Microneedling Under Eyes - All the Info
Microneedling is considered the no. 1 non-invasive anti-aging treatment that can definitely help rejuvenate the eyes area. Let’s look at how microneedling under eyes works.
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Microneedling has become the go-to treatment for virtually any skin imperfection. We love it because it’s versatile, non-invasive, carries minimal side effects, and uses the body’s natural processes, so it’s fail-proof.
Its most prominent effects are anti-aging, and since the area around and under the eyes is the first part of the face to show signs of aging, people naturally started microneedling under eyes.
So, let’s talk about it! We’ll explain how microneedling around eyes works, what effects can be achieved, which tool to use, how it’s combined with RF and PRP, and more!
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What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy where micro-injuries are afflicted on the skin in order to trigger its natural processes of regeneration and collagen and elastin production.
A tool with extremely thin needles – either a derma pen or a derma roller – is used to make tiny punctures on the skin and create micro-channels.
The skin will close up the microchannels with new tissue, and over several weeks, the production of collagen and elastin in the treated areas will be boosted.
Collagen and elastin make up the web of protein that gives the skin its structure. As we age, the natural production of these proteins is slowed down, the web weakens, and the skin loses plumpness, leading to sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.
As the web is repaired with boosted collagen production, the skin gets firmer and the signs of aging are diminished.
To achieve this, microneedling is done as a series of treatments (usually 3-6 with a few weeks between them), with occasional maintenance sessions required to keep the results.
Apart from the natural processes that are triggered, microneedling also increases the absorption and effect of skincare products, as the microchannels allow them to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Image source: Instagram @elseskincare
Can You Do Microneedling Under Eyes?
Yes, but microneedling the under-eye area is a bit different than micro needling the rest of the face.
Namely, the skin under and around the eyes is much thinner than the skin on the cheeks or forehead, so the needling has to be done more shallowly. This means a more gentle approach.
Going too deep causes too much skin trauma and damage. It’s not only really uncomfortable, but it can lead to permanent scarring if the skin injury is so excessive the body forms scar tissue instead of healthy new skin.
All this in mind, instead of microneedling eyes, you can also get the so-called skin nanoneedling. It’s gentler and it can give nice results.
Image source: Instagram @adanfranco.co
What Effects Can Be Achieved?
When microneedling under eyes, the main effects you’ll achieve are diminished fine lines and wrinkles. Your crow’s feet will gradually get less and less visible as the skin tightens.
Another under-eye issue that can be worked with microneedling is loose skin.
As we age, the collagen and elastin levels in the skin under the eyes dwindle, causing the skin to sag. It’s also possible the fat that used to give plumpness is lost, which contributes to sagging skin, or migrates and casts shadows that make your undereyes look darker.
Microneedling will tighten the skin back up and the eyes will look less sunken.
Apart from targeting the signs of aging, microneedling also works away hyperpigmentation, so if you have any darker spots around the eyes, chances are they’ll be brightened as an additional effect.
Derma Pen or Derma Roller?
Generally, a derma pen is more suitable for microneedling under eyes, as it can provide better results with minimal risks.
With professional microneedling done in-office, the point is for the needles to reach the dermis, the second layer of skin. If the skin is thinner, the dermis is closer to the surface of the skin, so the needles shouldn’t penetrate far into the skin to reach it.
Most professionals have switched to using the derma pen, which is an electric tool that activates the needle cartridge – a cluster of sharp, thin needles which go in and out of the skin at a high speed.
To reach the perfect depth for microneedling around eyes and prevent too much skin trauma and damage, the needle length has to be carefully calculated and the derma pen carefully calibrated.
But microneedling can also be done with a derma roller.
The derma roller has moved from expert offices to our homes, and they’re mostly used for at-home microneedling.
Image source: Instagram @swandermatology
At-Home Microneedling with a Derma Roller
DIY microneedling can’t and isn’t supposed to be as effective as in-office treatments.
Non-experts don’t have the knowledge and expertise to determine just how far into the skin the needles should be pushed to reach the dermis – so they shouldn’t even try to do so. For at-home microneedling, it’s safer to stick to short needles.
Therefore, a derma roller is much more suitable if you want to do your microneedling at home.
Derma rollers you can buy over the counter have very short pins that won’t go too far into the skin unless you press them really hard – which you should never do.
Less depth means less collagen and elastin production, so dramatic improvement can’t be expected.
But some improvement can definitely be made. The other function of microneedling – opening up channels in the skin to allow products to penetrate deeper – will still be achieved.
So when using a derma roller for microneedling under eyes, the primary goal should be allowing your skin care to reach its full effects, rather than collagen induction.
Image source: Freepik
NOTE
Recently, derma pens became available to non-experts, and beauty enthusiasts jumped at the opportunity to get them and use them at home.
