Microneedling: what happened to my face? (Photo)

Thank you for your question and I am sorry you are experiencing complications after your last treatment. With only images to go by and without knowing whether you had a topical serum with your treatment or other factors, it is difficult to assess exactly what is going on with your skin. However, I do recommend you see a plastic surgeon or dermatologist as soon as possible for an in-person examination. It is possible your skin reacted to a topical serum that was used or that you developed an infection after the procedure. Prompt treatment will ensure your skin is managed properly so that residual effects do not linger. Good luck!

I recommend following up with your Doctor for results and after care recommendations. I find adding PRP decreases redness more quickly and we like to do microneedling with lasers to get better outcomes.  Best, Dr. Emer

I know you had said you followed the same after care but did you change anything prior to your appt?Best from BostonKayla

It appears you either have an inflammatory reaction to a topical used during the microneedling procedure, or an infection. Although extremely safe and well tolerated, medical grade microneedling is still that - a medical procedure with risks. The most common side effect or risk (albeit quite low) reported in literature is infection. For this reason it is imperative that the face be cleaned with antiseptic (alcohol or betadine) prior to treatment.  In addition, small granulomas have been reported when the treatment has been performed with different serums that have ingredients in high concentration, one of them being Vitamin C.  My recommendation is to see a specialist, either a dermatologist or someone with experience in microneedling) to be evaluated. At a minimum you should start oral antibiotics to treat any possible infection.  I'm sure all will work out just fine in the end but good luck!

The people who perform microneedling are often not fully aware of sterile technique. I'm surprised infections don't happen more often. If the skin isn't sterilized properly, infection can enter through the holes/channels made. Also, the topicals applied can cause a reaction/granuloma if they are dirty or the wrong ones are used. This needs to be seen by a dermatologist and start on topical +/- oral antibiotics. This is one of the reasons there are some states putting regulations on this procedure.

Agree with all the comments, follow up ASAP, swelling and irregular papules and pustules should NOT happen. A clinical exam with a full history is needed. If infection teat ASAP as it may lead to wide spread cellulitis, see someone (doctor) soon, or if your microneedling was performed by a Specialist, see them. Microneedling has come a long way over the past few years and can help skin via several methods. Firstly it releases cytokines and growth factors in the epidermis and dermis- the top and bottom layers of your skin. This in turn remodels scars and the dermal layer of the skin. Additionally needles can break up scars themselves. This leads to new collagen formation. 



Microneedling is both user dependent and method driven. Simple needles can be used, growth factors can be added after the procedure, including PRP, or controlled heating during the procedure. This controlled heating is delivered via RF, and is called RF microneedling. RF can then be delivered via insulated or insulated needles. Even the energy level, depths, density, pulse duration and so many other variables can be controlled. This together with the added benefits of growth factor infusion makes this one of the most complex procedures in procedural dermatology. I use everything from Dermapen, though to newer generation insulated and non-insulated devices including INFINI micro-needling radiofrequency, Intensif and others. Newer generation devices can provide an added advantage in some, but not all patients. Like most procedures, its 80% skill level of the specialist and 20% dependent on the brand of the energy device- microneedling system. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.