I had microneedling done 2 days ago by a dermatologist for the first time. Why is my entire face red, swollen and very itchy?

redness is normal, itching and pustules are not. you should be on the right skin care, LED and post care at this time.  call your physician, see an expert.
In general we 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 rest
7) deep microneedling RF like Fractora/morpheus8 for tightening of the skin
Best, Dr. Emer.

Thanks for your question. While it's not uncommon to experience redness and swelling of some type after micro needling, there is also a risk of inflammatory reaction and/or infection. If you are concerned about your recovery process, please make sure to seek in person evaluation by a doctor. I would also touch base with your treatment provider. Warm regards.

What you are experiencing is completely common. Microneedling is a controlled trauma to the skin. Each patient responds differently. Redness, swelling and itchy skin is expected. Some oily skin types may experience pustules. PRP is always recommended with all microneedling procedures. Follow your post care instructions given to you by your provider and enjoy your results! 

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, and in practice can provide limited skin rejuvenation. 


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. In my practice, I combine microneedling with many different forms of energy devices, depending on the expectations of the patient. Tailored microneedling combination will always give the best results. 



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. Realself Advisory Board Member