What's Covered on This Page
- Understanding Microneedling: The Science Behind the Results
- Can Microneedling Help Me?
- Microneedling After Care Tips: How to Prepare for Your Appointment
- During and After Treatment
- How many microneedling sessions will I need to see real results?
- Is microneedling safe for skin that gets a lot of sun exposure near the coast?
- What does my skin look like right after a microneedling session?
- Can microneedling help with acne scars that have been there for years?
- What should I bring to my microneedling appointment?
- How is microneedling different from chemical peels or laser treatments?
Understanding Microneedling: The Science Behind the Results
The mechanism of microneedling is actually quite simple. A handheld tool that is equipped with several small needles creates small incisions throughout your skin. Yes, this does sound rather intimidating and it does indeed look like that, but the punctures are just very small and very shallow; you're only speaking a few millimeters at most.
Our body reacts to these micro-incisions. They are perceived as damage. So our skin immediately tries to heal itself by producing both elastin and collagen. This is really the whole point of microneedling and why results occur. Because you are literally asking your skin to produce what is necessary to repair itself.
In Murrells Inlet we see our clients get results, and then more results from week to week. A client arrives with lackluster tone and dullness in complexion after spending decades along the coast. After two to three sessions, a client notices firmer skin. They see even skin tones, diminished fine lines, and fewer wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. In fact, according to an article in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, microneedling can actually increase collagen production up to 400% over six months of treatment! That seems like a large number, but it's very attainable and we've seen it happen in person.
The micro-incisions that the treatment produces also serves another purpose. Since these micro-incisions are made throughout the skin, topical products can penetrate deeper. Usually, products stay on the surface of the skin and they do not do too much good. However, when applied post-microneedling, ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can actually be absorbed deeply enough into the layers to actually make a difference! This is why we see better results than what is seen from just using topical creams alone.
What Can Microneedling Help?
Microneedling can improve all or any of these conditions:
- Fine lines and early wrinkles around the mouth and forehead
- Acne scarring and depressions caused by old acne
- Dullness or uneven tone from years of exposure
- Enlarged pores that seem to get bigger and bigger
- Stretch marks on the body
Many times, people come in wanting improved skin texture: roughness, bumps, uneven skin tone, or generally just skin that isn't as smooth as it used to be. Microneedling works wonders with most people who have those concerns, and, unlike other treatments (such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing), can treat most people regardless of their skin type.
The improvement continues to occur, not just while you're in your appointment but also in the weeks following each session. Collagen production continues after the appointment and you'll continue to notice improvements.
Can Microneedling Help Me?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions. "Is microneedling going to help me and will it treat my issue?" Yes, the treatment really does work better than the average person might think.
For the folks in Murrells Inlet, the main reason why they want to book with us is because they want to know if acne scarring or old acne damage can be improved with this treatment. These old pimple scars have an uneven texture, and those respond really well to the collagen remodeling that happens after treatment. I've had clients come in with a story about how they tried a number of creams and products for years to no avail and only started seeing a change in their skin texture after a few sessions.
But it's not just scars we treat with microneedling. Here is what we treat most often:
- Fine lines from the sides of the mouth up, around the eyes, forehead, etc.
- Sun damage or hyperpigmentation
- Larger pores
- Stretch marks (stomach, thigh, arms, etc.)
- Dull, rough texture
Hyperpigmentation (also known as melasma) is another big problem. The sun is always on, especially near the MarshWalk and a big portion of the sun damage and melasma patients that come through have it from that constant UV exposure. The melanin cells in your skin produce too much melanin as a response to UV exposure, and we treat melasma with microneedling all the time! Microneedling helps the body break up those dark spots and create new healthy skin cells that are more even skin toned than previous. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, microneedling can improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation with a series of microneedling treatments.
There is also a group of clients we see that do not have one specific area they would like to treat. They just feel like their skin needs a pick-me-up. They look a little tired, they have lost their bounce and firmness, and their skin feels rougher than it used to. It's as if their skin is aging before their time! That is all due to collagen loss. We have the skin produce more collagen naturally. Microneedling stimulates collagen production by getting your skin's repair mechanism into action. Microneedling kicks your skin's natural repair mechanisms back into action to help repair the skin.
