Chelsea Is Shrinking Her Pores with Microneedling

How does it feel to have 15 needles poking your face? Shockingly, not bad at all.

When you hear microneedling, many people subconsciously cringe at the idea. Trypanophobia, the fear of needles, is a common fear. However, I am here to tell you that even if you are terrified of needles, you will enjoy it. As someone who has six tattoos, even I was a little apprehensive to have 15 tiny needles poking my face. I could never get a face tattoo. Once I calmed my nerves, the procedure was a breeze.

Before the needles came in, Kara numbed my face with a prescription-grade numbing cream. It was such an odd sensation as my face slowly started to get numb. I had watched some microneedling video beforehand and they had a 30-minute numbing time. At Dr. Lyle Back's office, it only takes 10 minutes to numb the face. This cuts down the whole procedure time overall.

After my face was good and numb, Kara began with the needles. She told me she would prefer it if they called it micro-channeling, so people didn't get so nervous. Microneedling, according to Dr. Lyle Back's website, "...[Is a] very effective way to enhance collagen remodeling and generate a smoothing of the skin..."

At Dr. Back's office, they use what is called a SkinPen. "SkinPen treatments also stimulate the release of growth factors that enhance the body and fullness of the skin, promote scar softening and flattening and a general smoothing out of any wrinkles or lines in the area."

When I explained the process to friends and family, I kept referring to it as aerating my face. It may not be accurate, but I'm standing by that idea.

The entire needle part took maybe 20 minutes and that's being generous. For the majority of my face, I barely felt anything. On my forehead where there isn't much fatty tissue, it felt like small pricks but was nothing to complain about.

Immediately after microneedling, my face was quite red. It looked like I had a sunburn, which lasted for a little over a day. I have very fair skin that turns red quickly, so this came as no surprise. My skin was a little on the sensitive side when I put lotion on or washed my face; I could feel every ridge in my fingers. If you have ever put aloe over a sunburn or cream on a fresh tattoo you know this feeling well. My dead skin was coming off during this time, but I had to let it come off by itself. You must wait before you can start exfoliating.

The impatient side of me is going to have to take a back seat for a few weeks to see the final results. While I am only 28-years-old, I am looking forward to seeing my fine lines fade and my larger pores on my cheeks to shrink.

Most people get multiple treatments to get the full effect of microneedling.

Ready to get your healthy glow? Call Dr. Back's office at 856-751-7550 (856-MAKEOVER) or connect with them online at ilovelyleback.com.