A microneedling treatment can help to increase the amount of collagen in your skin. This will help the skin look plumper and less wrinkly. It can also help you reduce dark circles, which are caused by a lack of sleep or stress. Microneedling will not make your hollow under eyes last forever, but it can be helpful as temporary relief while you wait for your body to produce more natural collagen on its own.
In this guide, we find out Does Microneedling Help Under Eye Hollows, microneedling under eyes side effects, microneedling under eyes cost, and under eye swelling after microneedling.
Does Microneedling Help Under Eye Hollows
If you are looking for ways to soften the look of your under eye hollows, you may be wondering how microneedling can help. Hollow under eyes are usually caused by volume loss, aging or disease. While it is not a long-lasting solution, microneedling can make the under eyes look fuller and healthier temporarily. There are three main ways microneedling helps with under eye hollows:
- It can help to temporarily plump up the area around the eyes
- It can also help to tighten underlying tissues
- It stimulates new collagen production and tissue generation that makes skin more cushioned and brighter
Increased blood flow can temporarily plump up the area around the eyes
Microneedling can temporarily increase blood flow to the area around the eyes, which can temporarily plump up that area. This is because when you microneedle, you create tiny wounds in your skin and stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein found within our bodies that gives us elasticity and keeps our skin looking youthful. In addition to stimulating collagen production, increased circulation also carries nutrients and oxygen to damaged cells in order to speed up healing time–and we all know how important it is for us ladies (and gents!) who want their best face forward at all times!
However, it’s important not only maintain proper nutrition but also engage in regular exercise as well as getting enough sleep each night so that you don’t look tired when people see you without makeup on!
Tightening underlying tissues can also help to avoid a sunken appearance in the upper face
Microneedling can also help to tighten the skin. This will reduce the appearance of under eye hollows and improve overall facial contour.
Tightening underlying tissues can also help avoid sunken appearance in the upper face, which is common after weight loss or aging.
Microneedling can stimulate new collagen production and tissue generation that makes the skin more cushioned and brighter
Microneedling can stimulate new collagen production and tissue generation that makes the skin more cushioned and brighter. This is because it creates an environment in which your body’s own stem cells can thrive.
Microneedling does not last long, but if done correctly, it can be a great solution for under eye hollows.
The benefits of microneedling for under eye hollows include temporary plumping up of the area around the eyes and increased blood flow
Microneedling can increase blood flow, which in turn causes the skin around the eyes to temporarily look more full. This effect can also help with under eye puffiness.
In addition to temporary plumping up of the area around the eyes and increased blood flow, microneedling has been shown to improve the overall appearance of under eye hollows by stimulating collagen production.
microneedling under eyes side effects
Before we go any further, let me just put this out there: You can group me in the “down for anything” category when we’re talking beauty. I’ll pretty much try whatever—especially if the alleged benefits aid one of my many skin concerns. At the top of my list is acne scars. These little marks decided to make their presence known in my life when I was 23. I’ve been dealing with them ever since and am game to try every fading, brightening, and lightening treatment under the sun. So after hearing countless praise for microneedling, I had to get the low-down for myself.
According to one study, almost 100 percent of microneedling participants reported a noticeable difference and 80 percent reported a vast improvement in the appearance of their acne scars after a treatment. This solid fact was all I needed to say, “Yes.” So I immediately booked my appointment for an in-office microneedling treatment.
Are you as curious as I was about microneedling? Ahead, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Bruce Katz and Dr. Sejal Shah, as well as esthetician Josie Holmes, explain everything you need to know about microneedling, the benefits, and their thoughts on at-home vs in-office treatments.
What Is Microneedling?
“Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses a device with very thin, sharp needle tips to make punctures on the skin,” says Katz. “The functionality behind microneedling is that once the body feels the small pricks, it works to heal those cuts, resulting in a refreshed look; the punctures are only surface-level, so the pain is minimal.” This process works to rejuvenate your skin by boosting collagen production, which in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and elevates the overall texture of your skin.
