MICRO NEEDLING EXPERIENCE || WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PAIN, DOWNTIME AND IF IT’S WORTH IT
Nowadays I’m game to try anything and everything skin care related. It might have taken me until my 30’s to start but I’m making up for it. In addition to the halo laser I had this year, I started a series of 3 micro needling treatments in the fall. The two struggles I’ve faced in the past few years that really, really bug me are my acne scars and lines under my eyes. I feel like I’ve tried everything to fix my acne scars and nothing has worked. I struggled with cystic acne in my teenage years and my left cheek was the main problem area and it never recovered. Micro needling has intrigued me since I first my friend Marissa told me about it a few years ago but I just couldn’t figure out if the price was worth it. After doing some research, I came across a 2008 study, showing skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment. I booked an appointment with Heather Happy at Cool Springs Plastic Surgery and anxiously awaited my first micro needling experience.
My Micro Needling Experience:
What is it?
It is a treatment that uses a bunch of tiny needles to puncture the first later of skin. The method is used to regenerate skin growth by boosting collagen production which reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring and improves the overall texture of skin. Your physician can set the exact depth depending on many factors that suit each patient best for their skin type and condition.
The Pain.
When I got to Cool Springs Plastic Surgery, the entire office was so sweet and welcoming, especially Heather. She made me feel so comfortable and answered any questions. It also eased my nerves to unravel how entirely knowledgable she is about all of the treatments she can provide. This girl knows her stuff. She immediately put numbing cream on my face to help with pain and we let that sit for a bit before we chatted about my problems and issues. The first round of micro needling last fall was a milder version to sort of test out my skin. It went by really quick and I wouldn’t say it hurt as much as it felt uncomfortable. The worst part was probably my forehead area and only because it kept making me wanna sneeze.
Downtime.
I left with a very red face but the first round of micro needling subsided very quickly, leaving me with genuinely minimal downtime. The second treatment Heather went deeper on my skin so I did see more redness that stayed longer (just a few hours then looked like a sunburn) and likewise with the third just giving more a bit more downtime that normal because of the depth of the needle this time around. With that being said, the redness is usually same day and the next few days the only downtime is some flaky skin but nothing that will affect your day-to-day.
Results.
I definitely saw results after my first micro needling experience but with any treatment I along with the physician always recommend a series, 3 usually is best. Also a refresher maybe 1-2 times a year if you’re able. The first treatment gave me glowing skin and I was definitely pleased. It just got better and better with the remaining treatment. My makeup went on better, my fines lines softened but best of all my acne scarring was starting to fade. Y’all don’t know how happy that has made me. It has been such an insecurity of mine for so long. I can’t wait for my next treatment. I see my face every day so I am not gonna notice results as well as others (even though I did notice) but I have had multiple people telling me when they see me in person or on my Instagram videos how amazing my skin looks. Trust me that’s hard as a 35-year-old woman with 2 small children who seriously never sleeps.
Was my micro needling experience worth the $$?
A thousand times yes. If I could spend my money on 3 things beauty to improve it would hands down be botox, halo/bbl laser and micro needling. At my age especially I truly see the value in taking care of your skin. The earlier you start the better. I would much rather spend my money on my body than buying those new shoes or a latte every day. It just comes down to how important your skin is and it should be.
A little info from heather:
- Microneedling boosts collagen, improves texture, tone and fine lines and diminishes scars. it is also anti inflammatory
- Depending on the serum used, collagen can improve between 200%-1000% within 4 to 6 weeks
- Multiple treatments are often necessary for best results
- Downtime is typically between 1-3 days consisting of redness, dry/tight skin and a sunburn feel
- Makeup and excessive sweating must be avoided for 3 days after the treatment
Awesome news is Heather is giving one of my readers a chance to win a $350 treatment. You can head to my Instagram to check it out. Also if you’re in the Nashville area or you plan to be, she is offering anyone who mentions my name when they schedule an appointment with her or any of the nurses/doctors $50 off any treatment. That means injectables, lasers, botox, micro needling, surgery you name it. Just mention Nashville Wifestyles or Ashley Houston when booking your appointment.
I hope y’all are enjoying my skin journey and my micro needling experience. I hope this has helped answer some questions you may have had. If you have any specific questions please message me and I’ll help a sister out.
