Microneedling continues to rise in popularity because of the dramatic cosmetic benefits it offers. This nonsurgical rejuvenation treatment is gentler than surgery yet still can reduce many signs of aging. With these benefits, many patients wonder: how often can you microneedle your face?
As with any treatment, balance plays a role in its success. Too few microneedling visits may not produce the results you want. Too many sessions can lead to unwanted side effects that counteract the advantages you want to see.
How Often Can You Microneedle Your Face?
Microneedling can provide benefits at almost any age. However, these results will fade over time. Fortunately, patients can have repeated microneedling treatments to maintain their improved skin.
However, patients will need to sufficiently space these appointments apart. Microneedling does involve some strain on your skin. So, having too many treatments in close succession could lead to issues. With proper spacing, patients can have dozens of treatments over the years. Routine treatments can play a significant role in slowing the visible aging process.
Properly Spacing Your Treatments
Microneedling can help treat signs of aging almost anywhere on the body, from the hands to the face. However, the skin on the face is particularly sensitive. You want to take extra care that you do not inadvertently damage it while seeking treatment. As with anything, too much of a good thing can cause problems.
Initial Sessions
Microneedling typically involves an initial course of treatment followed by touch-up treatments. The initial treatment plan usually involves spacing each session about 4–6 weeks apart. This time can vary, depending on your physician’s recommendations.
This spacing between treatments gives your skin time to recover from the treatment. While minimally invasive, microneedling does involve creating micro-injuries in the skin. These injuries induce the body to produce new collagen. These injuries need to fully heal before having another treatment. A typical treatment regimen will involve less than six visits. Completing your full regimen will prove essential to seeing results that match expectations.
Touch-up Sessions
Microneedling results can last for months to more than a year, depending on your skin health and age. For touch-up treatments, the same rule applies: keep at least 4–6 weeks between your visits. Though your skin would technically be healed after this period, we recommend against having the treatment every 4–6 weeks. You likely will not see any notable benefits from having it this regularly. At worst, such frequency may cause issues with your results. After each treatment, your skin can be red and swollen for a few days to a week. So, having so many treatments generally will not prove practicable.
What Happens If I Have Too Many Microneedling Treatments?
When properly engaged, microneedling has a proven track record of improving patient skin. However, too many treatments can lead in the opposite direction.
Some of the most common risks of too many microneedling treatments include:
- Skin irritation
- Redness and inflammation
- Skin discomfort
When you really overdo it, you may even experience permanent scarring and hyperpigmentation. These happen as the skin reacts to the repeated micro-punctures of microneedling. Scarring involves, after all, an abnormal production of collagen during skin healing.
An experienced dermatologist will provide personalized recommendations based on your skin’s needs. Additionally, a dermatologist can recommend alternative treatments if microneedling could pose any risk to your skin health.
Other Solutions Between Microneedling
Rather than overdoing microneedling, patients will benefit more from attentive skin care between sessions. Two of the most significant aging factors patients experience include sun exposure and dehydration.
Fortunately, addressing these issues is simple. For sun exposure, avoid extended periods outdoors. Additionally, wear sunscreen any time you go outside. Yes, even on seemingly cloudy days. We also recommend checking the UV index that most weather services provide now. On high-index days, consider staying indoors.
To cure dehydration, drink plenty of water. The amount an adult needs will vary based on activity levels and individual needs. Men typically need about 15.5 fluid cups of water (1 cup = 8 ounces) a day. Women will need an average of about 11.5 fluid cups of water. Still, each person has unique needs. But these numbers serve as a good starting point for maintaining adequate hydration.
Work With a Skilled Dermatologist
Microneedling can produce impressive benefits and radiant skin. However, you will want to work with a board-certified dermatologist to have a safe experience and optimal results.
A good physician will only recommend the number of treatments that provide actual benefit. Avoid unscrupulous offices that will carelessly schedule treatment after treatment with no concern for your actual well-being.
The team at Ohara Dermatology genuinely cares about your wellness and is committed to providing treatments that protect your skin and boost your confidence.