Finally Did It

I have been intrigued with microneedling for some time now. About a month ago my PS had a demo of microneedling and after watching a real person, not a video, get the procedure I was hooked. I purchased a three session package for a special price, one procedure isn't going to do it in my opinion. I scheduled the first session (this is not a "vampire facial") and waited a month because I had just had Botox and filler.

Prior to the procedure I had a Skin Consultation/Visia Complexion Analysis. I'm 73 and the result showed my skin was 58% better condition than most in my age group hoorah! We discussed what my biggest concerns were (spots, enlarged pores and lip lines), then the Aesthetician showed me to the procedure room. My face was cleansed, cleaned with something that smelled like nail polish remover, then the numbing cream was put on me. It was left on for 20 minutes - should have been longer - it was removed and she started. It wasn't too painful, next time I'm asking for 30 minutes with numbing cream. The noise the pen makes reminded me of being at the dentist. I definitely felt the needles (36) and she was aggressive with the areas I was most concerned with. She went horizontally, vertically and in circles. Along my hairline was about an 8 on scale of 1 to 10 for pain. Above my lip also was quite uncomfortable. She did my jawline and under my jaw also. I asked her if many men did this and she said not really, of course not, what was I thinking men wouldn't go through this. LOL

When the procedure was complete she applied a growth factor serum and had me sit at a GentleWave machine that was to help with redness. I was sent home with instructions to not put anything on my face or wash it for the first 24 hours. I looked like a tomato, I used a cool washcloth on my face to help the heat and burning. For me it was like a severe sunburn. I tried to sleep on my back and did not have a good nights rest.

Day two still red as a beet, used some gauze pads soaked in water and lightly went over my face - no scrubbing. I applied the Obagi Hydrate moisturizer which stung, then used the Obagi Soothing Complex which made my face feel better. Both products were included in the price. I have a lot of swelling and redness especially in my areas of concern. As the day goes on I continue to use the moisturizer. My face feels very tight and is shiny. I will update as time goes on. I believe that this will take time to see final results, the sessions are a month apart. It was not horrible, nor was it fun. I followed to the letter the instructions I was given for aftercare and I will see the Skin Consultant for follow up in two weeks.

It's been four days since procedure. My face is less red and there is a slight peeling like from a sunburn. Skin is very dry and I will continue to slather the moisturizer on. Only time will tell. I will update again once I have the follow up skin consultation.

I'm doing good, still peeling, face not red. Another face analysis was done and there is some improvement between the first and this analysis. My 73 year old skin is softer (not baby butt soft) and there is a slight change with a few of my "spots" which have gotten lighter. There isn't any change that I can see with my naked untrained eye to the pores around and on my nose. As I've said this is going to be a long process, after the last treatment the face will continue to heal for 3-4 months. It's all about patience which is probably difficult for many of today's women who want instant gratification. We all heal at different rates and everyone is different. Over the last two weeks, I've been red, peeled and developed scary dark spots that finally peeled off. My face is no longer dry, tight or shiny. I make sure that I continue to use moisturizer, a gentle cleanser and sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. So far I'm happy with the initial results. In two weeks I will get my second session.