What Actually Happens During a Microneedling Session at Hands On, NYC

Microneedling has become one of the most talked-about skin treatments in NYC — and for good reason. But many people don’t realize how much planning, precision, and post-treatment support are involved. At Hands On, Chelsea NYC, we combine microneedling with red light therapy and customized serums to achieve real results — not just a “trendy facial."

In this blog, we'll walk you through exactly what happens during a microneedling session and how each step contributes to healthier, more radiant skin.

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Step 1: Preparing & Numbing the Skin

Before any needles touch your skin, we prep thoroughly. This includes cleansing, disinfecting, and applying a 5% lidocaine numbing cream to ensure comfort during the procedure.

This numbing step is especially important: microneedling involves penetrating the dermis (the deeper skin layer), which can be painful if not properly numbed.

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Step 2: The Microneedling Pen — Controlled Micro-Injuries

Once the numbing has set in, we use a medical-grade microneedling pen equipped with ultra-fine needles. As the pen glides back and forth across the skin, it creates numerous microscopic channels.

These controlled micro-injuries stimulate your body’s natural wound-healing process. In response, fibroblasts (the cells responsible for collagen production) are activated. This is why microneedling is often called “collagen induction therapy.” 

Over multiple sessions, studies have shown increases in newly synthesized collagen types I, III, and VII, which contribute to improved skin firmness and elasticity.

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Step 3: Delivering Serums Beneath the Surface

One of the advantages of microneedling is enhanced absorption. Because the microscopic channels bypass the outer barrier (stratum corneum), we can push hyaluronic acid and other active botanical + herbal extracts deeper into the dermis.

We also use custom-blended serums tailored to your skin goals — whether that’s reducing dark spots, smoothing fine lines, or boosting hydration.

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Step 4: Collagen Stimulation & Skin Remodeling

Once the procedure is complete, your body’s natural healing mechanisms take over. The micro-injuries trigger growth factor release (e.g. TGF-β, PDGF, FGF), which in turn promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, new blood vessels, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix.

Over weeks to months, this remodeling leads to smoother, firmer, more even skin. Multiple sessions spaced out at intervals improve results cumulatively.

Step 5: Layering Red Light Therapy for Healing

What many clinics don’t mention — but we always include — is red light therapy (photobiomodulation) following microneedling. This isn’t just a bonus step; it enhances healing and results.

Red light (typically 630–660nm) penetrates the skin and energizes mitochondria, reducing inflammation, increasing fibroblast activity, and accelerating tissue repair.

In fact, in studies combining microneedling with red light therapy, researchers noted faster healing, reduced redness, and enhanced collagen expression.

So when you see our reel showing the microneedling pen stage, remember — that’s just one part. The red light step helps your skin recover stronger, smoother, and faster.

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Safety, Downtime & What to Expect

Microneedling is generally considered safe with minimal adverse effects, such as temporary redness, swelling, or slight irritation. Serious complications are rare when performed by trained professionals using sterile technique.

Because the epidermis remains mostly intact and the injury is controlled, downtime is low compared to aggressive resurfacing techniques.

Most clients return to their usual routines within 24–48 hours, with slight redness that fades. We always provide post-care instructions to support optimal healing.

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Why Combine Microneedling + Red Light Therapy?

• Microneedling sets the stage by creating micro-channels and stimulating collagen.

• Red light therapy supports healing, reduces inflammation, and accelerates tissue repair.

• Together, they offer a synergistic effect that often leads to better outcomes than either treatment alone.

• This combined approach differentiates us at Hands On, Chelsea NYC from purely aesthetic spas.

Microneedling isn’t a one-step “needle for glow” trick. It’s a carefully calibrated process: numbing, controlled punctures, serum delivery, and red light therapy — all working in tandem to rejuvenate your skin from within.

If you’re curious to see how this works (or want to feel the results yourself), book a consultation at Hands On, Chelsea NYC today. See how we customize each session to your skin goals — because your skin deserves more than a one-size-fits-all “gram-worthy” facial.

👉 Ready to book your session? Click here to schedule online