Microneedling Under Eyes: What To Consider

We all reach a point in life where signs of aging start to affect the appearance on our faces and around our eyes.  Dark circles and other unwanted skin appearances tend to show up without any warning.  

It is hard to figure out what exactly gives us that tired look but it has a negative effect on our quality of life. Covering it up with makeup and creams seems to only be a temporary solution.  

So how do we get rid of those aging tired eyes?

More people have been turning to microneedling under eye treatments to get healthier and younger-looking skin in this region.

Let’s discuss the benefits of microneedling under the eyes and how it can improve your appearance.  

Table of Contents

What Is Microneedling Under Eyes?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that helps treat unwanted skin issues around the eyes. Microneedling can be used under and around the eyes for people who have struggled with treating dark circles, puffiness, sagging skin, and other signs of aging.

A microneedling device containing tiny needles penetrates the surface of the skin area around the eye, creating thousands of tiny holes called micro injuries.  

The injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen production, and generating new skin cells to restore a youthful glow.  These tiny punctures also allow for better absorption of skin care products.

A microneedling under eye treatment is usually done in the office by a board certified dermatologist or medical practitioner.  Users also have the option of using professional tools at home such as a micro pen or derma roller. 

When done in an office, additional treatments can be combined such as injections of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), microneedling with radiofrequency, or other nutrient serums.  These combinations have been known to enhance the formation of new skin cells and connective tissue.

Whats Causes Under Eye Skin Problems

There are a number of factors that strain the skin around your eyes. Aging, genetics, diet, fatigue, and unhealthy lifestyle choices all play a role. 

Many suffer from under-eye issues as it’s one of the places that lose structure and strength first. Over time, the body loses collagen and the skin tissue thins out in volume and formation.

Microneedling helps treat unwanted appearances around the eyes by increasing elastin and collagen production. These proteins help restrengthen and restructure the skin.

Applying beneficial topical creams with essential nutrients can also help bring volume back and plump up the area.

Is It Safe to Microneedle Under Eyes?

Microneedling is considered safe and effective, especially when compared to other cosmetic eye treatments.  

Due to this highly sensitive and delicate area under the eyes, scarring can occur if not properly administered. Scar tissue is extremely difficult to remove in thin skin areas.

There is a risk of dermal infection if the handheld device used is not properly sterilized.

To minimize the risk of developing any unwanted effects after the procedure, discuss your previous medical history with your provider in detail.

What To Consider Before

Avoid getting microneedling under the eyes if you have pre-existing health or dermatologic conditions like active acne breakouts, keloid scars, eczema, rosacea, etc. 

Also, avoid undergoing this procedure if you are pregnant or currently undergoing cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment. 

Individuals taking potent acne medication should also discuss their medical history with their physician or aesthetician before undergoing the procedure. 

Target Areas

Microneedling can be done around the eyes to treat the following issues:

  • Under eye dark circles (Periorbital hyperpigmentation)
  • Under Eye Bags, tear troughs, or puffiness
  • Veins, fine lines, and wrinkles
  • Under-Eye Hollows and sagging skin

It is possible to microneedle the eyelids but proceed with caution.  Some devices can be too powerful for this region.  

It is best to use a derma roller to microneedle your eyelids for the ability to apply light pressure and move cautiously throughout this sensitive area.

Microneedling can be done on almost any place of the body to target skin issues, particularly to reduce stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines, enlarged pores, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. 

How Much Does Microneedling Under Eyes Cost?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Each under-eye microneedling session can cost you anywhere between $100 and $900, depending on your location, physician, and type of treatment selected. 

A minimum of three sessions is recommended over a 3-6 month period. Multiple sessions are required for longer-lasting results. 

Procedure In-Office

Prior to the microneedling appointment, your dermatologist will provide medical advice for the best treatment based on the goal desired and the issue treated.