The particular microneedling treatment I underwent was done with a tool called the Vivace, a form of radiofrequency microneedling. “What excited me about the Vivace was, of course, the combination of radiofrequency and microneedling, but more so how precisely, cleanly, and deeply it could deliver both. Finally, you add in blue and red LED, and you have a trifecta of modalities to treat multiple skin concerns,” explains Gabe Lubin, founder of Cartessa Aesthetics. “Physicians can select the exact depth best for each patient’s skin type and condition and use robotic precision delivery to go as deep as 3.5 millimeters at 0.1-millimeter increments—no other device can.” Blue light is helpful for those who suffer from acne, as the light and heat target bacteria that cause breakouts.
[Editor’s Note: This illustration features a derma-roller, a tool that penetrates the skin more superficially than a professional microneedling pen, making it safer for at-home use].
Benefits of Microneedling
“Microneedling by itself has only modest effects, like improvement in skin texture and smoothness,” says Katz. “But when radiofrequency is added, microneedling can pack a bigger punch. Radiofrequency waves travel down the needles to heat the dermis, which can improve collagen production. Patients can see improvement in mild wrinkles, acne scars, and mild skin tightening when paired with radiofrequency. Microneedling in the dermatologist’s office is also done with sharper needles, which improves the results that patients see. You can also improve the results from microneedling by using a serum with the procedure; the serum will penetrate deeper in the skin for optimal results.”
Shah, who performed my procedure, told me the biggest benefit of microneedling is its ability to radically enhance the texture of your skin. And that goes for more than just the face—microneedling can be used to improve pigmentation, lip lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hair loss, stretch marks, post-pregnancy stretch marks, and to brighten the skin.
“Microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment great for general skin rejuvenation. It treats textural issues dealing with pores, acne scars, wrinkles, tightening sagging skin, and more,” Shah explained to me while my numbing cream settled in. Then we begin the treatment.
How to Prepare for Microneedling
If you’re using any intense topical treatments (such as those containing retinol), you’d be wise to discontinue use a few days before your microneedling treatment. Harsh products could aggravate the skin, so milder is the key. “In addition to having a cleansed and toned face, you should also avoid using retinol at least 48 hours prior and avoid direct sun exposure for about three days prior and three days following,” notes Holmes. “I would also advise against using any aggressive acids within the week of the procedure.”
You should arrive at your appointment with clean, dry skin (if not, the technician will wash your face so it’s clean before the procedure). Next, you’ll likely be slathered in numbing cream, so the pain won’t be quite so intense.
What to Expect from Microneedling
Does it hurt? After letting the numbing cream seep into my skin for a half-hour, having a bunch of needles continuously puncture my skin was honestly an easy process. So to definitively answer that, it doesn’t hurt, but it doesn’t feel good. In terms of pain, I experienced a tolerable treatment that lasted all of 20 minutes. To be real, it felt like five minutes, and by the end of it, I was fine. My forehead, hairline, and jawline areas were more sensitive than other areas. I barely felt the tool when it passed over my cheeks, which Shah surprisingly confirmed was the deepest level of depth.
After the microneedling, the procedure was followed up with a soothing serum and hydrating face mask that honestly felt like heaven. Ironically, even after the numbing cream wore off a couple of hours later, it didn’t feel like I had just been poked hundreds of times. Contrary to how scary this sounds, I experienced no pain whatsoever.
“The great thing about this treatment is there’s no significant downtime,” says Shah. “Afterward, there’s a little bit of redness and might be some areas of pinpoint bleeding, but really, it’s a no-downtime kind of treatment, so most people leave here a little bit red. A couple of hours later, you’re pretty much back to normal, and the next day, you can resume your normal skincare and normal activities.”
Side Effects
Immediately after my face mask, my cheeks and the top of my forehead were slightly red. This is a normal side effect of the minimal bleeding that happens during the treatment. I was shook because the only time I experience redness is after a crazy workout. But this went away in an hour. The treatment is essentially wounding your skin so it can feel new again.