Not sure if your skin concern is something we can treat with Microneedling? A lot of times that is the first question a client asks. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the answer is a definite "Yes!" During your initial visit, we will examine your skin and tell you if we think microneedling is the right treatment for your skin or whether one of the many other services we offer would get you better results.
Microneedling After Care Tips: How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Many people don't understand that the steps taken immediately before your microneedling treatment are just as important as what you do in the weeks after. It can take a few days to get your skin back to its healthy baseline if you do not prepare properly. Here at Coastal Dermatology, most of our clients live in Murrells Inlet, which has year round sun exposure, so taking care of your skin before your appointment is even more important in this case.
Here is What to do a Week Before Your Microneedling Appointment:
- Retinol and all products containing vitamin A should be discontinued at least 5 days before your appointment.
- Avoid direct sun exposure, including tanning beds.
- Avoid sun damage and wear SPF 30+ daily.
- Avoid all exfoliating skin treatment including chemical peels and/or microdermabrasion.
- Do not wax or use hair removal creams in the treatment area.
- Stop using medications that may increase bruising or thin your blood (Ex. Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, etc.) 48 hours prior to your appointment. If you have questions, please call us to confirm if your medication will cause any side effects during your appointment.
Clients who do everything we ask for heal faster; I see the difference from day to day. For your appointment day, arrive with a clean face. No makeup, no sunscreen, no moisturizer. Just clean, bare skin. If you've just come out of doing errands around Murrells Inlet, no worries. We'll take care of that before we start. But it saves time, and we can get right to work if you are starting off with clean skin.
About coffee the morning of, feel free to have your cup of Joe. Just make sure to abstain from alcohol the night before. Alcohol thins the blood and can prolong the redness you experience afterward. And don't forget: if you have a history of getting cold sores, tell us so we can avoid scheduling you for a treatment around the lips. Needling that area can bring back the herpes, and depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor might have to help us work around your cold sore flare ups.
Prep is easy. It just requires a little bit of education. Want to be 100 percent sure you're ready for your treatment? Contact us and we can help you prepare according to your skin type.
Need help with microneedling?
Book An Appointment. Jolie Visage Rejuvenation Centre is ready to help.
During and After Treatment
For treatment day, all you really need to do is show up with a clean face.
Once you're all set, we'll apply a medical-grade numbing cream that will stay in for 20 to 30 minutes. Clients usually use the time to scroll their phones or close their eyes until we are ready to start microneedling. By the end of this period, your skin will be numbed enough to only feel pressure during the actual treatment. I can't count the number of clients we have in Murrells Inlet who tell us when we are done, "That's it?" The answer is always yes.
Treatment Itself
The handheld device moves along your skin in a prescribed manner, making small, controlled passes along each area of the face. We vary the depth according to the condition being treated and where we are in the process (skin on the forehead is different from skin on the cheeks, for example). Treatment takes 20 to 30 minutes for a full face.
Here is what you can expect immediately after treatment:
- Your skin will be red in appearance, like a sunburn
- Some areas may feel warm and tight
- Mild swelling may occur on the forehead or on the cheeks
- There may be tiny pinpoints of bleeding, especially in areas where we have used deeper treatment
Don't worry about any of this; they are expected, and are indications that the treatment worked the way it should.
Next 48 Hours
It is to know this: For the next 48 hours or so, thousands of channels exist in your skin through which you can apply products. You will be instructed on the products we recommend for you and those that you should avoid. There will be no makeup applied for at least 12 hours after your treatment; and you'll refrain from retinol or other actives for a few days.
Stay out of the direct sunlight too as most of our clients spend time outside by the inlet. Most of the redness goes away in 24 hours, although it is common for some patients to have no redness the next morning and some to have redness up to 48 hours. The healing time that we estimate in the consultation phase is nearly always accurate. In 3 – 4 days, your skin will probably feel smoother, but the best changes come over the next few weeks as new collagen builds. That part we cannot speed up!
