melasma, whenever my skin was exposed to sun (or even heat), my skin would produce excess pigment, leaving me with brown splotches all over my face by the end of summertime.

I’d tried some topical products, but I still wasn’t happy with the way my skin looked sans makeup. I was looking for something to even out tone and texture more quickly and effectively, so I decided to give microneedling a try.

 I had three microneedling treatments spaced 4 weeks apart, and it did wonders for evening out my skin tone and texture.  I wish I’d taken better before-and-after’s at the time! These photos show immediately before and then nine days post procedure, no makeup.

Flash forward to 2021, and Cornerstone Dermatology adds microneedling to their range of aeshthetic services offered. 

My melasma isn’t as bad as it was in 2017, but I’ve seen four years of living and I count starting a business and pandemic life as two major life events. I’d like to, again even out skin tone and texture, and also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles brought on by life.

 Here’s what to expect during a microneedling treatment.

Before my treatment, my provider applies a topical numbing cream to the treatment area (face, neck, décolleté) to keep me more comfortable during the procedure. The cream takes 20 to 30 minutes to take effect. 

During the treatment, my provider passes a microneedling device over the treatment area in a non-invasive and precise manner. Each patient receives a new, sterile needle head. 

 I feel a pinching sensation as the device passes over my skin, but it diminishes quickly following each pass. My procedure is completed in around 30 minutes, but treatment time can vary depending on the area and the skin concern.

What to expect after a microneedling treatment.

After my treatment, my skin appears red, similar to a sunburn. Areas of darker pigmentation are further highlighed. My skin feels tight and sensitive, and I re-apply the gentle moisturizing gel multiple times. Before bed, I just splash water on my face and pat gently with a towel. 

 I don’t wear any makeup for a few days following treatment, just re-apply the post-procedural gel moisturizer and gently cleanse. 

Around the third or fourth day, I begin noticing some peeling, and I continue to gently cleanse, maybe even gently exfoliate a bit with a washcloth. I continue moisturizing and I add Alastin Hydratint, my favorite tinted mineral sunscreen available for purchase at Cornerstone.

Within that first week post-treatment, my skin feels soft and brand new. I notice an immediate improvement in skin tone and texture.  

 But more than the feel of my skin, I love knowing that the treatment is still at work. My body is working to repair and rebuild those micro-injuries with collagen, and I’ll continue to see plumper, more radiant skin for four to six months following the treatment and with lasting effect.

These before-and-after’s show before my first round of microneedling in December 2021 and immediately following treatment. (You can see that sunburn-like response. I’ll continue to post my before and after’s here as I finish out my series of three treatments!)

If you’re interested in microneedling for yourself, learn more about it here, and call Cornerstone Dermatology to schedule at (816) 287-1528.