Microneedling

Microneedling causes your skin to plumpen and thicken, ultimately reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines, and other skin texture changes.

How Collagen Induction Therapy Works

Microneedling, a form of collagen induction therapy (CIT), creates controlled injuries underneath the skin’s surface. The injury induces the body to respond through the formation of new tissue. In addition to inducing collagen, the channels made from the micro-needles allow topical gels and creams to be absorbed more effectively through the top layer of the skin. Most cases need four to six treatments, each spaced at two-to-six-week intervals. You may require a series of sessions to obtain your desired outcome.

The APDerm Advantage

APDerm is a physician-led, patient-centered dermatology network that delivers exceptional care and outcomes. Our highly qualified clinical team ensures comprehensive care for your entire family, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to provide the latest in medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments.

We pride ourselves on offering a relaxed, professional, and safe environment staffed by friendly and attentive professionals. Our goal is to make your experience accommodating, clean, professional, timely, friendly, conveniently located, efficient, and caring. With appointments available within 30 days, you can trust APDerm to provide top-tier microneedling treatments that enhance your skin's health and appearance. We accept most insurances and offer self-pay options, ensuring our services are accessible to everyone.

Videos about Microneedling

Microneedling with Dr. Jason Gagnon

Microneedling Procedure

Microneedling Procedure to Improve Skin's Appearance

Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

Any patient with the following is considered a good candidate:

Fine lines or moderate wrinkles, uneven texture of the skin
Moderate skin laxity (looseness)
Diminished texture, tone, color, no ‘glow’
Atrophic (depressed) acne scars
Stretch marks
Traumatic scars
Sun damage

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

Any patient with the following would not be a good candidate:

Keloid scars
Scleroderma, collagen vascular diseases, or fungal infection
Immunosuppressed
Pregnant or nursing
History of severe eczema
Psoriasis and other chronic conditions

before and after infographic

Relative Contraindications That Can Be Managed Through the Procedure

History of Herpes Simplex infections (can be managed with medication prescribed before first procedure)
History diabetes
Presence of raised moles or warts on the targeted area (can be avoided)

What Happens During the Procedure?

Many of our offices use the Bellus Medical SkinPen® Microneedling System, which allows for controlled induction of the skin’s self-repair mechanism by creating micro “injuries,” which trigger new collagen synthesis. The procedure is performed in a safe and precise manner using the sterile microneedle cartridge and Bio-Sheath for single use only.

The microneedling procedure is normally completed within 30-60 minutes, depending on the required treatment and anatomical site. Numbing cream is applied before the microneedling treatment to minimize any pain felt during the procedure. Patients typically find it to be quite tolerable.

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Are There Side Effects to Microneedling?

After the procedure, the skin will be red and flushed in appearance in a similar way to a moderate sunburn. You may also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity when touching the treated area. The skin’s redness will diminish greatly after a few hours following the treatment. Within 24 hours, the skin's surface typically appears and feels more normal. After three days, the skin is often healed, and your normal appearance is fully restored. For the first three days, it is important to avoid sun exposure and sweaty activity.

Is There Downtime Required to Recover From the Procedure?

Expect redness or even pinpoints of bleeding on days one through three after the procedure. By day two, most patients look like they have a sunburn, and the skin may be dry. Patients are usually fully recovered by day four.

Microneedling Aftercare

The skincare regimen noted below will help soothe the skin:

If you have any signs or symptoms of a cold sore, please call ahead of time so that we can prescribe you an antiviral medication.
Avoid sweaty gym workouts/exercise, hospital settings where you might be exposed to an infection, and dirty jobs (like cleaning the bathroom, etc.) for three days after the procedure.
No mineral sunscreen or makeup (containing zinc or titanium) should be used for two days after the procedure. Try to avoid the sun during this time and use a hat instead of SPF.
No vitamin C serum or retinoids should be used for four days after the procedure.
Do not use glycolic acid for four days after the procedure.
Men: Avoid shaving for three to four days after the procedure (you may start shaving when your skin does not feel irritated anymore).

Additional skincare tips after microneedling include the following:

Wash with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil® or Hydrating Cleanser (available at local drugstores).
Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum every two to three hours for the remainder of the first day and continue through the next two days.
On day four, apply SkinMedica® TNS Recovery Complex® (purchase at our office) once a day.

How Many Microneedling Sessions Should I Expect?

For facial rejuvenation/collagen stimulation: Plan 3-5 sessions, each 2-4 weeks apart
For perioral (around the mouth) wrinkles: Plan five sessions, each 2-4 weeks apart
For acne scars: Plan 3-6 sessions, each 3-6 weeks apart
For stretch marks: Plan 3-6 sessions, each 4-6 weeks apart

Want to Learn More About Microneedling?

To learn more, use the buttons below to find a clinician or location near you that offers microneedling treatment. Please note that results vary between individuals. All new patients must attend a consultation prior to getting microneedling treatment.

Find a clinician who offers Microneedling