Microneedling in San Antonio
Short answer: Microneedling uses a device with many tiny needles to make controlled punctures in the skin, which starts the skin's healing response. At Yaso Wellness on San Antonio's South Side, it is done after a skin check. Some FDA-authorized devices are cleared to improve the look of facial acne scars and wrinkles in adults. Most people need more than one session.
Key facts
- What it is: a handheld, often motorized pen with fine needles moves across the skin. The provider sets the needle depth for each area.
- FDA-authorized uses: specific devices are authorized to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars, in people 22 and older. FDA has not reviewed every device or every body area.
- Not authorized for: delivering serums, vitamins, medicines or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the skin.
- Sessions: more than one treatment is usually needed. Results build gradually and vary from person to person.
- Common side effects: redness, dryness, tightness, itching, peeling, mild bruising, pinpoint bleeding and crusting. For many people, redness lasts a day or two.
- Single-use needles: a new needle cartridge should be used for every patient and every session.
What is microneedling?
During microneedling, the needles create many tiny channels in the skin. As the skin repairs those small injuries, it may lay down new collagen and elastic tissue. That is why results take weeks to show, not days.
It is different from:
- microdermabrasion, which only buffs the surface;
- chemical peels, which use acids to remove outer layers;
- radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, which adds heat energy through the needles and carries extra risks. Yaso does not offer RF microneedling.
What can microneedling help with?
For many people, a series of sessions may improve the look of:
- facial acne scars, especially shallow, rolling scars;
- fine lines and wrinkles;
- rough skin texture.
Not everyone sees the same change, and microneedling will not lift sagging skin or erase deep scars. Dark patches from hormones (melasma) can sometimes be part of a microneedling plan, but they need careful, slower treatment.
What happens during a microneedling session?
- Skin check and consent. Your provider reviews your health history, medicines and skin goals.
- Numbing. A numbing cream is usually applied for a while before treatment.
- Treatment. The pen moves across the skin in sections. You may feel pressure, scratching or stinging.
- Soothe. The skin is cleaned, and a gentle product and sunscreen may be applied.
Who should not get microneedling?
FDA lists many reasons to avoid or delay microneedling. Tell your provider if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- have a bleeding or clotting disorder, or take blood thinners;
- have a weak immune system, take immune-suppressing medicine or steroids, or have uncontrolled diabetes;
- have an active skin infection, hepatitis or HIV;
- have eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, an autoimmune disease or an active facial rash;
- have a cold sore right now;
- take isotretinoin, or took it in the past 6 months;
- have moles, warts, keloids or rough precancerous spots (actinic keratoses) in the area;
- are tanned, or will be in the sun within two weeks;
- have cancer, or are getting chemotherapy or radiation;
- are allergic to stainless steel or numbing medicine.
People with darker skin can have microneedling, but they have a higher risk of the skin darkening or lightening, so the plan should be careful and the provider experienced.
What are the risks of microneedling?
Most side effects are mild and short. Less common problems include:
- darker or lighter patches of skin;
- lines or track marks on the face;
- a cold sore flare-up;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- infection;
- stinging or irritation from products put on afterward.
Get medical care right away for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever or severe pain.
What is the aftercare for microneedling?
- Keep your skin clean, and use only the gentle products your provider gives you.
- Skip makeup for the first day, if your provider advises.
- Avoid the sun, and use sunscreen every day.
- Unless your provider says otherwise, hold off on retinol, acids, scrubs, swimming pools, saunas and hard workouts for a few days.
- Don't pick at flaking skin.
What to ask your clinician
- Is the device FDA-authorized for my concern, and may I see the patient labeling?
- Is a new needle cartridge used for my session?
- How many sessions will I likely need, and how far apart?
- What is my risk of dark spots with my skin tone?
- Who will do my treatment, and what is their training and license?
FAQs
Does microneedling hurt? Numbing cream helps. Most people feel pressure, scratching or stinging.
How long until I see results? Changes build slowly over weeks to months as the skin heals, and more than one session is usually needed.
Can I do microneedling with PRP? Microneedling devices are not FDA-authorized for delivering PRP. Yaso does not offer PRP with microneedling.
Is at-home microneedling the same? No. An in-office treatment uses a professional device, sterile single-use needles and a provider who sets the depth. Home tools are not the same, and FDA says RF microneedling should not be done with at-home devices.
Microneedling vs chemical peel: which is better for acne scars? For many types of acne scars, microneedling goes deeper than a light peel. For tone and sun spots, a peel may fit better. Your provider can help you choose.
Book a visit
Thinking about microneedling for acne scars or fine lines? Start with a skin consultation.
Book a visit or call (210) 903-1030 In-clinic in San Antonio • Telehealth for women located in Texas (microneedling is in person) Yaso Wellness Health Clinic, 1907 Goliad Rd, San Antonio, TX 78223
About the clinician
Leticia Vargas, MD, OB/GYN. About Dr. Vargas
Sources
Education only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 911.
