Settled before the first pass

A microneedling session at Bellava starts with a thorough skin analysis, and that conversation does more than set expectations. Five decisions are made in it, and each one changes what the treatment will do for you.

1. Whether you are a candidate

Most people can benefit, whatever their skin type or ethnicity. The exceptions are anyone prone to keloid scarring, anyone with very active acne and anyone with certain skin disorders, for whom the analysis may point to something else first.

2. How deep the needles go

Bellava’s pens use surgical-grade titanium or steel needles, adjustable from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm. Very sensitive skin may not tolerate the longer settings. During the session your provider also changes speed and pressure from one area to the next, and in response to what you say.

3. What goes into the channels

The microscopic channels let whatever is applied straight afterwards sink deeper than it otherwise could. The choice is between nourishing serums, hyaluronic acid and PRP, platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood. There is also Vivace, which pairs microneedling with radiofrequency energy; Semira holds a Vivace certification.

4. Which areas, and for what

The face is the usual focus, but the neck, décolletage, hands, arms, abdomen, buttocks and thighs can be treated as well. Concerns it is chosen for include:

acne scars and surgical scars
fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet
stretch marks, particularly after pregnancy
enlarged pores
sun damage, sun spots and uneven tone
skin loosening around the eyes, mouth and jawline

5. How many sessions, and in what order

For the most collagen with comfortable sessions, Bellava suggests three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, then maintenance every six to twelve months. If other treatments are planned, sequence matters: Bellava’s page says microneedling before Botox or filler helps those injectables work and last, light chemical peels can come before or after, and laser resurfacing follows it.

Treatment day

The skin is cleansed and numbed with a topical anesthetic, so most patients feel little or nothing. The pen then moves over the skin in gentle stamping passes for 30 to 60 minutes, and a soothing serum or mask finishes the visit. Redness for 12 to 48 hours is normal, followed by a few days of dryness and flaking as old skin sheds. The first changes can often be seen and felt within two weeks, and new collagen keeps forming for months.

Microneedling is performed by Bellava’s licensed medical estheticians, Semira Crecco-Donnelly and Natalina McEwan. The office is about 14 minutes without traffic from New Castle Town Hall, nearly all of it on the Saw Mill River Parkway northbound.

New Castle patients ask

What should I put on my skin once it has healed? Collagen-supporting products such as retinol, vitamin C serums, hyaluronic acid and peptides. Until then, use only the gentle cleanser and moisturizer the staff recommend.

Can I have a peel or a laser treatment straight afterwards? Not while the skin is healing. Bellava’s aftercare rules out laser treatments, chemical peels and waxing, along with makeup, exfoliation and hot showers for several days; any combined plan is put in order by your provider.

How do I book? Press Book Now to choose a time online, or read the main microneedling page first.

Microneedling for New Castle, NY