I get this question at least once a week: “Does microneedling hurt?” And the honest answer is… it depends on who you ask. But I can tell you exactly what happens during a session so there are no surprises.

I’ve been performing microneedling in Tempe for years now, and the number one thing I wish more patients knew is how straightforward the whole process really is. It’s one of those treatments that sounds more intense than it feels.

What Microneedling Actually Does

Here’s the basic idea. A device with tiny needles creates controlled micro-injuries in your skin. Your body responds by ramping up collagen and elastin production. The result? Smoother texture, smaller pores, faded scars, and an overall glow that builds over time.

It’s not a laser. It’s not a chemical peel. It works with your skin’s natural healing response, which is why the results look so natural.

Before Your Appointment

I always tell patients to keep it simple the week before. No retinol, no exfoliating acids, no excessive sun exposure. If you’re coming in with a sunburn or active breakout, we’ll probably reschedule. I’d rather wait a week than compromise your results.

The day of, just show up with a clean face. No makeup, no moisturizer. We handle the rest.

What Happens During the Session

First, we apply a numbing cream. This sits on your skin for about 20-30 minutes, and by the time we start, most patients say they barely feel anything. Some areas are more sensitive than others (around the nose and forehead tend to be the spots people notice), but it’s manageable.

The actual treatment takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the area. Most patients describe the sensation as a light vibration or scratching. Not painful, just… present. I adjust the needle depth based on what we’re treating and where on the face we are.

After we’re done, I apply a calming serum and sunscreen. Your face will be red, like a mild sunburn. That’s normal and expected.

The Recovery (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Here’s where microneedling really wins compared to more aggressive treatments. The downtime is minimal.

Day 1: Red, warm, slightly tight. Think “spent too long at Tempe Town Lake without sunscreen” vibes. Skip makeup.

Day 2-3: Redness fades. Some patients get light flaking or dryness. Gentle cleanser and moisturizer only. Still no actives.

Day 4-5: Most people are back to normal. You might notice your skin looks a little… brighter? That’s the new cell turnover kicking in.

Day 7+: Resume your regular skincare routine. The full collagen remodeling continues for weeks after, so results keep improving.

The biggest mistake I see? Patients who pile on products too soon. Your skin just went through a controlled healing process. Let it breathe. Gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, SPF. That’s it for the first few days.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

This depends on your goals. For general skin rejuvenation and glow, 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart is a solid starting point. For acne scarring or deeper texture concerns, you might need 4-6 sessions.

I’m always upfront about this during consultations. If someone comes in expecting one session to erase years of acne scarring, I’d rather set realistic expectations than overpromise.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

Almost everyone, honestly. Microneedling works across all skin tones, which is one of its biggest advantages over certain laser treatments. If you’re dealing with:

  • Fine lines or early signs of aging
  • Acne scars or uneven texture
  • Large pores
  • Dull, tired-looking skin
  • Mild hyperpigmentation

Then microneedling is worth a conversation. The people I tend to steer away from it are those with active infections, certain skin conditions like eczema in the treatment area, or anyone on blood thinners. We always go through your full history before starting.

Why Tempe Patients Love It

Living in the Phoenix area means our skin takes a beating from the sun and dry air. I see a lot of patients in their late 20s and 30s who aren’t ready for injectables but want something more effective than topical products alone. Microneedling fits perfectly in that gap.

It’s also a great complement to other treatments. Some of my patients alternate between microneedling and VI Peels, or add it to their routine between Botox appointments. It all depends on what your skin needs.

The Bottom Line

Microneedling isn’t glamorous. There’s no dramatic before-and-after from a single session. It’s a steady, cumulative process that rewards consistency. But that’s exactly why I love recommending it. The results are real, the downtime is minimal, and it works with your body instead of against it.

If you’re curious about whether it’s right for you, come in for a consultation. I’d rather spend 15 minutes talking through your skin goals than have you guess from Instagram before-and-afters.

We’re located in Tempe at Culdesac, and I keep appointment scheduling flexible because I know nobody’s schedule is straightforward. Let’s figure out what your skin actually needs.