Breakout after microneedling, is this normal? (photo)

Question

Hi. I had a minor breakout that had mostly cleared before I received microneedling yesterday—now I have quite a few large red bumps across my face—could the procedure have spread bacteria or is it normal to have a few minor red bumps/pimples 24H after?

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is not normal and needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, many providers don't abide by sterile technique when doing this and there are infections afterwards. I would get treated with topicals and oral antibiotics. It can also be a reaction to any topicals placed after the procedure. The channels allow for much deeper penetration of the topicals (in the first several hours) then they were intended. This can cause a reaction to the tissues even if you had no reaction to the products when the skin was intact. The penetration 50x higher after the microneedling than before.

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Good afternoon and thank you for your question! If you had active acne on your skin when you had the treatment done and it spread that bacteria then it is very possible that could be the cause of your breakout. Sometimes, the skin can purge after having a microneedling treatment due to the stimulation of your skin during that treatment. Your skin looks completely normal post-treatment from the looks of your photo. Keep it moisturized and protect it from the sun. Best of luck! For more information, please feel free to visit our website!

Sarah Yovino, MD · Answer

Hi,
Your response to microneeding does not look abnormal.  Residual makeup to not thoroughly washing your face can be reasons for breakouts.  Your photo looks like there might be some marks from the actual procedure, which can happen especially the more aggressive the treatment.  Everything should clear up within this week.  Keep it clean and moisturized, but with a facial moisturizer that will allow your skin to breathe - NO Aquaphor or Vaseline.  Hope that helps. -Dr. Yovino

Breakout after microneedling, is this normal? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Microneedling

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Breakout after microneedling, is this normal? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Microneedling

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.