The concept behind Microneedling is not new. It was originally introduced in the 1950s with a “dermaroller,” kind of an aerator (think of your lawn) for your face. Not surprising, rolling this back and forth across a person’s face didn’t catch on. Then in the 1990s, tattoo guns were used without ink to improve post-surgical scarring.

Technological improvements in the delivery method allowed for today’s Microneedling in Salt Lake City. At Saltz Plastic Surgery, we use the SkinPen a small handheld device that resembles a pen. It contains 12 microneedles that move up and down as the SkinPen is moved across the treatment area. We set the penetration depth (up to 2mm), creating hundreds of tiny microscopic punctures/wounds across the treatment areas. This initiates the healing mechanism in the skin, which improves texture and quality, and improves issues such as acne scarring.

When we move the SkinPen across the treatment areas, the microneedles move up and down creating hundreds of punctures. The punctures penetrate the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer, and enter the dermis, the skin’s second layer. Because each individual puncture is so small, it is surrounded by completely healthy skin that instantly gets busy helping to heal the small punctures surrounding it. They fully heal within just a few hours.

The body, however, believes it has been wounded with all of these tiny incursions into the dermis layer. It initiates a healing response in the skin. First, the skin actively remodels the existing collagen, instantly tightening the skin. Then it signals to increase production of collagen, the protein in the skin responsible for the skin’s underlying support structure. It also increases elastin production, which helps the skin with elasticity and suppleness. The end result is that the skin firms, creates new cells, helps to break down existing scars and large pores, and then sends supplies of new collagen and elastin to the area.

Another cool thing about Microneedling in Park City & Salt Lake City is that the hundreds of microscopic punctures can be thought of as channels down through epidermis directly into the dermis. That enables us to apply topical gels, serums, and creams that can directly get into the dermis layer, where they are much more effective. These topical applications further enhance the skin.

At Saltz Plastic Surgery & Spa Vitoria, we use Microneedling all over the body, but the typical targets are the face, neck, and décolletage. Microneedling doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation, so it can also be used on all skin tones.

Here are skin conditions we treat with Microneedling:

• Acne scars
• Large pores
• Fine lines
• Uneven texture
• Stretch marks

There really are not any limitations on who could benefit from Microneedling. It doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation, as some other resurfacing procedures do. The punctures are only superficial and they heal within just a few hours.

Obviously, it would seem like puncturing your skin hundreds of times would hurt quite a bit. Actually, it doesn’t. We apply a topical anesthetic prior to your procedure, so you don’t feel any pain. Plus, the needles are very thin. Patients tell us the procedure feels something like light sandpaper being moved across their skin.

Treatments can take anywhere from 20-60 minutes, depending on the area/areas you are having treated. A face treatment typically takes from 20-30 minutes.

Microneedling stimulates collagen production, which requires an inflammatory response in the skin. To maintain control over this response, it is best to avoid all unnecessary sun exposure for at least one to two days before your appointment. Each morning, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 sunscreen and, if necessary, a wide-brimmed hat. It is also necessary to refrain from using all types of acid-based products and medications that thin the blood in the few days before microneedling treatment. Examples include alpha-hydroxy serum, aspirin, and ibuprofen. On the morning of your microneedling appointment, cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash but do not apply any serums or moisturizers to the area. Also do not wear makeup to your appointment.  If you are concerned about comfort during your treatment, you may take acetaminophen about one hour prior to your visit. 

Your provider may provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that discuss when and how to wash your face after your microneedling treatment. Generally, it is appropriate to wash the treatment area the day of treatment, usually just before bed to allow several hours for the microchannels to close completely. When caring for the skin after treatment, all harsh chemicals and exfoliators must be avoided. It is beneficial to use a face wash that is fragrance-free and formulated without any acid-based ingredients. After two full days of healing, you may resume using most if not all of your normal skincare products. 

