About Microneedling

Beauty on point. Get the elasticity and glow of youthful-looking skin with our collagen-boosting microneedling treatment.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally-invasive treatment designed to address a variety of skin issues, including fine lines, wrinkles and hair loss.

Also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) or even a vampire facial (thanks Kardashians!), microneedling is performed using a device referred to as a Dermapen.

The Dermapen creates micro injuries in the skin that trigger the body to release growth factors, which causes the body to increase its production of collagen and elastin - the two key proteins that help keep skin looking youthful.

As we age, our collagen production slows down which contributes to wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Microneedling offers you a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance without the need for surgery.

As a Board-Certified Oculoplastics and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon and Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Specialist, Dr. Baljeet K. Purewal and her team are experts in microneedling and have been serving the Northern NJ area for over a decade.

What are some of the microneedling benefits?

Short term, microneedling makes skin look plumper and more radiant. Long term, it encourages the body to create more collagen and elastin for thicker and smoother skin.

It also allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper for boosted results.

Microneedling can address some of the most common skin issues and aesthetic concerns including:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Overly large pores
• Hyperpigmentation
• Sunspots
• Scarring
• Acne
• Alopecia
• Rosacea
• Melasma
• Loose skin
• Uneven skin texture
• Stretch marks.

Who is microneedling suitable for?

Microneedling is safe for use on all skin types and every skin color.

As microneedling causes very little damage to the epidermis, the treatment is a safer alternative to traditional lasers and chemical peels for those with darker skin tones.

How does microneedling work?

As we age, our body reduces the amount of collagen - the protein that gives skin its youthful texture and tone - it produces. Fine lines and wrinkles develop as a result. The body also slows its production of elastin, which gives skin its elasticity.

The Dermapen used in microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to create tiny micro punctures in the skin. These fine needles penetrate the skin, creating small injuries which trigger the body to increase its production of collagen and elastin.

The needles used in the Dermapen vary in length, allowing Dr. Purewal or our lead aesthetician to choose a needle designed to reach a precise depth.

Skin is left tighter, smoother, and brighter without the need for surgery.

Can I add other treatments to enhance the microneedling results?

Yes! Many patients are suitable for add-on treatments that are specifically designed to enhance the results from a microneedling procedure, such as PRF.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) combined with a microneedling procedure can be used to improve your skin quality and texture even further.

We also use this combination of procedures to treat dark circles.

Why should I choose microneedling over other treatments?

While all skin rejuvenation treatments offer great results, the benefits of microneedling or collagen induction therapy go beyond just improving your skin’s tone and texture.

These include:

• All the skin layers remain intact.
• Fewer side effects.
• Minimal healing time.
• Less painful.

The microneedling procedure can also significantly improve wrinkles, decrease the size of the pores, and reduce the visibility of acne scars.

How deep do the microneedles of the Dermapen penetrate?

Needle depth depends on the condition being treated and the thickness of your skin in the targeted areas. We determine the depth that the microneedles will penetrate into the skin before the procedure.

Does the microneedling procedure hurt?

Our patients often liken the sensation of microneedling to the feeling of sandpaper gently moving across your skin.

To minimize discomfort, we apply topical numbing cream. Our state-of-the-art Dermapen also vibrates during the procedure; this vibration helps interrupt the receptors responsible for signaling the brain to feel pain.

Some areas are slightly more sensitive than others. For example, areas with less tissue (e.g., the forehead) tend to be more sensitive than the areas that have more tissue (e.g., the cheeks).

However most patients tolerate the microneedling procedure well and, of course, we do everything we can to make it as comfortable as possible.

How long does a New Jersey microneedling procedure at Fresh Face + Eye take?

A full face and neck treatment takes approximately 60 minutes including the numbing time.

How will my skin look immediately after my microneedling procedure?

Immediately after your skin will be inflamed, which makes it appear red or flushed for several hours. Once the redness subsides, your skin will have a pink hue for several days. Areas that required more aggressive treatment may remain pink longer.

What should I expect after a microneedling procedure?

You must avoid exposure to UV rays (e.g., sunlight and tanning beds) for at least three days, but potentially up to 10 following your treatment.

A special serum and sunscreen will be applied to the treated area.

Side effects of your microneedling treatment may also include:

• Burning
• A general feeling of discomfort.
• Skin irritation.
• Sensitivity
• Flushed-looking skin.

For the first 24 hours, you need to refrain from performing strenuous activities, exercises or participating in any other activity that could cause you to perspire. For the initial six hours after the microneedling treatment, it is vital you do not touch or wash the treated areas.

Anti-inflammatory medicines should be avoided for at least 24 hours before and 24 hours after a microneedling treatment. Taking an anti-inflammatory medication before or after this procedure interferes with the body’s natural inflammatory response, which is necessary for the desired skin changes to occur.

At some point within the 72 hours following treatment, your skin will feel dry. It may also begin peeling or flaking off. These side effects are normal and are due to the increase in the amount of skin your body is turning over.

How should I care for my skin after a microneedling treatment?

While good hydration is always important, it is even more so following a skin treatment. We’ll provide you with specific instructions related to which moisturizers will maximize your treatment results.

You may also use cool compresses to alleviate some of the side effects associated with the microneedling procedure.

When can I see the results of my microneedling treatment?

While some improvement may be seen right away, you’ll typically notice significant improvements after 10 - 14 days.

This is because as the growth hormones stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, your skin continues to improve.

You can expect to see an improvement in your:

• Fine lines.
• Skin texture.
• Pores.
• Skin tone.
• Pigmentation variances.
• Scarring.
• Dark circles.

If you choose to have collagen induction therapy at regular intervals, your skin will keep getting better as the treatments trigger the body to produce more and more of these vital proteins.

What will the results of microneedling be?

Within a few days, you’ll experience smoother and healthier-looking skin and smaller pores. If you wear makeup, you will notice quicker and easier foundation application. Your skincare products will also tend to penetrate deeper compared to before your microneedling treatment for boosted results.

How long is the recovery process?

The aggressiveness of the treatment determines healing time. However, you can expect your recovery to last anywhere from two to five days.

Most of our patients feel comfortable enough to return to their approved normal activities within 72 hours of their treatment.

You can apply makeup after 24 hours post-surgery. Before this period, makeup must be strictly avoided.

How frequently should the microneedling treatments be performed?

The most dramatic results are seen after three collagen induction therapy treatments in a row. We recommend having three treatments spaced between four to six weeks apart.

Having regular collagen induction therapy promotes continued collagen and elastin production as well as skin cell renewal. Microneedling can be performed regularly to maintain healthier skin with a more youthful appearance.

Regular collagen induction therapy treatments offer increased long-term results.

How much does microneedling cost?

The cost of treatment varies depending on your specific aesthetic goals or results you hope to achieve. During your initial consultation, Dr. Baljeet Purewal will be able to determine how much your collagen induction therapy will cost.

Ready for a fresh approach to beauty and aging? To schedule an appointment or learn more about our microneedling treatment at Fresh Face + Eye please call (973) 635-4000 or use the online form by clicking here . Virtual consultations are also available.