Microneedling Before and After: What Results to Expect After Each Session

Microneedling results don’t show up all at once. They build with each session, with early changes like a healthy glow and smoother texture appearing first, followed by deeper improvements as collagen develops beneath the surface.

In this guide, you’ll see what typical microneedling before-and-after stages look like, what your face may look like on day two, and how healing progresses over a series of visits. You’ll also get clear pre- and post-treatment steps and practical tips to support your skin without irritation, so you can feel confident and prepared at every stage.

What microneedling is and how it works

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses tiny, sterile needles to create micro-channels in the skin's surface. Those micro-injuries spark a natural inflammatory process that tells your skin cells to repair, laying down new collagen and elastin.

Over a few weeks, this remodeling phase helps smooth acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone.

There are a few versions of microneedling, and each has its own benefits. One of which is PRP microneedling, where platelet-rich plasma (your own blood's growth factors) is applied to the treated area to potentially speed healing and boost texture improvement.

Sessions are quick, typically 30–60 minutes with topical lidocaine for comfort. Expect a few hours of post-treatment redness that looks like a sunburn, then a steady glow as collagen and elastin production builds. Deeper microneedling can cause redness and minor swelling for 1-3 days.

Are you a good candidate? Benefits and contraindications

Microneedling benefits many skin types and skin concerns: acne scars and acne scarring, large pores, stretch marks, surgical scars, skin rejuvenation, and general skin texture and skin appearance. It can also be done on the scalp to support hair follicles in some hair loss protocols.

Good candidates usually:

• Want nonsurgical texture improvement and a youthful glow

• Can commit to multiple treatments, spaced a few weeks apart

Use caution or avoid treatment if you have active inflammatory acne, open lesions, eczema or psoriasis flares in the area, a history of keloids, or are pregnant. If you’re prone to cold sores, let your provider know. The procedure can occasionally trigger a flare, and they may recommend a preventive antiviral.

People with deeper skin tones can be good candidates, though settings and aftercare may be customized to lower the chance of pigment changes. Avoid treating directly over cosmetic tattoos.

Downsides? Temporary redness, swelling, skin dryness, and flaking are common. Rare risks include prolonged irritation, infection, or pigment changes (more on this below).

How to prepare: Timeline and checklist

A smart prep routine reduces irritation and sets you up for great before-and-after results.

Two weeks before

• Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Use SPF daily.

• Pause retinoids, strong exfoliants, and harsh topical agents that could cause skin irritation.

• Avoid blood-thinning agents when possible, such as aspirin, fish oil, and high-dose vitamin E. Always check with your provider first, and never stop prescription medications without medical guidance.

• Skip depilatory creams and waxing on the treatment area. If dense hair is present, discuss trimming. Avoid microneedling over dense hair unless planned, as face and scalp protocols differ.

• Share your medical history, skin concerns, and dates of recent treatments so your provider can personalize your plan.

48 hours before

• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen if your provider recommends it.

• Hydrate well and keep your skincare routine simple. Hold off on new topical treatments. If you’re prone to cold sores, begin the prescribed antiviral as directed.

• Avoid alcohol 24-48 hours before, as it can increase bruising.

Day of treatment

• Arrive with clean skin and use a gentle cleanser beforehand. Skip makeup and heavy creams.

• Topical lidocaine is typically applied in-office. If you’re treating the scalp or areas with hair follicles, ask whether deeper microneedling or a specific needle depth is planned.

• Snap a quick “before” photo so you can track your progress over time.

Prefer to talk it through with a pro first? Book your consultation with a specialist from Eternity Wellness.

Treatment day, aftercare, and healing timeline

Here's the real-world "microneedling before and after" timeline most people experience.

Treatment day overview

Immediately after microneedling, the skin often looks flushed with pinpoint redness where the needles reached tiny blood vessels. This is normal and expected. You may feel warmth or tightness for a few hours. PRP microneedling can look a bit dewier from the growth factors and may produce slightly more swelling during the first 24–48 hours.

Post-treatment guidance typically includes avoiding unprotected sun exposure, skipping the gym for 24 hours, cleansing with a gentle cleanser, and using only approved hydrating serums or any prescribed topical antibiotic. Sleeping with your head elevated the first night can help reduce swelling.

