What to Expect During Your First Microneedling Session

If you have been staring at fine lines, acne scars, or uneven texture a little too often in the mirror, it is completely normal to feel both curious and nervous about your first microneedling treatment. You might be wondering how much it hurts, what your skin will look like afterward, and whether the results are worth it.

At GLO Bar, we use the SkinPen Precision Elite, a medical-grade, FDA-cleared device designed to create controlled microchannels in the skin that stimulate collagen and support a smoother, more refined texture. Knowing exactly what will happen before, during, and after your appointment can make your first microneedling session feel a lot more comfortable and predictable.

What Is Microneedling With SkinPen Precision Elite?

Microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that uses very fine needles to create tiny, precise micro-injuries at the skin’s surface. With the SkinPen Precision Elite device, those microchannels are created in a highly controlled way so your provider can target specific concerns such as acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, and overall texture.

During a professional Microneedling procedure, the pen glides across your skin with a hydrating serum, while the needles move up and down at high speed. These micro-injuries signal your skin to begin its natural repair process. Over the next several weeks, your body responds by producing fresh collagen and elastin, which can lead to smoother, firmer-looking skin.

Unlike at-home rollers, SkinPen Precision Elite uses sterile, single-use needle cartridges and customizable depths, which helps your provider adapt the treatment safely to different areas of the face and neck.

Before Your First Appointment

Your Microneedling experience at GLO Bar starts with a consultation. This is your chance to talk through what bothers you most, whether it is old acne scars that never seem to fade or new fine lines that make makeup settle in ways you do not love.

During this visit, your provider will:

• Review your medical history and current skincare routine
  
• Examine your skin type and main concerns
  
• Discuss realistic goals, how many sessions you might need, and how often
  

You will also receive simple prep instructions, such as pausing retinoids and harsh exfoliants for a few days, avoiding sunburn, and rescheduling if you have an active infection or cold sore. The goal is to have calm, intact skin so the SkinPen can do its job effectively and safely.

Knowing what to expect even before you arrive helps remove a lot of the “what if” anxiety around your first Microneedling Treatment in Costa Mesa, CA.

What Happens During Your First Visit

On the day of your appointment, you will check in and your provider may take photos so you can track progress over time. Your skin is then thoroughly cleansed to remove makeup, oil, and debris.

A topical numbing cream is applied and left on for about twenty to thirty minutes. This step makes a big difference. Most people describe the sensation during Microneedling treatment steps as a mild scratching or buzzing feeling rather than sharp pain, usually around a three to five out of ten on the discomfort scale.

Once your skin is numb, the SkinPen Precision Elite handpiece is fitted with a sterile, single use needle cartridge and a glide serum is applied. Your provider works in small sections, adjusting the depth for different areas. Thicker skin on the cheeks may be treated more deeply than delicate areas near the eyes or forehead.

You may notice:

• A vibrating sensation from the device
  
• Mild prickling in bony areas like the forehead
  
• Occasionally, tiny pinpoint bleeding in areas treated more intensively for scars
  

This is all expected and controlled by your provider. The actual pen portion is usually fairly quick, often around fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on how large an area is treated. Start to finish, your first Microneedling session typically fits within about an hour.

If you have been wondering what happens during microneedling, the short answer is that your provider is creating very precise microchannels while constantly monitoring your comfort and your skin’s response.

How Your Skin Looks and Feels Afterward

Right after your treatment, your skin will usually look pink to moderately red, similar to a light to moderate sunburn. It can feel warm, tight, or slightly puffy for a few hours. A soothing post treatment serum is applied to support hydration and comfort.

For the first twenty four hours, your provider may ask you to avoid makeup, heavy sweating, hot yoga, or saunas. Many clinics also prefer that you skip regular skincare products and use only what they recommend during this early window. This helps reduce the risk of irritation while those microchannels are still fresh.

Over the next few days, most people notice:

• Redness fading to a light flush
  
• Mild dryness or rough texture
  
• Slight flaking as older skin sheds
  

By days three to five, skin usually looks more like itself again, just a bit pink and dry. Makeup often goes on more smoothly at this point, and as long as you follow instructions, you can return to your regular routine with added focus on gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and diligent SPF.

The visible changes in texture and tone continue to build over the next few weeks as collagen remodeling takes place beneath the surface.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

Microneedling is not a one time miracle treatment. For mild texture and glow, a single session can still be helpful, but most people see the best results with a series. Your provider may recommend three or more sessions, spaced about four to six weeks apart, especially for deeper acne scars or more noticeable fine lines.

Your skin concerns, age, and overall health all play a role in how quickly you respond. The beauty of working with a device like SkinPen Precision Elite is that the approach can be customized and adjusted as your skin changes over time.

Is Microneedling Right For You?

Microneedling can be a great option if you want something more targeted than skincare alone but you are not ready for more aggressive resurfacing. It can be suitable for many skin types and tones when performed by a trained provider.

It may be a good fit if you are dealing with:

• Old acne scars that are hard to cover with makeup
  
• Fine lines and early signs of aging
  
• Rough or uneven texture
  
• Enlarged pores and dull, tired-looking skin
  

During your consultation at GLO Bar, your provider will review any conditions or medications that might make microneedling less appropriate. The goal is always to support your skin in a way that feels safe, thoughtful, and aligned with your comfort level.

Ready To Schedule Your First Microneedling Session At GLO Bar?

Taking the first step can feel intimidating, especially when you are not sure how your skin will react. Having a clear picture of how the Microneedling procedure works, what the treatment feels like, and how recovery unfolds can make the decision much easier.

If you are curious about improving texture, softening scars, or boosting overall skin quality with professional Microneedling using the SkinPen Precision Elite device, a one-on-one consultation at GLO Bar is the best place to start. You can ask questions, share your skin goals, and find out how a personalized treatment plan might help you feel more confident in your bare skin. Curious About Microneedling? Consult Our Experts and Learn What to Expect!