Another disclaimer to note: I have extremely sensitive skin, so this may not happen to you. But by day two, my skin felt raw and itchy. It wasn’t unbearable but definitely uncomfortable. To combat this, I slathered on Cortizone Anti-Itch Cream ($7) in the morning and before I went to bed. I also noticed tiny imprint marks (on my forehead especially) from the needles.
By day four, my itchiness has almost completely gone away. The tiny post-procedural marks also faded more and more each day. These are normal side effects and should clear up in a few days.
“There are no risks or downtime if microneedling is performed properly,” notes Katz. “When microneedling is not performed properly, there are serious risks like infections, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and bruising.”
At-Home vs. In-Office Microneedling
“Microneedling in the doctor’s office can go a lot deeper than at-home devices and are thus more efficacious,” says Katz. “At-home devices have minimal benefits compared to in-office microneedling. The needles are less sharp than the in-office microneedles, so there is less risk of injury to the user at home. That being said, at-home microneedling has more risks than in-office. Say you have a zit on your face that you rupture during the at-home treatment—then you are potentially rolling the p.acnes bacteria all over the rest of your face, which can lead to increased acne. I say leave the microneedling to a dermatologist who can make sure you get the best results.”
Aftercare
Real talk, this lit-from-within glow is probably my favorite benefit of the procedure thus far. The photo on the left was taken right after I took off my sheet mask, while the photo on the right was taken the morning after my microneedling treatment. I was so impressed by the radiance of my skin. That cheekbone glow is not from highlighter, people.
I also was surprised by how soft my skin felt and how the size of my pores shrank significantly. I load up on hydrating oils every morning because of my inherently dry skin, and I’m addicted to how soft it leaves my skin feeling. I woke up with cushion-like skin without all of the extra work and loved it so much that I decided to go makeup-free until my skin completely healed.
The Final Takeaway
Studies show that your topical products are more deeply penetrating after microneedling. This is so, so true. I’ve been loving this hydrating moisturizer this month. But this week, after my treatment, it’s felt so incredibly soothing on my skin—to the point that I look forward to cleansing my skin and applying this the second I walk into my apartment at the end of the day.
My pores feel so open and exposed—so I feel like my skin has been efficiently absorbing product (which is why I’ve decided to take it easy on the face makeup). I’m letting my skin soak up every second of this effect from my topical products.
microneedling under eyes cost
We’ve all woken up after a restless night to discover a pair of dark under eye circles or puffy eye bags that even our favorite concealer can’t quite cover. Getting some proper rest should usually resolve the problem, but when the eye bags and dark circles stick around, what’s the next step? Anti-aging eye creams are of course an essential component in tackling such skin concerns, but does a cosmetic procedure exist that will treat the underlying issue? The answer is yes! We can treat the appearance of tired, puffy, wrinkled under eyes with microneedling to provide a refreshed, rejuvenated, youthful look.
A quick procedure that revitalizes the skin, reduces the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and under eye bags, and improves skin texture with little downtime may sound too good to be true. Luckily, it’s a reality, and if you are looking to rejuvenate and refresh your skin, expert NYC cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green is here to help. Dr. Green was one of the first to incorporate microneedling treatments into her boutique practice and has over 25 years of experience in providing customized care to some of the most discerning patients in NYC. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will create an individualized approach to skin rejuvenation to help you look and feel your very best.
Microneedling Treatment for the eye area
Microneedling, also known as “collagen induction therapy,” is a skin rejuvenation treatment that can be used to target skin concerns such as dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and puffiness in the under eye area. Microneedling® is done with a tool called a Micropen (or dermapen) that has tiny surgical-grade needles embedded in the tip. These needles are used to create microscopic wounds on the surface layer of the skin (the epidermis). Through the natural wound-healing process of the skin, these micro-injuries are repaired as new, healthier skin cells grow, and new collagen and elastin are produced. This helps to plump and firm skin, diminish signs of aging, and minimize the overall appearance of dark circles. To treat the delicate and sensitive skin around the under eyes, Dr. Green performs treatment at a more shallow depth than what is typically used for the rest of the face.