Days 1–3: Redness, swelling, and peeling

• Day 1: Pink to red skin with mild puffiness. Dryness or a tight feeling is common.

• Day 2: Skin often remains flushed. Light peeling or a sandpaper-like texture may start, and dryness becomes more noticeable. Makeup may cling.

• Day 3: Flaking continues as older skin sheds. Avoid picking. Skin can still feel dry and tight as it settles.

Avoid during the early stage

• Direct sunlight and heat exposure

• Hot yoga and saunas

• Harsh scrubs and strong actives

• Alcohol-based toners or anything that could cause irritation

Stick to gentle cleansers, bland moisturizers, and sunscreen once approved for use.

Weeks 2–6: Texture smoothing and glow

This is when collagen production begins to build. Skin often looks smoother, with pores appearing smaller and tone looking more even. Fine lines and acne scars tend to soften, and enlarged pores look more refined. With PRP, many people notice continued improvement into weeks 8–12. Progress is gradual after each session, think steady gains, not an overnight change.

Results, sessions, and timing

Microneedling works in stages, with continued skin improvement more noticeable with each session. Expect early brightness within days once flaking settles, with a more noticeable glow by weeks 2–3. Collagen remodeling takes time, so improvements continue over several months.

Most plans include 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, especially for texture, acne scars, or stretch marks. Subtle changes can appear within the first week, with more visible gains around 6–12 weeks.

Ready to start? Request pricing and availability.

Risks, side effects, and when to seek help

Microneedling is generally well-tolerated, but knowing what’s normal (and what’s not) helps you stay confident during recovery.

• What’s normal: Redness, mild swelling, dryness, flaking, a tight feeling, and tiny pinpoint marks for 24–72 hours. Mild breakouts can occur as older skin sheds.

• What’s not normal: Severe swelling, spreading redness, pus, fever, intense pain, new or worsening pigment changes, and severe acne flares or cystic breakouts. If you’re prone to cold sores, watch for early flare signs. These can suggest irritation or infection.

• Potential downsides: Short downtime, temporary sensitivity, and the need for multiple sessions. Rare risks include infection or scarring, more likely with unsterile tools, harsh topicals too soon, or sun exposure immediately after treatment.

• Special skin conditions: Avoid treating active psoriasis plaques. If you have widespread psoriasis or other active inflammatory skin conditions, consult a dermatologist first.

• When to call a provider: Reach out if you notice signs of infection, prolonged bleeding, a cold sore, or redness lasting beyond 5-7 days or worsening after initial improvement. Let your provider know if you took anti-inflammatory medication too soon or had significant sun exposure. Follow your clinic’s post-care instructions to help minimize irritation.

Your next step toward smoother skin

When reviewing microneedling before-and-after photos, keep in mind that the most meaningful changes develop in the weeks following each session as the skin rebuilds and collagen forms. With smart prep, thoughtful aftercare, and realistic expectations, you can see steady texture improvements, a healthy glow, softer acne scars, and a smoother appearance.

Have questions about what to do before and after microneedling or whether PRP fits your goals? Book a consultation to get a plan tailored to your skin and schedule.

Microneedling before and after: FAQs

What does your face look like two days after microneedling?

Around day 2, expect a flushed, rosy look with tightness, dryness, and light peeling or a sandpapery feel. Makeup may cling to dry patches. Keep skincare gentle, avoid sun and heat, and don’t pick at flaking. Most people feel more comfortable by days 3–4 as shedding eases.

How long until I see microneedling results, and how many sessions do I need?

You’ll notice early brightness once flaking settles, usually within a week. Collagen remodeling brings bigger changes at 6–12 weeks. Most plans recommend 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with 1–2 maintenance visits yearly. Scars and stretch marks typically require more sessions for visible smoothing.

Is microneedling good for psoriasis?

Microneedling isn’t recommended on active psoriasis plaques. The skin in those areas is already sensitive and reactive, and treatment can worsen irritation.

If you have psoriasis, especially widespread or unstable flares, talk with a dermatologist before scheduling microneedling. In some cases, providers may treat areas not affected by plaques, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to avoid triggering symptoms.