1. Consultation
Before microneedling, you have a consultation with a healthcare provider. Make sure that whoever does the procedure has experience in this technique. Your healthcare provider will examine your skin, review your health history and discuss your goals for the procedure. They may also take photos of the area so you can compare your skin before and after microneedling.
2. Preparation
Your healthcare provider cleans your skin and applies a numbing cream or ointment, such as lidocaine gel. They do this about 30 minutes to 45 minutes before your procedure, so the ointment has time to work.
3. Treatment
Healthcare provider uses a hand-held roller or an electric tool to make the wounds in your skin. The roller has tiny needles. Your healthcare provider rolls it slowly and gently across your skin. If they use the electric device, needles pulse up and down to puncture your skin. They can change the length of the needles on the electric device. A microneedling procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of the area that needs treatment.
4. After the Treatment
Microneedling is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home once it's done. Your skin might be red and swollen for up to five days. An ice pack can help reduce irritation and discomfort. Most people can wear makeup the day after the procedure, but you should stay out of the sun until your skin heals.
