What to Expect During Your First Microneedling Session (A Guide)

As we age, our body’s collagen and elastin growth naturally slows down. In this situation, microneedling can help. In fact, research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that microneedling can lead to a remarkable 400% increase in collagen and elastin production. 

This makes it an exceptionally effective treatment for improving the appearance of extremely fine lines, acne scars, and overall skin texture. Now, you might be wondering what to expect during your first microneedling dermapen treatment session. In this blog, we are going to discuss the same. Let’s discuss the first microneedling session in detail!

Preparing for Your First Microneedling Session

A successful first microneedling session starts with proper preparation. This includes:

Consultation

A professional microneedling session always begins with a detailed consultation. This may happen on the same day as your treatment or at a prior appointment. This step is non-negotiable for your safety and the treatment's success. During the consultation, your dermatologist will:

• Review your medical history: A Dermatologist will ask about any skin conditions, medications (especially blood thinners or acne treatments like Accutane), and your history of cold sores.

• Discuss your skin goals: Be clear about what you hope to achieve, whether it's reducing acne scars, minimizing pores, or improving overall skin tone.

• Examine your skin: They will assess your skin type, sensitivity, and the specific areas to be treated.

• Provide pre-care instructions: You will receive clear guidelines to prepare your skin. This often includes avoiding sun exposure, certain skincare products (like retinoids and acids) for several days before.

Pre-Treatment Guidelines

To prepare your skin and maximize results, please follow these steps before your appointment:

• Avoid Sun Exposure: You are required to stay out of the sun & avoid tanning for at least one week prior to your first microneedling dermapen treatment session.

• Adjust Your Skincare: Discontinue use of retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and exfoliants 2-3 days before your first microneedling session.

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and use a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

• Disclose Medical History: Inform your dermatologist if you are prone to cold sores, as we may prescribe a preventative medication.

What to Expect During Your First Microneedling Session

Your microneedling treatment is designed to be both comfortable and effective. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Cleansing and Numbing

Once you are in the treatment room, the first step is a complete cleansing of your skin to remove any makeup, oil & bacteria. Following this, a topical numbing cream will be applied thickly to the entire treatment area. This cream is crucial for your comfort. You will then wait for about 20 to 40 minutes for the numbing to take full effect. Your skin will feel heavy and tingly. Once the area is sufficiently numb, the dermatologist will wipe the cream off.

The Microneedling Procedure

The dermatologist will select a microneedling device, which is often a pen-like instrument with a disposable tip containing the needles. They will adjust the microneedling pen to the appropriate needle depth for your skin concerns and the area being treated. Deeper is not always better; your dermatologist will choose a depth that balances efficacy with your comfort and skin type.

As the microneedling pen glides over your skin, you will feel a sensation. The numbing cream does most of the work, so it should not be painful. Most people describe it as a vibrating, sandpaper-like feeling, or a mild pressure. You might hear a faint buzzing sound from the device, as the Dermapen effectively performs 1,300 micro-punctures per second. 

The dermatologist will make multiple passes over the area to ensure full coverage. The entire active needling process typically takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area.

Soothing and Protecting

Immediately after the needling is complete, your skin will be red & flushed, similar to a moderate sunburn. The dermatologist will then apply a calming serum or a hydrating mask designed to soothe the skin. Finally, a broad-spectrum sunscreen and sometimes a moisturizer will be applied to protect your treated, sensitive skin before you leave the clinic.

What to Avoid After the First Microneedling Session

For the first week, you must avoid:

• Strenuous exercise and sweating

• Swimming pools and saunas

• Direct sun exposure

• Harsh skincare products

When Will You See Results with the First Microneedling Pen Session?

It is important to have realistic expectations. You will not walk out of your first session with brand-new skin. The magic of microneedling happens beneath the surface as your body produces new collagen. The initial improvement in skin tone and texture, often described as a "glow," may be visible after the first week once the redness has fully faded. 

However, the more significant results, such as improved skin firmness & a reduction in the depth of wrinkles or scars, take time to appear. Since collagen production is a very slow process, you will generally see the best results about six to eight weeks after your session. For significant concerns, a series of treatments (often 4 to 6) spaced a month apart is usually recommended for cumulative benefits.

Conclusion

Your first microneedling session is a step toward improving your skin’s health from within. While the procedure involves a brief period of redness and recovery, the process itself is easy and manageable with the right preparation. 

At Embrace Skin Clinic, our dermatologists offer microneedling treatment in Winnipeg for all skin issues. Our dermatologists provide microneedling with Dermapen and prioritize your comfort and safety. We also adhere to strict sanitary protocols to ensure a clean environment during the microneedling procedure. Contact us today!