Microneedling for the body

This minimally invasive treatment can be used all over the body — from scalp to ankles — to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, boost collagen, or encourage hair growth.

The most popular areas of treatment for microneedling on the body are the front and back of thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and décolletage.

As such, it’s most commonly employed to treat:

Scarring
Stretch marks
Sun damage
Uneven skin texture

The depth of the needles used in professional microneedling range from 0.25 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters, depending on the treatment area. Body procedures often require deeper penetration for best results because the skin of, say, the buttocks and thighs is thicker than that of the face and décolleté.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling (also known as skin needling or collagen induction therapy) is a type of treatment that uses small needles to cause tiny punctures in the skin. These small contact points encourage the body to create a wound healing response and renew the skin cells. As your skin repairs, the production of collagen and elastin is triggered to give an almost immediate plumping effect.

Ideal Candidate for Body Microneedling

Patients looking to treat skin concerns related to uneven skin tone and texture may be good candidates for microneedling on the face and body. With that said, there are some contraindications to be aware of. Anyone who has taken Accutane or other medications that increase photosensitivity in the past six months should not undergo treatment. Additionally, those taking blood thinners or anticoagulants are not good candidates.

Another note: tattooed areas should not be treated.

Talk to your healthcare provider before getting microneedling if you have:

Active acne or are taking medication for acne.
Blood disorders or are on anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clots).
Cancer and are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Frequent skin rashes (contact dermatitis) or cold sores.
Keloidal tendency (your skin forms hard, raised scars).
Moles, freckles, skin tags or other growths that change in size or shape or bleed.
Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Microneedling is a great treatment for you if you have darker skin because it doesn’t involve peels or lasers, which can cause pigmentation issues.

Microneedling intervals and Pre-Treatment Instructions

Like microneedling for the face, a series of treatments (think: four to six sessions spaced one month apart) will likely be recommended for best results. Each appointment will take about an hour to an hour and a half, which includes topical numbing. Prior to beginning treatment, your provider will give you a set of pre-treatment instructions to ensure the skin is prepped and ready.