How Much Does Microneedling Hurt?

Microneedling is one of the MedSpa services we offer here at The Institute of Natural Health (INHSTL). And because patients often have many questions about the procedure, we thought we’d take the opportunity to answer one of the biggest ones: how much does microneedling hurt? Contrary to what many might believe, microneedling isn’t very painful at all, and the benefits far surpass the initial doubts most patients have when they see the results that microneedling offers!

What to Expect During a Microneedling Session

Microneedling at INHSTL is a cosmetic procedure that uses an FDA-approved microneedling device to naturally spur the production of collagen and elastin within the dermis layer of skin. 

During a microneedling session, a clinician uses a pen-like device that has 12 tiny, sterile needles attached to its tip. First, a numbing cream is applied to the area of skin being treated (usually the face). Once the cream takes effect, a licensed clinician will begin slowly moving the microneedling device across the patient’s numbed skin, allowing its multiple needles to create microscopic punctures in his or her skin. These small “injuries” prompt the patient’s body to initiate a natural immune process in order to heal the skin. It releases a variety of hormones, growth factors and other biologics — especially collagen and elastin — that work to improve skin hydration and often result in firmer, healthier and younger-looking skin! 

Does Microneedling Hurt?

Because a numbing solution is applied to the patient’s skin before the microneedling treatment itself actually begins, microneedling doesn’t really hurt. At most, patients say it can be uncomfortable, likening the experience to having rough sandpaper dragged across their skin. 

Following treatment, swelling usually occurs as the body begins to heal itself. Indeed, patients frequently experience red, tight-feeling skin that is similar to that which results from a mild sunburn. Inflammation is a necessary part of the process, however, as it indicates that the biologics that are needed to produce new skin cells have moved to the site of treatment and are beginning their work.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re worried about how much microneedling hurts, don’t! Microneedling is perfectly safe and as relatively painless as other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. To learn more about using microneedling to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and more, please contact our clinicians at The Institute of Natural Health.