Microneedling has become a go-to treatment for scars. Despite its effectiveness, however, your scars may appear worse before they improve when you try this procedure. This article will help you understand why it happens so that you can set realistic expectations for your treatment and aftercare.
Why Scars May Look Worse After Microneedling
Scars tend to look more noticeable immediately after microneedling treatment due to the healing processes triggered by your skin.
Original Inflammatory Response and Redness
Microneedling creates a controlled inflammatory response, which is your body’s natural reaction to the tiny injuries caused by the treatment. This sterile inflammation attracts neutrophils to various skin layers, initiating the healing process.
The visible inflammation appears as erythema (redness) and typically lasts approximately 48 hours. People with lighter skin tones experience a decrease in redness of about 50% within four to six hours after treatment. Those with darker skin tones might notice darker patches instead of redness. Either way, the skin often feels like it has a sunburn, with mild discomfort, burning, or irritation during this time.
Temporary Swelling and Skin Texture Changes
Your skin’s texture changes as it heals after microneedling. While major edema (swelling) is rare, mild swelling typically resolves within 48 hours. This response shows your body healing the micro-wounds.
Swelling peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours, accompanied by redness. The skin shows more noticeable swelling and texture changes between days three and five as cells turn over faster. You might feel slight roughness and see subtle marks on your skin’s surface.
Mild flaking or peeling often starts three to five days after treatment. This makes the skin look somewhat dull and sandy, but such changes signal that your skin is actively shedding damaged cells and creating healthier tissue.
Micro-injury Visibility in Early Healing
The tiny channels created by microneedling can form visible patterns during the early stages of healing. These track marks appear as small, grid-like impressions where the device made contact with your skin.
Track marks fade within days but may persist after deeper treatments or on sensitive skin. Additionally, deeper needle penetration results in more noticeable temporary marks.
The cells near these needle channels react to the tiny wounds with increased activity. This triggers an electromagnetic field in the intercellular electrolyte that stimulates DNA expression in nearby cells. This cellular activity improves your skin in the long term but temporarily alters its appearance during the healing process.
Note that only cells close to the injury become active during this process. As these cells repair and rebuild your skin, scars that initially appeared worse start to improve. You’ll typically see positive changes around two to three weeks after treatment.
Understanding the Skin’s Healing Timeline
The healing after microneedling follows a clear timeline with specific phases. Your scars may look worse before they improve. This happens because of how your skin naturally heals after tiny controlled injuries.
Phase 1: Inflammation (0–3 Days)
Your skin starts its inflammatory phase right after microneedling. Again, this first step in wound healing isn’t a bad sign; it shows your body’s natural defense system at work. Your immune system sends white blood cells to clean the micro-wounds and fight off infection.
Phase 2: Proliferation and Collagen Remodeling
The proliferation phase begins once the swelling subsides and lasts approximately two to eight weeks. Your skin undergoes several important changes beneath the surface.
For example, new blood vessels grow to support healing tissue. Then fibroblast cells make new collagen, elastin, and other components. These elements form the foundation for renewing skin and reshaping scars.
Your skin might feel rough or flake a bit around days five to seven as cells turn over faster. Cell activity stays high through weeks two to three, even though you can’t see much inflammation.
Collagen production peaks about seven days after treatment and continues for weeks. Your body converts this new collagen (mostly type III) into stronger type I collagen over time. This process helps improve your skin’s texture and makes scars look better.
Phase 3: Maturation and Scar Flattening
The final phase starts around eight weeks after treatment and can last a year or more. Collagen fibers get stronger and line up better during this time. Random collagen becomes more organized, which makes your skin smoother and scars less noticeable.
You won’t see day-to-day changes like in earlier phases. The improvements come slowly now. Most people need multiple treatments, four to six weeks apart, to get the best results.
Remember to be patient. The best results typically appear three to six months after completing all treatments. Good skincare and sun protection help your collagen rebuild properly and prevent dark spots throughout this long healing process.
Factors That Can Exaggerate Post-Microneedling Scarring
Your skin may develop worse scarring after microneedling due to several factors that can be avoided. Learning about these possible complications will help you get better results for your skin texture.
