If you're unfamiliar with microneedling, you’ve come to the right place! A microneedling treatment is minimally invasive, and it uses, well, micro needles. When applied to the skin, it creates microchannels that encourage the skin's natural rejuvenation and healing process. Most people might be familiar with the motorized, sterilized pen device we use at both our Centennial and Castle Rock locations. And if you’ve ever been curious about what microneedling actually does (or is), you’re definitely not alone.
Our skin often reflects how our body is feeling and what it needs from us. We know that staying well hydrated can help prevent dryness and support overall skin health, and that sun exposure without protection can lead to premature aging. As we age, the cells that make up our skin don’t renew as quickly or as effectively. Because of this, concerns like fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone can become more noticeable. While there are plenty of products that claim to fix these concerns, treatments like microneedling focus on supporting the skin from within rather than just addressing the surface. Microneedling supports the skin by encouraging the body’s natural repair and renewal process.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling treatment is also referred to as collagen induction therapy. And while microneedling isn’t completely needle-free, it is minimally invasive. If you remember in science class, we have three layers of skin: our epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is the outer, protective layer, and the dermis is where collagen and elastin fibers are located. When microneedling is performed, it often targets the dermis layer of skin.
Using a pen-shaped device, a small group of microscopic needles is gently passed over the skin. These needles create controlled micro-injuries in the dermis, which signal the body to kickstart its natural healing response. This process helps stimulate collagen production and encourages the skin to repair itself over time. Since the device shape offers flexibility in where it can go, a microneedling treatment is commonly done not only on the face, but also on the neck, décolletage, and scalp.
Microneedling is not completely pain-free, but many patients describe the sensation as more of a light prickling or vibration rather than actual pain. For facial treatments, we offer a numbing cream that is applied beforehand to help make the treatment more comfortable.
If you're someone who likes to dive deeper into the science behind microneedling, we invite you to read this journal article.
What Can a Microneedling Treatment Help With?
Now that we have a better idea of what microneedling is, we need to know what it can do for you. A microneedling treatment is commonly used to improve a variety of skin concerns. Some of the most common include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Enlarged pores
- Dull or aging skin
Results don’t happen overnight, but with a series of treatments, many patients notice smoother, healthier-looking skin. Because microneedling supports collagen production, it’s often used as a natural approach to improving overall skin quality without more invasive treatments.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?
Microneedling is not typically a one-time treatment. Because it works by stimulating your body’s natural healing response, results build gradually over time rather than all at once.
For general skin rejuvenation, many patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced about a month apart. This allows the skin enough time to go through its natural healing cycle while continuing to build collagen between sessions. When targeting concerns like acne scars or deeper lines, these typically require more time and consistency to improve. To learn more about how we use microneedling at our clinic for acne, please read our blog post titled "Acne Treatment".
For hair restoration, patients often see the most benefit from a series of more frequent treatments, such as weekly sessions, especially at the beginning of a treatment plan. This helps create a more consistent stimulation of the scalp and supports the overall environment around the hair follicles.
It’s also important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin and body respond a little differently. Factors like age, skin condition, lifestyle, and overall health can all play a role in how quickly results are noticed. Consistency plays an important role, and your treatment plan can always be adjusted based on your goals and how your skin responds over time. During each consultation, Dr. Lim takes the time to get to know her patients’ concerns, create a personalized plan, and answer any questions along the way.
What to Expect During a Facial Microneedling Treatment
Facial microneedling treatments are generally straightforward, but the experience can feel a little different from other services we offer. Our microneedling treatments incorporate microneedling, Celluma LED light therapy, acupuncture, and also includes a facial mask connected to our frequency-specific microcurrent facial protocol.
Before the session begins, an optional topical numbing cream is applied to help minimize discomfort. Once the cream has had time to set, the microneedling portion begins. The device is gently passed over the treatment area to create controlled microchannels in the skin. Many patients describe the sensation as a light vibration or prickling feeling rather than pain.
One unique benefit of microneedling is that these microchannels allow products to absorb more effectively. During treatment, we may apply serums such as apple stem cells to help support hydration and the skin’s natural repair process. Because this treatment focuses on stimulating the skin’s natural repair process, it’s often described as more active compared to more relaxing treatments.
If you’re interested in a more in-depth look at what a full microneedling treatment session can include, we also go into more detail in our “Natural Anti-Aging” blog post.
Is There Any Downtime After a Microneedling Treatment?
After treatment, it’s normal for the skin to appear pink or slightly flushed, similar to a mild sunburn. This is a sign that circulation has increased and the skin is beginning its natural healing response. This typically subsides within a day or two. Some patients may also experience slight sensitivity or dryness as the skin begins its healing process.
One of the reasons microneedling is such a popular treatment is that it requires little to no downtime. Most people are able to return to normal daily activities shortly after treatment, although it’s recommended to avoid excessive sun exposure, heavy sweating, or harsh skincare products for a short period of time. Don’t worry, we will give you aftercare recommendations to help support the healing process and get the best possible results once you leave following your session!
Microneedling Treatment for Scalp Health and Hair Restoration
Microneedling isn’t just used for the face — it can also be used on the scalp to support overall scalp health and promote hair growth.
By creating microchannels in the scalp, microneedling may help improve circulation and support the environment around the hair follicles. This encourages the body to increase cell renewal in the scalp area to promote new hair growth.
While this is an area we are continuing to expand on in our clinic, it can be a helpful addition for patients looking to support hair health. Because hair restoration can look different for each person, we encourage patients to schedule a consultation if they have questions or are interested in learning whether this approach may be a good fit for them.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Microneedling treatments have continued to grow in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. By working with the body’s natural healing process, microneedling offers a more natural approach to improving skin health and addressing concerns like acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture.
We believe that Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern techniques (like microneedling) can work together to support the body more effectively. Our microneedling treatments are combined with acupuncture to support circulation and enhance the body’s natural healing response. At Lim Acupuncture Clinic, we take a personalized approach to every treatment. We offer both facial and scalp microneedling options and tailor each plan based on your individual goals and concerns. Every patient’s skin is different, so having a conversation about your goals is the best place to start.
If you’ve been considering microneedling or simply want to learn more, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We’re always happy to answer questions and help you decide if this treatment is the right fit for you.
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