About:
- Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses small needles to prick your skin.
- Microneedling can be used under your eyes to promote collagen production, which can lead to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
- This procedure is typically used to treat dark circles or translucent skin under your eyes.
Safety:
- The side effects of microneedling are minimal.
- When you do have side effects, they typically include some swelling, redness, or discoloration in the hours after the procedure.
- Long-term complications from microneedling under your eyes are rare.
- People with active acne breakouts, people who take certain medications, and people who are pregnant shouldn’t get microneedling under their eyes.
Convenience:
- Microneedling is considered very convenient because there is little to no recovery time, and prep and procedure time takes less than 2 hours (usually less).
- You will need three to six procedures before you see the full result.
- It’s essential to find a professional in your area who has the credentials and experience to perform microneedling safely. A board certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, or plastic surgeon can perform this procedure. In some states, a licensed esthetician will be able to perform it.
Cost:
- Microneedling under your eyes will cost $100 to $400 per session, and you’ll need to pay for multiple sessions.
- This procedure isn’t covered by health insurance.
Efficacy:
- Professional microneedling is considered much more effective than at-home microneedling devices.
- Microneedling under your eyes can be effectively used to treat scarring, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, or visible veins underneath you eyes.
As we age, it’s natural for collagen production and levels of a protein called elastin in your skin to decrease. This can result in visible dark circles under your eyes. It also makes you more prone to wrinkles, and can make the veins under your eyes easier to see.
Enter: microneedling. Microneedling under your eyes is a cosmetic procedure used to diminish the appearance of these fine lines, wrinkles, and eye bags. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, can be used all over your body as a scar-minimizing treatment and one that reduces the signs of aging.
Microneedling under your eyes can be combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to stimulate new cell growth and promote healing. Some people also combine microneedling with serums containing vitamin A or vitamin C to boost their results.
The ideal candidate for microneedling under eyes is in generally good health and is not currently pregnant. Talk with your doctor before starting microneedling if you:
- are currently undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment
- have a history of keloid scarring
- have an active acne breakout
- take prescription-strength acne medications
Microneedling is not covered by insurance, and it can cost anywhere from $100 to $700 per session. You’ll need more than one session to get optimal results under your eyes. Your doctor’s office may offer a payment plan so that you don’t have to pay the entire cost of your treatment all at once.
On the bright side, microneedling under your eyes doesn’t require treating a larger surface area, so treatment sessions may cost less than microneedling in other areas of your body.
Microneedling sessions take up to an hour each. If you ask for a pain relief cream, such as lidocaine, or if you are getting serums or injections in addition to microneedling, your sessions may take a little longer.
After your appointment is over, the estimated recovery time is minimal. Though you may have some side effects, it’s usually not anything that requires you to take time off from work.
Microneedling has been used, in one form or another, for more than 20 years. The theory behind microneedling is that it stimulates collagen production and improves circulation underneath your skin. When microneedling works, it can lead to skin with an improved texture and elasticity in the treated area.
Microneedling uses extremely small needles to create a group of tiny punctures in your skin. These are called “microwounds,” and they don’t cause lasting damage to your skin. These microwounds close quickly, but before they do, your body triggers a repair response that’s directed to the area. This repair response includes signaling your skin to create brand-new cells and capillaries.
Once the skin has healed from the microneedling procedure, many people notice that their skin is smoother, more even-toned, and more flexible. Inflammation, puffiness, and “bags” under your eyes may be less visible, according to a
Many of the clinical trials that involve microneedling focus on how effective it is at treating scarring and stretch marks. Since eye bags and wrinkles are also related to collagen production, it makes sense that it would also work at treating under-eye concerns.
When you arrive at the office for a microneedling procedure, you will have to answer a few questions about your health history and list any medications that you are taking. This is a precaution to make sure that you’re not at risk for any serious side effects from the procedure.
A topical anesthesia cream, such as lidocaine, will most likely be applied to your face and allowed to take effect. This can take 10 minutes or more.
Once the treatment area is numb, the person doing the procedure will stretch your skin gently in several different directions while using the microneedling device. You may feel some stinging or discomfort as the microneedles penetrate the upper layer of your skin. Any pain that you feel should be minimal.
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Microneedling isn’t just used under your eyes. It can also be used on the rest of your face and to treat scarring and stretch marks on the rest of your body. Target areas include:
- stretch marks on your thighs, abdomen, and torso
- enlarged pores
- hyperpigmentation
- age spots
- acne scars
There are a few possible side effects from microneedling that you should keep in mind. These side effects are common and short-term:
- skin flaking
- swelling
- redness or discoloration, and irritation
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With that being said, microneedling does involve small punctures to your skin. These punctures can become infected if they are not properly cared for. If you experience bleeding, yellow or green discharge, or a fever that’s more than 103°F (39°C) after any type of microneedling, you should seek professional medical attention.
Recovery after microneedling is minimal. You can resume all of your normal activities pretty much as soon as you leave the office.
It may take some time to see results from microneedling. The skin under your eyes may look red, discolored, or swollen at first. In a couple of days, you may start to notice that your skin has more firmness and elasticity. With continued treatments, you may notice that your skin looks more youthful after each one. Within three to six treatment sessions, you will be able to see the full result of microneedling.
The effects of microneedling are not permanent. You may notice that after a couple of months, the area under your eyes starts to look the way that it used to. Most clinicians recommend a quarterly maintenance routine after your initial treatment sessions are complete.
You won’t need to make any major lifestyle changes to keep the results of your microneedling treatment. You will be advised to wear sunscreen on the treated area, and to avoid heavy makeup for the first few days after a treatment. Ask your doctor if there are skin care products or other skin care strategies that they recommend to maximize the results of your treatment.
It’s helpful to see the results of microneedling under the eyes from real people who have undergone the procedure.
In the week before a microneedling appointment, there are some steps you can take to prepare your skin.
- Avoid harsh exfoliants or acid peels, especially in the area where you are getting microneedling.
- Stick to basic skin care that’s fragrance-free and light on synthetic chemicals.
- Don’t take over-the-counter pain relievers (such as NSAIDs) for 3 days prior to your appointment, as these drugs can suppress your body’s natural inflammatory responses and make your treatment less effective.
Side effects for microneedling are typically minimal, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not important to find a trained professional who can safely administer the treatment.
You can get started by checking out the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeon’s Find a Surgeon tool. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers a similar search service. Make sure to read reviews on any doctor before you schedule a consultation, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about your specific skin type and any health concerns that you may have.