Microneedling with PRP – 4 months before and after
PRP with Microneedling under eyes
The effects of microneedling can be further enhanced by combining the treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). PRP employs the cytokines and growth factors in plasma, derived from a sample of the patients own blood, to boost the effects of microneedling. The PRP is able to penetrate the skin more readily through the newly created micro-channels made by microneedles, helping to speed up the healing process and promote even more regeneration at the cellular level to rejuvenate your skin. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists to incorporate microneedling with PRP into boutique, Upper East Side, New York practice, and has used it to help patients from around the world achieve smoother, softer, more radiant skin.
What causes Dark Circles?
There are many factors which can impact the appearance of dark under eye circles. Age, fatigue, dehydration, genetics, and even sun exposure can lead to the development of dark circles in the eye area. Dehydration causes skin to appear dry, dull, and hollowed. Sun exposure can cause skin to create additional melanin, especially in the delicate under eye region. Eye strain actually enlarges the blood vessels surrounding the eye area. This can cause skin to appear darkened. If you work from home and frequently utilize computer or phone screens, be sure to give your eyes a break throughout the day to prevent dark circles!
Additionally, as we age, collagen begins to break down and skin becomes thinner, reducing the overall elasticity of the skin. By stimulating collagen production with microneedling, the thin skin of the under eye area can actually be thickened, reducing visibility of blood vessels and minimizing the appearance of dark under eyes.
How to Treat Under Eye Bags
Dermal Fillers, Botox®, and microneedling treatments are all popular methods utilized in the field of cosmetic dermatology to remedy the appearance of under eye bags and provide facial revitalization. Hyaluronic acid gel injectable fillers like Restylane® and Belotero® are the most commonly used by Dr. Green in the delicate eye area to correct the hollow and sunken look that typically is associated with under eye bags. Botox injections are often used to soften the appearance of the crow’s feet lines around the eyes. Microneedling and Microneedling with PRP are particularly useful for helping to minimize the appearance of dark under eye circles that frequently accompany under eye bags. During a consult with Dr. Michele Green, a customized approach to under eye rejuvenation will be discussed and the right combination of treatments and products selected to address your specific skin concerns.
How does a Dermaroller treat the Under Eyes?
A Dermaroller is a handheld microneedling device that can be used to stimulate collagen production at home. The dermaroller has tiny micro-needles that can be rolled into the skin, as opposed to stamped into the skin like with a dermapen that is typically used in microneedling treatments done in-office. The mechanism by which a dermaroller treats the under eye area is essentially the same as that of the dermapen used in the office, although the dermaroller generally does not treat with the same precision or depth. The dermaroller creates micro-injuries in the skin that induce collagen production in the skin, causing it to thicken, reducing the visibility of blood vessels under the eyes. Dermarollers tend to lose their sharp point after several uses and should be replaced as soon as they become blunted. Using a blunt dermaroller to treat the skin can cause adverse side effects like bruising, track marks, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. It’s best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green, to learn more about the benefits of microneedling treatments and have a professional perform your procedure in a controlled setting with precise technique to avoid complications.
Dermal Fillers for Under Eye Bags
As we age, the collagen in our skin naturally begins to break down. Collagen is what keeps the skin supple, firm, smooth, and youthful. The breakdown of collagen in skin can lead to thin, translucent skin under the lower eyelid and is the often cause the appearance of dark under eye circles. Dermal fillers are designed to restore collagen production and volume to the treatment area. By injecting filler into the tear trough area (under the eyes), lost volume can be restored and the appearance of dark under eyes reduced.
For diminishing the appearance of under eye bags, Dr. Green typically utilizes Restylane or Belotero Balance dermal fillers. Restylane and Belotero are both hyaluronic acid dermal fillers with a small particle size. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in the body that helps stimulate production of collagen in the skin, resulting in a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Combining the dermal fillers with microneedling treatments can be a great way to provide natural looking volume restoration, reducing the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.
