Is it normal that my face is that red and swollen the day after microneedling treatment? (Photos)

Question

Is it normal that my face looks this bad the day after microneedling treatment? Also my left eye (which is a lot more swollen then the right one) feels like there’s something in it. It’s very uncomfortable and it’s a bit red. I would like to know what I can do and if it is normal.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

OF COURSE you will be swollen and red after microneedling!! If you do not have proper skin care protocols and LED therapy post you will have swelling , redness and a less optimal outcome long term.  I suggest going to a practice that explains all the expctations and prepares you for your treatments and after.  For full facial rejuvenation I would suggest a combination approach of :
1) skin care with products and PRP/microneedling
2) PDT light therapy few times a month with growth factors
3) laser treatments like clear and brilliant regularly and a few times a year Fraxel, Viva, Co2/Erbium
4) Sculptra injections a few times a year for collagen production with fillers like juvederm/restylane/belotero/radiesse/bellafill
5) thermage/ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone based instalift threads for lifting
6) botox every 2-3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at restBest, Dr. Emer.

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Yes, having some redness and swelling after microneedling is expected and it might last a few days but in case it didn't improve or you experience new signs and symptoms (or worsening of existing ones), please contact your provider for a follow up to make sure there are no complications. I hope it helps and good luck!

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your questions and sharing your photos. It is not unusual to have redness and swelling 1 day following aggressive microneedling. See your doctor if this does not resolve in a couple of days or if your pain worsens. I hope this helps. Good luck,

Cheryl A. Hull, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have swelling and redness.  Swelling may be more noticeable on the 2nd day and will subside.  Your skin will look similar to a moderate sunburn right after the treatment and should turn to a pink hue within 24-48 hours, depending on how aggressive the treatment was.  Keeping the skin hydrated can help take down the redness.  Also, keep at least 30spf on your face/treatment area.  Treatment may have been more aggressive around your right eye.  I would check with your provider.

Kimberly Finder, MD · Answer

It's quite normal to have redness and swelling to the degree that you're showing. Microneedling treatments can be tailored to your goals and expectations for downtime. A more robust or a less robust treatment can be done. Discuss this with your treatment provider before your next treatment to find out what options you have. Be sure to follow all the post-treatment care you were given by your provider. If you have any issues, such as an uncomfortable eye, get back with your provider as soon as possible.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi isabellemard,You may want to have your eye checked. But as for the rest, it not unusual to have this degree of swelling, I would advise you to follow post-op instructions to the letter. Please don't return to your normal skincare until about a week after (because your skin might be more sensitive than usual). Continue to moisturize with a non-irritating one like Cerave. All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.

Is it normal that my face is that red and swollen the day after microneedling treatment? (Photos)

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Answers (7)

More Microneedling Questions

I’m 3 days after microneedling, I have “ track marks," what should I do? (photos)

Sweating after microneedling? Will I get an infection? 1 day post op.

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