Will Microneedling Scratch My Face?

Microneedling is a popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. Patients that have uneven texture to the skin, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores while having taught skin are great candidates for microneedling. This procedure involves using tiny needles to create controlled punctures in the top layer of your skin. This controlled injury triggers your body's natural healing process, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins for maintaining skin firmness and smoothness.

Microneedling is a relatively safe and effective procedure with minimal side effects, such as redness, swelling, and bruising. The depth of the microneedling can be adjusted depending on the desired results. For example, shallower needling is often used to give a nice "glow" to the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while deeper needling is used to address scars, stretch marks, and sun damage. While it uses needles, microneedling typically won't scratch your face if performed correctly. However, it is important to consult with a qualified, experienced healthcare professional before undergoing any type of cosmetic procedure. The needles used are very fine and short, usually ranging from 0.5mm to 3mm in length. Generally speaking, depths of 2mm and greater should not be used when gliding the device across the face; these depths should be used with a stamping technique to avoid scratching.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Sensitivity: Everyone has different pain tolerance levels. If you have sensitive skin, you might be more prone to discomfort during the procedure. Communicate this with your provider beforehand to adjust the needle depth, strength of numbing cream, or length of time the numbing cream is applied.

• Depth: The depth of the needles used can affect the intensity of the sensation. Deeper needling might feel more intense than shallow needling.

• At-home vs. professional: Microneedling can be done at home with special devices, but professional treatments generally use stronger devices and deeper needles, which might feel more intense.

If you're concerned about scratching or discomfort:

• Talk to a qualified professional: They can assess your skin and see if you are a candidate for this procedure, or there is another one that would address your concerns better. They can also recommend the appropriate needle depth, and discuss any potential risks or side effects.

• Start with a shallow needling depth: Begin with the shallowest setting and gradually increase the depth as your skin adapts.

• Look for devices with adjustable needle depths: This allows the provider to customize the treatment to your comfort level.

• Add PRP: Platelet rich plasma is filled with growth factors and healing substances that will aid in your results and recovery. PRP is known to boost collagen and elastin synthesis and speed up healing time.

Remember, microneedling should not cause significant scratching or damage to your skin if done correctly and safely. If you are interested in learning more, visit our page at https://idealfaceandbody.com/microneedling/ or call our office at 310-887-9999 to schedule your microneedling procedure.