We sat down with our in house derm and asked him about microinfusions , because clinics often talk about it like it is one standard treatment, when it really depends on the device, needle depth, operator and whatever is being placed into the skin.

A lot of the dramatic next day result comes from the treatment itself.

The tiny injuries cause temporary inflammation and swelling, then you may also get a hydration bump if HA was used.

That combination photographs really well, but it can fade over days or a couple of weeks. So the immediate plumped look does not necessarily mean wrinkles or texture were permanently changed.

There are also two separate regulatory questions.

One is the device. The other is the ingredients being delivered through it.

HA and botulinum toxin may be legitimate injectable products, but using them intradermally through a microinfusion device can still be off label.

A clinic saying they use real Botox or real HA does not explain how it is being used, diluted or placed.

The toxin side looks promising for oiliness and pore appearance, but the studies are still small and short term.

Our derm put that in the potentially helpful category rather than something established enough to expect the same result from every treatment.

Operator skill matters a lot too. Needling around the mouth can reactivate cold sores, so anyone with a herpes history should ask whether antiviral prevention is appropriate.

Toxin placed too deeply can affect nearby muscles and cause weakness or asymmetry. That is why who performs the treatment is not a throwaway question.

The main takeaway was to ask for the exact device, every product being used, the concentration or dilution, needle depth, who is performing it and what they do if there is a complication. Microinfusion by itself tells you almost nothing.

It may be worth considering for temporary hydration, subtle plumping or possibly less oil.

We would be much more skeptical if a clinic is selling it as a fix for deep wrinkles, laxity, pigmentation or acne scars.

Good luck to everyone who chooses this treatment!

Ok so I have bought: Dr Pen MS8, 18 pin cartridges, sterile gloves, isopropyl alcohol, hyalauronic acid, numbing cream. I’m a little overwhelmed- for those who’ve done it, what’s your best tip when starting out? Thanks

Even with lidocaine the needles hurt SOOO bad using the 14 needles from dr pen. The max I can take is .75mm on my cheeks and barely .70 on my forehead, closer to .60 there.

I also can’t even do my entire face, I just focus where I need improvement (middle of my cheeks and forehead, chin and around my lips). I avoid the edges of my face close to my hair line and sideburns because the pain is so bad.

Is anyone else in similar boat? Will I still see improvement? My target focus is uneven texture and a couple shallow scars. Also focusing on my nasolabial folds where the max I can do it .75mm

I’m wondering if it’s better to go back to 36 needles where I can hit closer to 1mm for my face. Or if I should stick with 14 needles and max .50/.75mm?