Does microneedling get rid of dark circles, under-eye wrinkles, or eye bags?
Microneedling can be an effective treatment option for fine lines, under-eye bags, puffiness, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and even stretch marks. The versatility of a microneedling treatment is what makes it beneficial for patients with varying skin tones and skin types. By adjusting the depth of penetration of the tiny needles on the dermapen, the delicate under eye skin can be treated with the microneedle to achieve a rejuvenated appearance.
How much does microneedling under the eyes cost?
The cost of a microneedling treatment will vary depending on the experience level of your provider, the geographic location of the office you are treated in, how many sessions of treatment you undergo, and whether you have add-ons to your treatment such as microneedling with PRP. During a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, like Dr. Green, you will determine which specific microneedling treatment is most appropriate for you and the cost of that treatment.
Can I combine microneedling treatments with dermal fillers?
Microneedling treatments can be complemented by using injectable dermal fillers under the eyes to help create smooth, beautiful, youthful skin. To determine which combination of treatments is most appropriate for you, it’s best to first have a consultation with a board-certified expert in dermatology, like Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach to customizing each of her patients treatment plans to achieve the best results. During a consultation, your medical history will be discussed in depth and an individualized plan established to address your unique skin concerns.
Botox for under eye area – 3 months
Botox for Eye Wrinkles
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments done in the United States because of its outstanding ability to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including around the eyes. Botox is popularly used to treat the outer canthal lines, aka crow’s feet, that tend to appear as a result of smiling, squinting, and other repeated expressive movements. Natural, beautiful results can easily be achieved when treating crow’s feet with Botox by injecting the orbicularis-oculi. This is the ring-shaped muscle surrounding the eye that, when injected with Botox, relaxes- softening the appearance of wrinkles or helping to prevent them from forming in the first place!
As the popularity of Botox continues to increase, many patients are seeking preventative or ‘baby Botox.’ The concept of preventative Botox is to utilize a small amount of the neurotoxin to partially ‘freeze’ a muscle before a fine line or wrinkle develops. Baby Botox helps patients maintain a naturally youthful appearance with ease. Combining Botox injections with microneedling treatments can be a great way to refresh and rejuvenate the eye area.
Skincare with Microneedling
You can maximize the benefits of your favorite skincare products by applying them after a microneedling treatment. Stay away from ingredients like retinol and Retin-A, as these ingredients will be too harsh for skin after treatment. However, after a microneedling treatment hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid are able to better penetrate the skin through newly created micro-channels, leaving your skin moisturized and glowing. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of skin structure and helps to strengthen the natural protective barrier of skin as well as promote moisture retention. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin healthy and looking and feeling hydrated, youthful, and beautiful. Topical serums, such as Dr. Green’s Vitamin C serum (Vita-C Advanced Serum) and moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid (Hydra Repair) can be a powerful way to boost the effects of your microneedling treatment.
Dr. Green often recommends her specially formulated, highly concentrated hyaluronic acid serum to her patients who have done a microneedling treatment. Her serum works to provide the ultimate in hydration to the skin at every level, diminishing the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles by enhancing the skin’s moisture content. This revitalizing hyaluronic acid serum leaves the skin looking and feeling softer, smoother, and radiantly hydrated.
Dermarolling at home vs Microneedling in the office
Caution should be exercised when undergoing any cosmetic procedure, and especially so when performing the procedure at home! It can be dangerous to use a dermaroller at home to perform your own microneedling treatments. Many patients will inadvertently use excessive pressure when doing their own treatments and this can potentially cause bruising, the appearance of track marks, and even scarring or hyperpigmentation of the skin. Microneedling procedures that are done in the office are performed by a board-certified dermatologist who can appropriately adjust the penetration depth of the micro-needles for varying treatment areas to reveal a more refreshed, luminous, healthy complexion. Having the treatment done with a professional greatly reduces the risk of scarring or hyperpigmenting the skin and may be more comfortable since a topical anesthetic can be applied prior to treatment to minimize discomfort.
