Microneedling

Microneedling vs. Other Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

When it comes to improving skin texture, minimizing fine lines, and fading acne scars, microneedling is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment. Unlike more aggressive procedures like laser resurfacing or treatments with inconsistent results like microdermabrasion, microneedling offers gradual, natural-looking skin renewal with minimal downtime and long-lasting benefits.

Microneedling vs. Laser Resurfacing

• Less Aggressive, More Comfortable: Microneedling uses controlled micro-injuries rather than intense heat, resulting in less discomfort and a faster recovery.
• Lower Downtime: While laser resurfacing often requires a week or more of healing, microneedling typically involves just one to three days of mild redness.
• Safe for All Skin Tones: Microneedling carries a lower risk of hyperpigmentation, making it a safer option for diverse skin tones compared to lasers.

Microneedling vs. Chemical Peels

• Deeper Collagen Boost: While chemical peels exfoliate the surface, microneedling reaches deeper layers to stimulate collagen and elastin.
• Customizable Results: Microneedling allows for more targeted treatment of concerns like acne scars and fine lines, while peels are more generalized.
• Less Peeling & Irritation: Most microneedling clients experience minimal peeling, unlike medium or deep chemical peels that can cause visible flaking for days.

Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion

• More Advanced Technology: Microneedling goes beyond surface exfoliation, using precision needles to activate your skin’s healing response.
• Longer-Lasting Results: While microdermabrasion may give a quick glow, microneedling offers structural improvements in tone, texture, and firmness.
• Ideal for Complex Concerns: Microneedling is better suited for treating acne scars, enlarged pores, and deeper wrinkles, where microdermabrasion falls short.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Microneedling Treatments

At Southeast Aesthetic + Wellness, we’re committed to making your experience smooth, comfortable, and rewarding. Whether you’re targeting fine lines, acne scars, or overall skin rejuvenation, here’s what you can expect from your first consultation to your post-treatment glow.

Before Your Treatment

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation to assess your skin concerns, medical history, and goals. Based on this, we’ll create a customized treatment plan just for you. 

During Your Treatment

On the day of your microneedling session, we will gently cleanse your skin, and a topical numbing cream will be applied to minimize any discomfort. Once the area is numb, we will use a professional-grade microneedling device to create precise micro-injuries across the skin’s surface. 

Microneedling typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Most patients describe the sensation as a light scratching or tingling. It’s well-tolerated thanks to the numbing cream and expert technique.

After Your Treatment

You may notice mild redness, warmth, or swelling immediately after treatment, similar to a mild sunburn. These effects are typical and usually subside within 24 to 72 hours. In the days following, you might experience slight dryness or flaking as your skin begins to renew itself. 

Avoid harsh products, direct sun exposure, or heavy makeup during the initial recovery. As collagen production increases, your skin will look and feel smoother, firmer, and more radiant. Benefits are usually visible within a few weeks, with continued improvement over time.

For best results, we may recommend a series of treatments. Our team will guide you through the ideal schedule based on your unique skin and goals.

How to Take Care of Your Skin After Microneedling

Proper aftercare is essential to maximize the benefits of microneedling and support your skin’s natural healing process. Following a few simple guidelines will help reduce irritation, prevent infection, and ensure glowing, long-lasting results.

Keep Your Skin Clean and Hydrated

Gently cleanse your skin with a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser for the first few days. Follow up with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to soothe dryness and support healing.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun after treatment. Avoid direct sunlight and always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher once your provider advises it’s safe to do so.

Skip Harsh Products

Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, acids (like AHAs/BHAs), and active ingredients for at least five to seven days post-treatment. These can irritate your healing skin and compromise results.

Don’t Pick or Scratch

Mild flaking or peeling may occur, but please resist the urge to touch, pick, or scratch your skin. Let it shed naturally to avoid scarring or infection.

Avoid Excessive Sweating

Skip intense workouts, saunas, and hot showers for 24 to 48 hours, as heat and sweat can increase inflammation or introduce bacteria to your healing skin.

Follow Your Provider’s Instructions

Always follow the aftercare routine and product recommendations provided by your aesthetic specialist. This ensures safe healing and enhances your microneedling results.

How to Prepare for Your Microneedling Treatments

Proper preparation helps ensure your skin responds well to microneedling and heals beautifully. At Southeast Aesthetic + Wellness, we provide clear, personalized instructions before your appointment. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:

Avoid Sun Exposure

Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds for at least three to five days before your treatment. Sunburned or overly sensitized skin can’t be treated safely.

