I turned 50: I have fine lines, wrinkles and crepey skin. Is microneedling safe for me? (Photo)

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  Since you have a clotting disorder (even if well managed), you should definitely avoid microneedling.  We would strongly recommend some non-ablative energy options instead.  While we offer microneedling and laser procedures, every patient has chosen an energy options over microneedling.   Keep in mind that more intense/deeper treatments require more downtime, but you will need less treatments.  If you choose a short downtime treatment plan, you will need more treatments in the series.  The most gentle would be something like the PicoSure FOCUS treatment with almost no downtime.  It is safe for all skin types, but you would probably need 3 to 4 treatments.  Another option would be a fractional 1540 nm laser treatment like ICON or Fraxel.  With these treatment you could have redness and swelling for 1 to 3 days, but need less treatments.  Look for a medical setting with a doctor in house, where they have multiple options.  Best of luck.

Happy birthday! Life starts at 50. 
Microneedling is very safe even in people taking blood thinners since the possible bleeding from the procedure is very superficial. In my experience I recommend a physician who is well trained and very familiar with your medical conditions and medications you are taking.
Good luck.