How Many Sessions of Microneedling Will You Need & When to Expect Results
This is the most frequently asked question. Most patients will need between three to six microneedling sessions to get the best results they are hoping for, but this will depend on your current skin conditions. For example, someone with deep acne scars from their teenage years will need more sessions than someone who just wants a younger look. If the goal is to get rid of fine lines and mild sun damage, one to three treatments are all that are needed for great results. Severe skin texture, deep acne scars and stretch marks will probably take the full six sessions. We schedule sessions about four to six weeks apart for the same reason we wait a few weeks before seeing our next best friend – the skin needs some time to do its job and collagen takes weeks to build up beneath the skin in Murrells Inlet.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
- Days 1-3: Skin looks red and skin feels tight (like a light sunburn)
- Week 1: Skin no longer looks pink. Skin may feel a little smoother.
- Weeks 2-4: Skin may have a better glow, not obvious to you, but you'll love it once you see it!
- Months 2-3: The results become more obvious to you and those around you. As more collagen is generated, the results start to show up.
- Month 6: Full results are seen after the final session. As reported in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the collagen remodeling effects from microneedling can continue for up to 6 months after the last session, so it is worth waiting!
One of the reasons we see patients become frustrated at times after the initial session is because they are expecting immediate, dramatic, visible results. Don't expect too much too soon. After all, microneedling allows the skin to start rebuilding from the inside out. Many of our clients return for their second treatment, noticing that their make-up seems to glide more easily over their skin. After the third or fourth visit, they begin hearing comments from others in your circle about how good your skin looks – that is where most patients feel the best! It is important to keep going after your first round of treatments! Most Murrells Inlet patients return for a one or two times maintenance sessions a year. One session of maintenance every six months will help the skin's collagen production continue, so that you don't see your results diminish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about microneedling services in Murrells Inlet
How many microneedling sessions will I need to see real results?
Most clients in Murrells Inlet see noticeable changes after two to three sessions. One session can improve texture and glow, but deeper concerns like acne scars or sun damage need more treatments. Your skin keeps building collagen for weeks after each visit, so results grow over time. We space sessions about four to six weeks apart. By your third session, most people see a real difference in firmness, tone, and smoothness.
Is microneedling safe for skin that gets a lot of sun exposure near the coast?
Yes, but sun exposure around Murrells Inlet does mean you need to take prep and aftercare seriously. Living near the MarshWalk means UV contact is constant, and treated skin is more sensitive for several days after your session. We always tell clients to avoid direct sun for at least a week after treatment and wear SPF 30 or higher daily. Skipping that step can cause irritation or uneven healing. We factor your lifestyle into how we plan your treatment.
What does my skin look like right after a microneedling session?
Right after treatment, your skin will look red and feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. That usually fades within 24 to 48 hours. Some clients have light flaking or dryness in the days that follow. You can go back to your normal routine within a few days. We give you clear aftercare instructions before you leave so you know exactly what to expect and what to avoid while your skin heals.
Can microneedling help with acne scars that have been there for years?
Yes, old acne scars respond really well to microneedling. The treatment triggers collagen remodeling, which gradually fills in pitted or uneven marks left behind from past breakouts. Scars that have been there for years can still improve. It usually takes a series of sessions to see the full effect. Clients who come in frustrated after trying creams and serums often notice real texture changes after just a couple of treatments.
What should I bring to my microneedling appointment?
Come with a clean, bare face and no makeup, sunscreen, or moisturizer on. That is really all you need to bring. We cleanse your skin before we start, so if you are coming straight from running errands around Murrells Inlet, that is fine. Wear comfortable clothing, especially if we are treating areas beyond your face. If you have had cold sores in the past, mention that when you book so we can plan around it.
How is microneedling different from chemical peels or laser treatments?
Microneedling works by triggering your skin's own repair process using tiny needles, not heat or chemicals. That makes it a good fit for nearly every skin type, including darker skin tones that can react badly to lasers or strong peels. There is no risk of burning or pigment changes from heat. Downtime is also shorter. Most people look presentable within two to three days, which is faster than many laser options.