Microneedling: The Treatment That Earned Its Place

If you know me, you know I don’t just jump on the latest trends in medical skincare. I’ve been in this industry long enough to see plenty of flashy treatments come and go. I wait. I watch. I want to see what techniques actually rise to the surface and prove their place over time. Microneedling is it.

At Monarch Brow + Facial Studio, I’ve added microneedling to my menu because it’s one of the most effective ways to build healthier, stronger skin in the long run. Paired with advanced AnteAGE Skincare formulas (rich in growth factors and cytokines), this treatment delivers the real results my clients are always asking for: firmer, smoother, more resilient skin.

Why Microneedling Works

Microneedling uses pre-sterilized fine, medical-grade needles to create precise micro-injuries in the skin. Those tiny channels wake up your body’s repair process, triggering new collagen and elastin — the building blocks of skin that looks and feels strong.

And let’s get one thing clear: this isn’t a dermaroller. Dermarollers drag across the skin, leaving behind little tears that don’t heal efficiently. Professional microneedling is controlled, clean, and far superior in both safety and results.

What Microneedling Can Do for You

This treatment has earned its spot on my high-end menu because it addresses multiple concerns my clients deal with every day:

Acne scarring – softens uneven texture and supports real tissue repair.
Visible pores – strengthens skin so pores look smaller.
Hyperpigmentation – evens tone, and yes, it’s safe and effective for melanin-rich skin.
Fine lines + early aging – stimulates collagen for smoother, firmer skin.
Overall resilience – skin that feels fortified, clearer, and healthier with time.

When clients ask how microneedling stacks up against other treatments, I compare it to popular non-ablative lasers like Fraxel®, Clear + Brilliant®, and IPL or to medium-depth chemical peels such as TCA or Jessner’s peels. Like lasers, microneedling works by creating controlled injury that remodels the skin—stimulating fresh collagen and elastin. The difference? Microneedling does it without heat, making it safer for melanin-rich skin and for clients prone to pigmentation changes, while still delivering results on texture, scars, and firmness.

Why I Love Microneedling for Melanin-Rich Skin

One of the reasons microneedling earned a permanent spot on my menu is because it’s safe and effective for melanin-rich skin and clients prone to melasma or pigment changes. Many heat-based treatments, like lasers, can actually make hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation worse. Microneedling avoids heat altogether, while still stimulating collagen and improving tone and texture. That makes it one of my top choices for treating pigment safely and predictably.

What to Expect at Monarch

Here’s how I structure a microneedling session:

We start with 10 minutes of numbing to make sure you’re comfortable.
Then I cleanse and perform a 40 to 55-minute microneedling treatment, depending on wether you choose face or both face and neck.
I finish by protecting your skin with a ultra-gentle barrier support cream.
You go home with aftercare instructions in your hand.

You’ll leave a little red and may feel like you’ve got a mild sunburn for a few hours — that’s your skin working. Redness is usually gone by the next morning.

Who Should Not Do Microneedling

Microneedling is safe for most skin types, but there are situations where this treatment is not recommended. You should avoid microneedling if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Have had surgery within the past month.
Have active acne breakouts, cold sores, open wounds, or skin infections in the treatment area.
Have a history of keloid scarring or poor wound healing.
Are currently using Accutane (isotretinoin) or have used it within the past 6 months.
Have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medications that can’t be paused.
Have received Botox, fillers, or laser treatments within the last 2 weeks.

If you’re unsure, always check with your me before booking. Your skin health and safety come first. You can read more here about contraindications.

How to Prep Before Your Microneedling Appointment

Because I’m picky about results and safety, I’ll ask you to follow these rules before coming in:

If you have a history of cold sores, pretreat with Acyclovir (or a similar antiviral).
Avoid blood thinners (alcohol, smoking/vaping, caffeine, fish oil) for 24 hours before treatment.
Microneedling isn’t for you if you’re pregnant or have had surgery in the past month.
Stop retinoids, Vit C serums, and medical-grade skincare products 5 days before.
Wait at least 2 weeks post-microneedling before getting Botox, fillers, or laser.

For a more detailed description of microneedling prep, navigate here →.

Microneedling Aftercare: Setting Your Skin Up to Heal

Because microneedling leaves microchannels open for 24–36 hours, your skin is extra absorbent — but also more vulnerable to infection. Here’s how to take care of it:

Immediately After

Redness, tightness, and mild swelling are normal.
Keep your hands off your face unless they’re clean.
No direct sun exposure, sauna, steam room, or exercising. Basically, not heat-inducing situations.

First 24 Hours

Hydrate like crazy — drink water and apply only what I send you home with.
No makeup, sunscreen, or unapproved products (medical skincare, Vit C serums, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acids, or textured scrubs or cloths.)
Avoid sweating, saunas, hot showers, or swimming.
Your skin is not ready for sunscreen yet, so stay out of direct sun. Use a hat if you must be outside.

Days 2–5

Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
Skip actives like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide.
You may now sse sunscreen during the day.
Don’t pick or exfoliate.

Day 6 and Beyond

You can usually return to your normal skincare routine.
Keep using sunscreen daily to protect your results.
Plan on a series of treatments (every 4–6 weeks) for the best long-term results. Then every 3-6 months for maintenance.

Fore more aftercare details navigate here →.

Why I Choose to Offer Microneedling

I don’t add a service just to have it. If it’s on my menu, it means I’ve vetted it, I’ve seen the science, and I’ve tested the results on real skin. Microneedling with KrX serums is one of the most effective treatments I can offer for long-term skin health.

If you’re ready to invest in building stronger, healthier skin — not just quick fixes —chat with me next time you’re in for a visit and we’ll get you scheduled.

Curious about the difference between microneedling and microchanneling, which is an add-on service for Monarch facials, navigate here →.