Preparing for Your First Microneedling Session: What to Expect
- Posted on: Feb 15 2025
Can one treatment address fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone? With microneedling, the answer is yes. You can choose between traditional microneedling and RF microneedling procedures to safely treat several skin conditions simultaneously. Both treatments can provide amazing results that will leave you feeling more confident in your skin.
In this guide, we’ll help you prep for microneedling. Keep reading to explore how to prepare for your first session and what to expect during microneedling and RF microneedling procedures.
You’ll also discover expert aftercare tips to help you achieve your best possible results.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy (CIT), is a cosmetic procedure that treats many skin conditions by stimulating your body’s healing response to boost protein production.
A skincare specialist uses thin needles to make tiny pricks in your skin during this procedure. As your body heals from these pinpricks, it produces collagen and elastin.
Since these proteins help firm and hydrate your skin, the process of microneedling improves your skin texture. That is how this procedure can give you a more rejuvenated appearance.
Microneedling treats many skin conditions, including:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Burns
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dark spots
- Large pores
- Stretch marks
- Uneven skin tone
- Sagging skin
Microneedling usually targets the face, but it can also treat the arms, legs, back, stomach, chest, and hands. This procedure is safe for most people who want smoother and firmer skin with minimal downtime.
What is RF Microneedling?
Radiofrequency microneedling, or RF microneedling, is a cosmetic procedure that uses radiofrequency and traditional microneedling to increase your skin’s collagen production.
A device with thin, sterilized needles makes tiny punctures in the skin while providing heat from radiofrequency waves. This process triggers the body’s healing response, boosting collagen and elastin. The heat also tightens and firms the skin, giving it a rejuvenated appearance.
RF microneedling treats the same skin conditions as traditional microneedling and can be performed on almost any part of the body. It’s a generally safe, FDA-approved procedure with little to no downtime.
How to Prepare for Your Microneedling Appointment
The right microneedling prep ensures you get the best possible results from your procedure. By following these recommendations, your skin will be in the best condition before treatment.
These tips will help your skin respond better to your microneedling procedure so you can heal faster, reduce your risk of complications, and achieve longer-lasting results.
Individual preparation may vary based on skin type, current skincare regimen, prescriptions, and medical history. Be sure to talk to a specialist before you prep for microneedling so they can tailor your approach to your lifestyle and skincare needs.
Is There a Difference When Preparing for Microneedling vs RF Microneedling?
Whether you are having a traditional or RF microneedling procedure, these tips will help you prepare:
What to Expect During Your Microneedling Procedure
Before you have a cosmetic procedure, it’s important to know what to expect. Learning about these procedures will help you determine what’s best for you and can help you feel at ease.
Here is what you can expect during traditional and RF microneedling.
Traditional Microneedling Process
A skincare specialist will gently cleanse your skin before applying a cream to numb it. This cream takes 30-45 minutes to activate and prepare your skin for microneedling fully.
Then, your provider will use a handheld roller or electronic device with thin, sterilized needles. This device gently rolls across your face, making tiny holes in your skin. Depending on the treatment needed, slightly longer needles may be used for deeper penetration, and the needle length varies from .5 to 2 millimeters.
During treatment, patients feel a warming sensation and slight scratching. Sometimes, they feel more discomfort when the roller passes over a bony area like the cheekbones. Deeper penetration can also cause bleeding.
The length of time it takes to perform microneedling depends on the size of the treatment area. Generally, it takes 15 minutes to several hours. At the end of the procedure, your provider might apply a serum to calm your skin.
RF Microneedling Process
Like with traditional microneedling, your provider will apply a numbing cream to your skin before this procedure begins. The applicator for RF microneedling has small, sterilized needles to puncture the skin.
As your provider uses this device, the applicator emits radiofrequency waves that penetrate your skin. The tiny skin pricks and heat stimulate your body’s healing response to boost collagen and elastin production.
During this procedure, patients normally feel a warming sensation, prickling, and some minor discomfort. The numbing cream helps minimize these sensations and prevent pain. There may also be some bleeding, which stops after the procedure. The time RF microneedling takes depends on the size of the treatment area. Normally, it takes 15 minutes to an hour.
Post-Treatment Care: Traditional vs. RF Microneedling
Traditional microneedling and RF microneedling can lead to temporary redness, bruising, swelling, flaking, and pinpoint bleeding. However, the side effects of RF microneedling tend to be more pronounced due to the use of heat.
These side effects usually subside within a few days. Patients who choose RF microneedling may have a slightly longer recovery time. You can help yourself on your path to recovery with proper post-treatment care. Whether you choose traditional or RF microneedling, these aftercare tips will help you minimize your side effects and accelerate your healing.
Microneedling and RF Microneedling Aftercare Tips
To help maximize your results after microneedling, follow these steps:
Immediately After Treatment
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Apply your prescription ointment or cream as directed.
- Try to avoid touching the treated area.
For the Next 24 Hours
- Keep your skin clean.
- Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh soaps.
- Avoid hot baths and showers.
- Do not apply makeup.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Limit sun exposure, and wear sunscreen
For the Next Few Days
- Gently clean and moisturize your skin.
- Limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen when you go outside.
- Remove dead skin cells with a gentle exfoliator at least 3 days after treatment.
- Avoid alcohol-based skincare products.
For the Next Few Weeks
- Ease back into your normal skincare routine.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have any skin irritation, redness, or swelling.
- Keep up with your follow-up appointments with your provider.
Additional tips for optimizing your recovery:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat nutritious foods to promote healing.
- Get enough sleep to help with cell regeneration.
- Avoid smoking, as it hinders collagen production and recovery.
Contact your provider if you’re experiencing any severe symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or pain.
The length of your recovery depends on the type and extent of your treatment. Healing from traditional microneedling can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Generally, it takes several weeks to heal from RF microneedling fully.
When Will You See Microneedling Results?
As your body produces more collagen and elastin, your microneedling results will appear over time. You may notice results from microneedling after several weeks, but most patients see full results after a few months. With RF microneedling, you may start to notice results within a few days, such as tighter skin and a more even skin tone. It usually takes 3-6 months to see the full results.
Depending on your cosmetic goals, you may need more than one treatment of microneedling or RF microneedling. One treatment may be enough to address minor skin conditions like fine lines and uneven skin tone. Complex conditions like acne scarring and loose skin will likely need multiple treatments.
To determine your best treatment, talk to a skincare specialist.
Get Professional Microneedling Near You in Aurora and Centennial, Colorado
Now that you know how much you can accomplish with one microneedling session, why not take the next step toward rejuvenated skin? Whether you want to reduce fine lines, fade acne scars, or improve your skin tone, our team at Always Beautiful is here to help you.
Proudly serving the Aurora, Centennial, and surrounding communities, we’re dedicated to guiding you through the process of preparing for microneedling and achieving your skincare goals. Call (720) 280-7016 today to schedule a free consultation.
We look forward to meeting you and discussing whether microneedling or RF microneedling is the right fit for your cosmetic needs.
Tagged with: Preparing for Microneedling
Posted in: Medical Skincare, Microneedling
Meet Ali McCoy Stengel, LE, RN, BSN
Denver Area Aesthetic Injector, Speaker, and Trainer
My name is Ali and I am the founder, owner, and Master Nurse Injector at Always Beautiful® Medspa. I have been in medicine since 2002, although my passion for facial aesthetics began much earlier. Growing up with acne and self-esteem issues, it became my mission to help others feel comfortable in their skin. Bringing beauty and medicine together became the ultimate pairing to educate the patient, staff, and injector for a safe experience and natural results.
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