Most of us want smooth, healthy-looking skin, but with so many treatments and products available, it’s hard to know what’s real, safe, and effective for the issues you want to improve.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), is a science-backed treatment that stimulates your skin’s natural healing process to reveal a more radiant and refined complexion. When it is done right by a medical professional with the right training, tools, and serums, it is transformative.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our custom treatment, what the experience feels like, how to care for your skin before and after, and share real microneedling before and after results.
What is Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny, medical-grade needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny punctures might sound counterintuitive, but they’re the secret to unlocking your skin’s regenerative powers.
The body responds to these injuries by producing more collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for firm, smooth, radiant skin.
What Can Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling is a powerhouse treatment that addresses a wide variety of skin concerns. We use it to treat:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars and other types of scarring
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Enlarged pores
- General dullness and loss of radiance
- Thin, aging skin
Microneedling is also a great treatment for patients looking to strengthen thin, aging skin in preparation for more advanced or targeted treatments.
Glass Skin and Salmon DNA
What is glass skin? If you’ve ever admired the impossibly smooth, light-reflecting skin made famous by Korean beauty, you’ve seen glass skin. It’s not a filter. It’s healthy, hydrated skin functioning at its best.
One of the most powerful tools used to achieve this look is PDRN, a compound derived from Salmon DNA. Known as the “youth vaccine” in South Korea, PDRN stimulates skin regeneration, improves hydration, and accelerates healing.
When paired with microneedling, this serum doesn’t just sit on the surface. It’s absorbed deep into the dermis where it can truly work its magic. Patients often notice improved skin tone and texture, reduced redness, and a luminous quality that continues to improve over time.
Dr. Menezes incorporates this evidence-based ingredient into treatments for patients who want results that go beyond glow. This is about skin that’s not only beautiful, but strong, supported, and resilient.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Microneedling
Knowing what to expect helps you feel more confident and relaxed going into your treatment.
BEFORE TREATMENT
Preparing your skin properly can significantly improve the effectiveness of your treatment and reduce the risk of irritation or side effects. Here’s how to get your skin ready for microneedling:
One Week Before Treatment
- Avoid sun exposure. Microneedling should never be performed on sunburned skin. UV damage increases inflammation and slows healing.
- Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids (like glycolic or salicylic), and benzoyl peroxide at least 5–7 days before treatment unless otherwise directed by Dr. Menezes.
- Hold off on waxing, threading, or chemical peels. These can compromise the skin barrier and increase the risk of sensitivity.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and focus on moisturizing skin care in the days leading up to your session.
48 Hours Before Treatment
- Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin unless medically necessary. These can increase the likelihood of pinpoint bruising or swelling.
- Minimize exposure to environmental irritants. Smoke, vog, pollution, and extreme weather can all make skin more reactive before a treatment.
Do not schedule neurotoxin, filler, or other injectables right before microneedling. These are best spaced apart and scheduled with guidance from Dr. Menezes.
During Treatment
First, we will apply numbing cream (about 30 minutes), then cleanse and exfoliate with our medical facial technology. After that the microneedling and serum application itself takes around 15 to 30 minutes. We finish the treatment with a hydrating mask and ice globe massage.
Because we use medical-grade numbing cream, patients describe the sensation as a prickly or vibrating feeling, not painful. Most find the treatment surprisingly comfortable. We can treat the face, neck, chest, or other areas based on your goals.
After the treatment, you’ll leave looking a little red, like a light sunburn, and most patients are back to normal activities within a day or two.
Microneedling After Care Tips
Post-care is essential for healing and results. Here’s what we recommend:
- Use only a gentle cleanser and SPF for the first 48 hours
- Follow after care instructions and use the products we supply and recommend
- Avoid makeup, intense exercise, heat, saunas, and hot yoga for 5–7 days
- Expect mild redness immediately after procedure
- Stay out of the sun, and use SPF daily to protect your fresh new skin.
Your skin heals best when it is supported. Following your after-care instructions and sticking to your skin fitness routine with medical-grade skin care will amplify your treatment results.
What You’ll Notice
- Within the first week, skin appears smoother, softer, and more hydrated
- At 4–6 weeks, new collagen forms, leading to firmer, more youthful skin
- Over a series of treatments, improvements compound, especially for concerns like acne scars or deeper texture issues
Treatment Schedule
Most patients see the best results with a series of 3 to 5 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. After that, we recommend maintenance treatments every 4–6 months to sustain your glow and collagen levels.
How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?
After a full treatment series, your skin will be radiant, and several factors influence how long your results will last:
- Your age and skin condition
- Your commitment to home care and sun protection
- Whether you’re combining microneedling with other treatments and serums like facials, laser, or LED Light Therapy
- Number and timing of touch-up treatments
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Microneedling is a wonderful option if you’re looking for:
- Non-invasive, natural skin renewal
- A safe treatment with minimal downtime
- Visible improvements in tone, texture, and radiance
- Reduction in scars, pores, and early signs of aging
It’s safe for most skin types and tones, but should always be performed by a qualified medical provider. At MMMD, licensed medical professionals conduct all microneedling treatments.
Microneedle Magic
Ok, microneedling isn’t magic, but it’s close when done right. When you combine clinical expertise with the body’s natural healing process, the results are brighter tone, smoother texture, improved scars and pores, and radiant skin that looks as good as it feels.
At our clinic, we customize every microneedling treatment so your skin gets exactly what it needs to thrive. Call us at 808-855-8436 to schedule your microneedling consultation, treatment, or enhanced facial today.
We’ll talk through your goals, evaluate your skin, and create a plan that brings out your glow safely, skillfully, and beautifully.
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