Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefits on FaceOther Body PartsMicroneedling ResultsPros and Cons
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits on Face
Other Body Parts
Microneedling Results
Pros and Cons
Microneedling may improve the skin’s appearance. That’s because it increasescollagen(a protein that keeps skin and joints healthy) production, which stimulates the skin’s healing factors and can reduce the appearance of scars, lines, and wrinkles.Microneedling may even help stimulate hair growth.
But does microneedling work? This article explains the possible benefits of microneedling on the face and other body parts, what to expect from results, and how to weigh the benefits and risks.
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Microneedling on Face: Possible Benefits
A microneedling facial involves using a small rolling device with hundreds of tiny needles across a targeted area on the face. Benefits range from skin tightening to reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Wrinkles
Microneedling lays down new collagen, elastin, and capillaries. This process results in skin tightening. Microneedling can result in the following effects:
Vitamin C serum andtretinoinapplication (acne medication) can enhance microneedling’s skin-tightening effects.
Scars
People sometimes use microneedling to address acne, injury, or surgical scars. Combining microneedling withplatelet-rich plasma(PRP, a concentration of platelets from your blood that can help with healing) can be especially effective for reducing the appearance of acne scars. It is also effective in people with darker skin tones.
14 Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Acne
In addition to treating acne scars, microneedling can treatacne vulgaris—the most common form of acne. Studies have found that microneedling treatment for acne is safe and effective. It has a quick response, results in less scarring, and reduces recurrence.
How to Practice Acne Self-Care
Pigmentation
Microneedling has also been used for the following skin pigmentation conditions:
When used for melasma, participants who received microneedling experienced a 44% improvement.While no major side effects were reported, some experienced mild discomfort, burning, anderythema(skin redness or discoloration).Combining microneedling with topical treatments is more effective than microneedling alone forvitiligo, a skin disorder that causes the skin to lose color.It is considered safe and can be an alternative treatment when conventional treatments are not an option.
Studies have found that nearly all participants report significant improvement in periorbital hyperpigmentation after microneedling.
What About Microneedling on Other Body Parts?
You can also do body microneedling. The benefits of microneedling on the face extend elsewhere on the body. Plus, it may also treat hair loss.
Stretch Marks
Microneedling is good for all kinds of scars. In addition to reducing the appearance of acne, injury, and surgical scars, it can also help withstretch marks.
Research has found that microneedling can improve the appearance of stretch marks. While it doesn’t change the texture of the scars, it can change the skin pigmentation to lessen the appearance of the marks.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks: 13 Treatment Options and Natural Remedies
Hair Loss
Very few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of microneedling for hair loss. However, some studies have found that, when combined with other therapies, microneedling is effective at increasing hair count.
In one study, microneedling with topical 5%minoxidil(hair loss treatment) significantly increased total hair count compared to microneedling alone.
Microneedling for Hair Loss: At-Home vs. Professional Results
At-Home MicroneedlingAt-home microneedling products are gentler and don’t fully puncture the skin. That makes them less effective than receiving the procedure at a dermatologist’s office.Doing microneedling at home also comes with risks. These include:OveruseInfection and scarringSpreading warts and viruses across the skinSkin damage
At-Home Microneedling
At-home microneedling products are gentler and don’t fully puncture the skin. That makes them less effective than receiving the procedure at a dermatologist’s office.Doing microneedling at home also comes with risks. These include:OveruseInfection and scarringSpreading warts and viruses across the skinSkin damage
At-home microneedling products are gentler and don’t fully puncture the skin. That makes them less effective than receiving the procedure at a dermatologist’s office.
Doing microneedling at home also comes with risks. These include:
A Word From VerywellIt is important to understand that there are many devices and treatments to rejuvenate the skin and reduce scarring. Interested individuals should consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon who will assess your issues and advise you on the best treatment.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
It is important to understand that there are many devices and treatments to rejuvenate the skin and reduce scarring. Interested individuals should consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon who will assess your issues and advise you on the best treatment.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
It is important to understand that there are many devices and treatments to rejuvenate the skin and reduce scarring. Interested individuals should consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon who will assess your issues and advise you on the best treatment.
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Deciding to Get Microneedling
Like most cosmetic procedures, microneedling does not produce permanent results. That means how long microneedling lasts depends on the skin condition and severity. These factors will also influence how many microneedling treatments people need. So, before you decide to get microneedling, it can help to evaluate the pros and cons.
Pros
Microneedling is an effective, proven procedure for various skin conditions. The upsides of microneedling include reducing the appearance of the following:
Consider the severity of your skin condition and how much it interferes with your satisfaction. The more it interferes with the way you feel, the greater the likelihood you may benefit from microneedling.
Cons
Microneedling may cost as much as several hundred dollars per session. So, the expense can add up quickly. In addition to the price, other downsides of microneedling include the following:
These side effects are usually short-lived, lasting a week or less. After your procedure, you’ll need to avoid applying makeup for about a day.
Microneedling ContraindicationsSome people should not get microneedling, including:Those who heal slowlyThose with akeloid(scars that grow abnormally)Those who areimmunocompromised(have a weakened immune system)Those being treated forskin cancerThose receiving radiation treatmentsThose with recent sun damageThose with a skin infectionThose with painful or infected pimplesThose takingisotretinoin(a medication for acne)
Microneedling Contraindications
Some people should not get microneedling, including:Those who heal slowlyThose with akeloid(scars that grow abnormally)Those who areimmunocompromised(have a weakened immune system)Those being treated forskin cancerThose receiving radiation treatmentsThose with recent sun damageThose with a skin infectionThose with painful or infected pimplesThose takingisotretinoin(a medication for acne)
Some people should not get microneedling, including:
Summary
Microneedling is an effective procedure that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, scarring, and pigmentation conditions. You may need multiple sessions to see adequate results. While there are at-home tools, they are less effective and not as safe. So, it’s always best to receive microneedling from a professional for the best results.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Singh A, Yadav S.Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):244-254. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185468
Gupta AK, Quinlan EM, Venkataraman M, Bamimore MA.Microneedling for hair loss.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(1):108-117. doi:10.1111/jocd.14525
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more.
Hasan IA, Mahdi ZN, Obeed RK.Evaluation of the efficacy of RF microneedling and oral isotretinoin in comparison with oral isotretionoin alone in the treatment of acne vulgaris.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2023;40(1):111-114. doi:10.5114/ada.2022.124109
Lima EVA, Lima MMDA, Paixão MP, Miot HA.Assessment of the effects of skin microneedling as adjuvant therapy for facial melasma: a pilot study.BMC Dermatol. 2017;17(1):14. doi:10.1186/s12895-017-0066-5
Salloum A, Bazzi N, Maalouf D, Habre M.Microneedling in vitiligo: a systematic review.Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(6):e14297. doi:10.1111/dth.14297
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