Microneedling on Active Acne or Infected Skin
Microneedling over acne breakouts can be dangerous. The device creates tiny holes in your skin and can spread bacteria from active pimples across your face, potentially worsening your condition. This risk of contamination also applies to painful, pus-filled pimples and other skin infections.
New research suggests that microneedling may help with acne when performed properly. However, you should wait until your breakouts clear up before getting microneedling for scars.
Inadequate Post Microneedling Care
Good aftercare prevents complications. Your skin needs protection while it heals from these tiny injuries. Poor post-treatment care can lead to infections, dark spots, or slower healing.
Overuse of Harsh Topicals During Recovery
Using the wrong products too soon after treatment can ruin your results. Your skin’s protective barrier stays compromised for several days after microneedling, making it very sensitive to certain ingredients.
Best Practices for Microneedling Aftercare and Recovery
Your skin’s healing after microneedling treatment depends on proper aftercare. These evidence-based guidelines will help you get the best results with minimal discomfort.
Relieve Your Skin
The treated area should not be touched during the first 24 hours because bacteria from the hands could lead to infection. Clean your skin only with lukewarm water and a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser. A cool compress can help reduce any inflammation and discomfort.
Safe Moisturizers and Cleansers to Use
Your skin needs hydration after the first 24 hours to prevent dryness and irritation. These products work best:
- Hyaluronic acid serums (apply two to three times daily for the first three to five days)
- Gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizers
- Products with ceramides that strengthen the skin barrier
Heavy creams, oils, and fragranced products can clog pores and irritate the skin, so it is best to avoid them. A mild, pH-balanced cleanser without sulfates will keep your skin clean without disrupting the healing process after 24 hours.
Sun Protection and Avoiding Exfoliants
Proper sun protection is essential after microneedling treatment. Use a mineral sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (SPF 30+). The best protection comes from avoiding direct sun exposure completely during the first 48 to 72 hours.
Harsh skincare ingredients should be avoided. Retinoids, vitamin C, alpha/beta-hydroxy acids, and exfoliants should be paused for a minimum of five to seven days. These ingredients can irritate your newly treated skin and slow down healing.
When to Resume Makeup and Active Ingredients
Makeup should not be applied for 24 to 48 hours after microneedling. Start with mineral-based, non-comedogenic products when you resume. You can return to your full makeup routine after 72 hours.
Also, active skincare ingredients need a gradual reintroduction. Vitamin C can be used after five to seven days, while retinol should wait until at least one week post-treatment. Your regular skincare routine can fully resume around the two-week mark.
Get Microneedling Treatments for Your Scars at the Beauty Vault
Your skin’s healing journey after microneedling helps you know what to expect from your scar treatment. The “worse before better” phase may feel discouraging, but it usually comes right before you start to see improvements. The Beauty Vault team in West Hollywood can guide you best through this trip toward smoother, more even skin, so call them today at (323) 800-6770 or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Q1. Why do my scars appear worse immediately after microneedling?
Initially, scars may look more pronounced due to the skin’s inflammatory response, which causes temporary redness, swelling, and increased visibility of micro-injuries. This is a normal part of the healing process and typically subsides within a few days.
Q2. How long does it take to see improvements in scars after microneedling?
While initial results may be visible within two to three weeks, significant improvements in scar appearance typically occur three to six months after completing a full treatment series. The skin undergoes a gradual healing process, including collagen remodeling, which continues for up to a year.
Q4. What aftercare steps are crucial following a microneedling treatment?
Key aftercare steps include gentle cleansing, applying hydrating moisturizers, using mineral-based sunscreen, and avoiding harsh skincare ingredients for five to seven days. It’s also important to refrain from touching the treated area and to avoid makeup application for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment.
Q5. How can I distinguish between normal healing and complications after microneedling?
Normal reactions include mild redness, tenderness, and slight swelling that subside within 48 hours. Signs of complications include persistent redness and swelling beyond a week, yellow or green discharge, increasing pain, or fever. If you experience these symptoms or have concerns, consult your Beauty Vault provider promptly.