Upon arrival, the eye area will be cleansed followed by a hydrating serum and a small dose of topical anesthetic like lidocaine to minimize any discomfort.  A micro pen is usually the best device for the eye area for its accuracy to treat small areas.

The physician will pull the skin below the eyes down gently over the bone so the tiny needles from the micro pen or roller can penetrate.  The skin can be very thin and delicate in the eye region, so the physician will control the pressure according to the sensitivity of your skin. 

Patients with long eyelashes may be recommended to keep their eyes open to avoid them falling into the target area. 

Doctors usually start with a needle length of .25mm, as they are very careful about penetrating this sensitive area.

The treatment usually takes less than an hour per session and once completed you will receive another layer of hydrating serum, along with after-care instructions to keep your under-eye skin in excellent condition. 

Dermarolling Under Eyes At Home

Patients have the ability to treat the damaged skin around the eyes by micro-needling at home with a derma roller.  Derma rolling can be an equally effective solution as long as you know the proper steps on how to microneedle under your eyes. 

Make sure to cleanse the area and use a hyaluronic acid serum to prime the area before dermarolling.  Pull the skin down over the bone so that needles can penetrate the skin layer more easily.

When rolling, hold the derma roller at an angle to make sure the innermost row of needles penetrates the area. When using a derma roller, it’s recommended to always gently roll away from the nose and never roll towards the eye. 

Expect to see firm, younger-looking skin within one to two weeks of the treatment.

It is important to remember that multiple sessions are needed to yield explicitly visible results, and you might need maintenance sessions for longer-lasting results. 

What To Expect After

Microneedling under the eyes requires little to no downtime for recovery. Whether it is an in-office or at-home procedure, you can resume your daily routine right after the procedure, provided that you follow the necessary after-care precautions to get optimal results. 

It is normal if you see redness or mild bruising of your skin or experience slight discomfort after the procedure. The redness and mild discomfort tend to resolve within 24 to 48 hours of the treatment. 

In the days immediately after the treatment, you should avoid excessive direct exposure to sunlight and avoid the use of heavy under-eye makeup products. It is advisable to keep your skincare routine limited to gentle cleansers and all-natural, hydrating products. 

Avoid using exfoliants, peeling masks, and potent serums like Retinol for at least one to two weeks after the procedure.

It is important to note that while microneedling is one of the most effective procedures for under-eye skin, it will likely take a few weeks before you experience the full spectrum of benefits of the treatment. 

Final Tip

Microneedling may be the best solution when it comes to how you can fix damaged skin and stimulate collagen under the eyes.

While micro needling under the eyes yields quick and highly favorable results for your skin, these results are not permanent. It can take weeks to months for the body to produce collagen and elastin.

Microneedling under eye treatments at home will always provide less effective results compared to in-office. The procedure is best left for the dermatologist’s office to avoid damage in this highly sensitive area.

Contact your physician to obtain more information about under-eye microneedling.

FAQ

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum Under Eyes?

Yes, Hylauronic acid is naturally occurring in the skin around your eyes

What Depth Do You Microneedle Under Your Eyes?

Most skin care professionals recommend using devices with a needle size of .25mm since the under-eye skin is particularly sensitive.  Stay below .5mm to avoid damage.

How Often Should You Microneedle Under Your Eyes?

Since the under-eye skin is a highly sensitive area, you should limit your microneedling appointments to once per month. Taking breaks between consecutive under-eye microneedling sessions allows your skin to heal properly and produce optimal results. 

How Often Can You Dermaroll Under Eyes?

Users should not perform derma rolling under eyes more than two to three times per month. It is also advisable to start with a small needle size of 0.25 and work your way up to see how well the skin tolerates the procedure.

How Long Does Under Eye Microneedling Last?

The results of a complete under-eye microneedling treatment can last for several months. It might take a week or more before you notice visible results depending on the individual’s duration of a normal healing cycle.  Consistent microneedling treatments will provide longer-lasting results