While this carries risks of skin damage due to excessive trauma, people still do it, and if you decide to try it, we warn you to be really careful, read the instructions carefully and follow them.
Be aware that microneedling under eyes requires a really gentle approach and shallow depth.
You need to get a high-quality tool and carefully choose what you’ll put on your skin afterwards.
Does Microneedling Under Eyes Hurt?
Professional, in-office microneedling is done with topical anesthetics which eliminate discomfort so a professional treatment shouldn’t hurt.
That said, the area under the eyes is extremely sensitive, so it might be slightly uncomfortable despite the numbing.
With DIY microneedling, you’re not supposed to go so far into the skin to cause pain. If you feel any pain, you’re either pressing the roller too hard, or the needles of your derma pen are going in too deep.
Bear in mind that needles going over your skin, even at a light pressure, is bound to cause some sensations, so some discomfort is inevitable. But it shouldn’t hurt per se.
Is There Any Downtime?
No, you can go straight back to your day after getting microneedling.
That said, your skin will probably look flushed for the rest of the day, so plan accordingly.
You’ll need to take some special care of your skin for a few days, though, but it’s nothing complicated or time-consuming.
Microneedling Aftercare
For the rest of the day after your microneedling treatment:
- Avoid touching your face
- Only apply suitable skincare
- Wear gentle SPF
- Avoid sunlight exposure
- Avoid makeup on the treated area
- Wash your face with cold to cool water
For a few days after your microneedling treatment (also applies to day 1):
- Only apply suitable skin care
- Wear gentle SPF
- Avoid excessive sweating
- Avoid sunlight exposure
- Don’t go swimming
These are just the most basic aftercare rules that will prevent infection and serious complications. For full instructions on how to care for your skin after microneedling, head over to our Microneedling Aftercare Guide.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Microneedling in general carries minimal side effects when done right:
- Some redness
- Minor swelling
- Minor bruising
- The feeling of tightness for a few days
- Possible peeling after a few days
These are somewhat more prominent when microneedling under eyes compared to the rest of the face, as the skin here is much thinner and more delicate.
Bruising is something that can happen, as the blood vessels in the undereye area are so close to the surface. It can be scary and doesn’t look nice, but it’s not a serious complication as long as it goes away within a few days.
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What About RF & PRP Microneedling?
Microneedling is often combined with other treatments and technologies to maximize its results, and RF microneedling and PRP microneedling are now recognized as very effective combo treatments.
Let’s explain each and see how they’re used around the eyes.
RF Microneedling Under Eyes
RF stands for radiofrequency, a form of energy that’s used for collagen induction.
It uses a special tool that sends heat into the deeper layers of the skin so that the increased production of collagen is triggered and the quality of the skin is improved as a result.
With microneedling also being a form of collagen induction, combining these 2 for maximum results was a no-brainer.
This combo treatment is done with a tool slightly different from the standard derma pen. It’s a larger handpiece which does skin needling, but also sends pulses of RF energy.
RF microneedling under eyes is great for sagging skin, those bags that can form under the eyes and give that tired, sunken eye look.
It usually requires 3-4 sessions.
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Microneedling with PRP Under Eyes
PRP stands for platelet rich plasma, a substance extracted from the client’s own blood.
A small amount of blood is taken from the client and put in a vile. The vial is treated with a centrifuge which isolates the platelets. The serum obtained contains very high amounts of growth factors.
The serum is then introduced into the skin with the microneedling technique. This shot of growth factors deposited directly into the skin encourages extra skin cell turnover more than just microneedling ever could.
The plumping effect is something PRP treatment can achieve like nothing else, and this is why microneedling with PRP under eyes works great. It helps fill in those sunken areas, as well as contribute to diminishing dark circles.
Most clients need 3-6 sessions, but improvement can often be seen even after just 1.
How Much Does Microneedling Under Eyes Cost?
If you’re getting professional, in-office derma pen microneedling, you’ll likely get your whole face treated, not just your undereyes. So, you’ll pay the standard price for microneedling, which can be anywhere from $75 to $400 per session.
The average cost, though, is around $190.
The price of microneedling depends on your location, the exclusivity of the salon, products used, as well as other factors.
You can expect microneedling with RF or PRP to cost slightly more than standard derma pen.
Alternatively, you can try microneedling under eyes at home with a suitable derma pen approved for at-home use, or a derma roller. The total cost will be significantly lower, but the results aren’t guaranteed.
Microneedling Under Eyes – Main Takeaways
Microneedling is a tried and tested anti-aging treatment which can do amazing things for your complexion – under eyes included.
With microneedling, you can diminish fine lines and wrinkles from within, as well as brighten and even out your complexion, plus give your skin a youthful glow – all from within, using the body’s natural processes.
For extra effects, microneedling can be combined with radiofrequency or PRP treatment.
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