Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can help to improve the look and texture of your skin. The principles behind the procedure date back over a hundred years, but modern microneedling has gained popularity since the introduction of Dermarollers in the 1990s.¹ It’s favored by many because it’s not invasive and has minimal downtime.
In this post, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about microneedling from how the procedure works, how long it takes, what the results are like, and more.
Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is a minimally invasive procedure that uses surgical-grade, microneedles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin.² The damage helps to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process by producing more collagen and elastin, which are proteins that keep your skin firm.
Microneedling can benefit a wide range of skin conditions for all skin types. Most commonly, people get microneedling done to their face but you can also get it on other areas of your body like your legs, back, neck, and more. People who might consider microneedling are those who have fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks, skin discoloration, enlarged pores, sagging skin, hair loss, loss of skin volume, and more.
The length of a microneedling treatment can vary depending on the size of the area being treated but it typically takes an average of 30 minutes. The number of treatments a person will need for their desired results also varies based on the initial skin condition, age, how skin responds to treatment, and more.
Results from microneedling appear gradually as your body produces collagen, some people need to have a series of treatments to see optimal results. You can start seeing improvement within a few weeks, but to see full results it can take several months.
Results will fade over time as your body loses collagen, which happens to everyone at different rates. You can make results last longer by protecting your skin from the sun and returning to your provider for periodic touch-up treatments.
The downtime after a microneedling treatment is minimal. There may be some discomfort, tenderness, or redness after the treatment, or your skin may feel similar to a sunburn. Those reactions to the treatment are typically gone after a few days.
Following treatment, your provider may advise you to avoid using certain products, like makeup and some skincare products for the first 24-48 hours, and to avoid spending prolonged periods in the sun for a week or more.
In Canada, the regulations on who can perform microneedling can vary based on province — some provinces require a registered medical professional’s oversight or direct administration while others allow trained estheticians to perform the treatment.
No matter what someone’s primary profession is, it’s essential to undergo specialized training in order to perform microneedling. Most microneedling programs require you to have an esthetic diploma from a registered college or medical practitioner in order to enroll.
At Bryan College, we believe to succeed in the growing field of esthetics learners need a different approach to education which is why we’re dedicated to providing a hands-on experience from qualified educators.
Our new Microneedling Workshop gives trained estheticians in Ontario the experience and knowledge they need to add advanced microneedling techniques to their service offerings. The two-day workshop runs on select weekends at our campus at 1200 Lawrence Avenue West, North York, ON M6A 1E3. Learn more about our program or register online today!
Recommended:
1. "A Look at the Fascinating History of Microneedling." skinbylovely.com, 24 May 2024, https://www.skinbylovely.com/blog/a-look-at-the-fascinating-history-of-microneedling. 9 February 2025.
2. "Microneedling." clevelandclinic.org, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23113-microneedling. 9 February 2025.
By submitting this form, I agree that Bryan College may contact me regarding educational services via email, telephone, text message, or automated technology at the email address and phone numbers provided. I understand this consent is not required to enroll. For more information, please call: 1-888-641-6300. Visit our Privacy Policy.
Registration:
Registered as a career college under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
Member of OCPMTC