How to get started with Microneedling treatments for under eyes today?
Dr. Michele Green is a board certified cosmetic dermatologist, and an expert in NYC in Botox, dermal fillers, lip augmentation, laser treatments and other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in NYC by Castle Connolly, the New York Times, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine. If you are interested in reducing the appearance of under eye bags, dark circles, and puffiness, or learning more about microneedling and other cosmetic procedures for skin rejuvenation, please call the office Dr. Michele Green at 212-535-3088 or contact us online.
under eye swelling after microneedling
Microneedling has long been a beloved treatment because it’s all-natural, using only the healing factors of your own body to give you skin that looks younger, healthier, and more vibrant. At RefinedMD, we recommend microneedling as a complement to virtually any other treatment—but it’s also a powerful procedure in its own right. You might not know exactly what’s happening below the surface after your microneedling treatment, and if you’re new to microneedling you might leave your first treatment thinking, “Is this it?” Absolutely not! Let’s look closer.
For starters, yes, your skin will be pink or red right after your treatment. This is completely normal and will go away on its own in the next few days. Just how red your skin gets will depend on skin sensitivity and exactly which microneedling device is used. However, most clients still feel comfortable going about their daily lives looking like they got a bit too much sun. Remember that microneedling creates hundreds or even thousands of tiny pin pricks in the skin. These are invisible to the naked eye, but your skin is going to respond! It would be worrisome if it didn’t, because no response means your body isn’t going to start producing collagen at the treatment site.
Post-Microneedling Happenings
You might also notice that your skin feels dry and tight after the treatment. It’s important to follow up microneedling with some nourishing moisturizer, which can be added on to your treatment. Alternatively, you can care for your skin even more by scheduling an indulgence like DiamondGlow right afterward that will drench your skin in medical-grade serums.
Microneedling is not meant to be severely invasive, but bear in mind that it is technically a minimally invasive treatment. Pinpoint bleeding can happen for some patients, but this is typically so slight and brief that you might not see it. Microneedling is also usually described as feeling pretty comfortable, similar to microdermabrasion, but for those with very sensitive skin a topical numbing cream can be used.
Chemical Peel or Microneedling?
Surprisingly, some clients may notice light shedding or peeling in the days following their treatment. That’s just a sign of exfoliation, and it’s actually a good sign. It means that cell turnover is happening (which means collagen production is occurring) and that new skin is being created. In most cases, this exfoliation happens the day after microneedling and can make the texture look a bit dull. Skin that is pink and a bit sandy-looking is common for some clients in days 2 – 4 after the treatment.
Just like any time you’re kick-starting cell turnover with a treatment or skin exfoliation, your skin will be sensitive to UV rays. After all, microneedling damages the stratum corneum (top layer of the skin), which means you have to be even more careful with UV exposure. This is a great time to boost your sun protection regimen and talk with us about a recommended SPF 30 or higher medical-grade sunscreen for you.
Microneedling Basics
Sometimes skin can look slightly swollen after microneedling. This is due to the natural and mechanical injury of the treatment. Degree of swelling (if any) will depend on skin sensitivity and the aggressiveness of the treatment. When swelling does occur, it is subtle and subsides in about three days. A cold compress can help reduce swelling, brings down inflammation, and can feel amazing.
You might notice skin feels rough after microneedling, too. This could be due to the shedding, swelling, or both. For some patients, some visible marks might be apparent, though these are typically light. No need to worry, because anything “off” you notice on your face after microneedling is temporary and will clear up in a few days. Those prone to acne breakouts might also experience a flare-up, especially if you currently have active acne lesions at the treatment site. Microneedling can help with acne scars, but it can also spread the bacteria that causes acne. If you do have acne, bear in mind that acne is a medical condition. Talk with your dermatologist about acne treatments, because there is definitely a solution for you.