Pause Active Skincare Ingredients

Stop using retinoids, exfoliants, AHAs/BHAs, and vitamin C serums three to five days prior to your session. These can make your skin more sensitive and increase irritation during and after treatment.

Avoid Anti-Inflammatories and Blood Thinners

If possible, avoid medications and supplements like ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, and vitamin E for a few days before your treatment (with your provider’s approval). These can increase the risk of bruising.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Well-hydrated skin responds better to microneedling and heals more efficiently.

Come with a Clean Face

Arrive at your appointment with freshly cleansed skin (no makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen). This allows us to work on a clean, bare surface.

Plan Around Social Events

You may experience temporary redness or mild swelling after treatment, so it’s a good idea to schedule your session at least a few days before any major events.

Skin Stylus: Our Choice for Microneedling Treatments

Skin Stylus microneedling involves using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and promoting collagen and elastin production. This treatment helps improve skin texture, tone, and reduces the appearance of scars and fine lines. Both treatments are safe for all skin tones, offering effective solutions for skin rejuvenation and improvement.

Enhancing Your Microneedling Appointment: Add-On Treatments

Vivace Ultra

Vivace Ultra combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for enhanced collagen production and skin tightening. It uses ultra-fine needles and advanced technology to deliver precise energy into the skin, reducing wrinkles, scars, and improving texture with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Benev Exosomes

Benev Exosomes are a cutting-edge skincare treatment designed to enhance skin rejuvenation and healing processes. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication, carrying proteins, lipids, and genetic material between cells. Benev Exosomes leverage this natural communication system to promote skin repair, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health.

Key Features of Benev Exosomes

• Advanced Technology: Derived from stem cells, Benev Exosomes contain a high concentration of growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive molecules that are essential for skin regeneration and repair.
• Mechanism of Action: When applied to the skin, these exosomes penetrate the deeper layers, delivering their payload of bioactive molecules directly to skin cells. This stimulates cellular repair processes, collagen production, and the regeneration of healthy skin tissues.

Applications of Benev Exosomes

• Skin Rejuvenation: Enhances skin texture, tone, and overall appearance, making the skin look more youthful and radiant.
• Anti-Aging: Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots by promoting collagen and elastin production.
• Post-Procedure Healing: Accelerates healing and reduces downtime when used after treatments like microneedling, laser therapy, and chemical peels.
• Scar Reduction: Improves the appearance of acne scars and other types of scars by promoting healthy tissue regeneration.

Benefits of Benev Exosomes

• Enhanced Efficacy: By directly targeting skin cells and enhancing their natural regenerative processes, Benev Exosomes offer more significant and faster results compared to traditional skincare treatments.
• Non-Invasive: This treatment is non-invasive and can be used as an add-on to various aesthetic procedures or as a stand-alone treatment, providing a versatile option for improving skin health.
• Minimal Downtime: Treatments with Benev Exosomes typically involve minimal downtime, allowing patients to quickly resume their daily activities.
• Safe and Natural: Derived from stem cells, exosomes are a natural and safe way to stimulate skin rejuvenation without the need for synthetic chemicals or invasive procedures.

Ideal Candidates

Benev Exosomes are suitable for individuals looking to enhance their skin’s appearance and health, whether they are seeking anti-aging benefits, improved skin texture, or accelerated healing post-procedure. It is particularly beneficial for those looking for a powerful, non-invasive treatment to complement their existing skincare regimen or aesthetic procedures.

Understanding the Risks of Microneedling: What You Should Know

Microneedling is generally safe when performed by trained professionals, but like any cosmetic treatment, it comes with potential risks. At Southeast Aesthetic + Wellness, we prioritize your safety and ensure you’re fully informed before starting treatment.

• Temporary Redness and Irritation: It’s common to experience redness, sensitivity, and a mild burning sensation immediately after treatment. These effects typically subside within 24 to 72 hours.
• Dryness and Flaking: You may notice temporary dryness or light peeling as your skin heals and renews. This is a normal part of the skin’s natural regeneration process.
• Swelling or Bruising: Some clients experience slight swelling or pinpoint bruising, especially if they have sensitive skin. These effects are usually minor and resolve within a few days.