Yes, microneedling is generally considered safe for all skin types and tones. However, individuals with active acne, eczema, psoriasis, or certain skin infections may not be ideal candidates and should consult with a qualified provider before treatment.

During a microneedling session, your provider will first cleanse your skin and then apply the numbing cream. Once the skin is numb, the microneedling device is passed over the treatment area. A serum or topical solution, such as hyaluronic acid or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), may be applied to enhance results.

A session is usually 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and whether additional therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), are included. The numbing process typically takes 20-30 minutes, while microneedling itself usually takes 15-30 minutes.

Yes, a consultation is strongly recommended before microneedling. This helps your provider assess your skin type, medical history, and specific concerns to ensure microneedling is appropriate for you. It also allows for customization of the treatment plan, including needle depth and whether to combine microneedling with other treatments.

As your skin reacts to the punctures, you will have an immediate glow, but Microneedling results build with time. This is because your body increases the production of collagen and elastin for weeks. Visible changes with the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Your results can continue to improve for up to six months.

How long your results will last is dependent on your unique body. The new collagen and elastin aren’t going anywhere, but your body otherwise continues to produce less collagen as we age. That’s why continuing treatments with the Saltz Spa Vitoria team are recommended to keep up with these decreases.

To allow the skin to fully heal and complete its collagen production increase, Microneedling can be done once every 4-6 weeks. At Saltz Plastic Surgery & Spa Vitoria, we recommend at least three treatments for collagen building and 3-6 treatments to lessen scarring. From there maintenance is a good idea.

Your skin will appear red and flushed after your Microneedling session; it will appear as if you have a mild sunburn. The degree of redness will correlate to the number of passes over the treatment areas and the depth of the setting for the needle penetration. This redness usually passes by the next day. There may also be some slight swelling and your skin will feel tight for a day or so. It’s optimal to schedule your session as an after-work procedure because by the next morning most of the redness will have passed. You don’t have to restrict your activities at all after Microneedling.

Yes. However, take care not to take steamy hot showers for the first 72 hours after your treatment. Like hot tubs, hot baths, and saunas, a hot shower can exacerbate the redness and inflammation that occur after the microneedling treatment. 

There are side effects after microneedling but no real downtime to speak of. Because your skin may be moderately flushed for up to several hours after your procedure, you may want to arrange to have the rest of the day off to take it easy in the comfort of your home. 

Yes. Microneedling is safe and beneficial for healthy adults. Keep in mind that microneedling stimulates tissue regeneration by creating tiny punctures in the upper layers of the skin. If you have trouble healing from cuts and scrapes, it may take slightly longer for your treatment side effects to resolve. Microneedling is not ideal in every situation or for every person. We perform a thorough consultation and medical history before evaluating the skin for treatment. During this consultation, it is important that you inform your provider of a history of keloid scars, fungal infections, psoriasis, eczema, or scleroderma, or if you are immunocompromised, pregnant, or nursing. In addition to risks of scarring for those with a history of keloid scars, microneedling carries a very slight risk for infection. This can be managed by carefully following the post-treatment care instructions provided to you. 

The most common side effect of microneedling is redness. The skin may range from pink and flushed to bright red as if you have a moderate sunburn. The majority of this post-treatment redness fades in 24 to 48 hours. Once the redness resolves, other side effects such as flaking or peeling and blemishes may occur. 

After microneedling, it's important to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected. Use a gentle cleanser and a soothing, hydrating serum or moisturizer recommended by your provider. Avoid makeup, sun exposure, and harsh skincare products (like retinol and acids) for at least 24-72 hours. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF is essential in the days following treatment to protect your newly sensitive skin.

While microneedling can produce noticeable results after a single session, it is typically most effective as a series of treatments. 

Yes, microneedling can be safely and effectively combined with other treatments for enhanced results. Common combinations include microneedling with PRP (known as the "vampire facial"), chemical peels, LED light therapy, or topical growth factors. Your provider will help determine which combinations are best suited to your goals and skin condition.