Microneedling: What It Treats, How It Works, Recovery and Results
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure where a provider uses thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of skin, prompting it to produce more collagen and elastin. It can soften acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and enlarged pores. Most people need several sessions spaced 3 to 8 weeks apart, with results in 3 to 6 months. [1]
What the research says
Microneedling works about as well as a fractional CO₂ laser for acne scars, with a lower risk of dark spots. A review of 17 studies found no significant difference in scar-score reduction between the two treatments, but laser treatment carried about 3 times the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared with standard microneedling. (Batool et al., Lasers in Medical Science, 2026) [2]
Microneedling and chemical peels perform similarly for atrophic acne scars. Across 11 studies with 713 participants, the rate of clinically significant improvement (50% or more) did not differ between the two, while microneedling made any visible improvement about 1.8 times more likely. (Agu-Jefferson et al., Cureus, 2026) [3]
Combining microneedling with a chemical peel beats either treatment alone. In 9 studies with 566 patients, 40–50% of people on combination therapy reached 75% or greater improvement, compared with 13% or less on a single treatment, and side effects were mild and short-lived. (Woźna et al., Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 2025) [4]
Key takeaways
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger the skin's natural healing and collagen production. [1]
It treats cosmetic concerns such as acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks and uneven tone, and some medical conditions such as alopecia areata and hyperhidrosis. [1]
A session takes 15 minutes to a few hours, and redness and swelling can last up to five days. [1]
Results build gradually over 3 to 6 months, usually after several treatments. [1]
Bleeding beyond 24 hours, blistering or swelling beyond a week needs a call to your provider. [1]
What is microneedling and how does it work?
Microneedling works by making tiny, controlled wounds in the top layer of your skin so the skin repairs itself with fresh collagen and elastin. [1]
These two proteins keep skin firm and smooth. When the skin senses the small punctures, it starts its normal healing process and produces more of them. [1]
Most people have microneedling on the face. It can also be done on the neck, back, legs or other areas with damaged or aging skin. [1]
What does microneedling treat?
Microneedling treats both cosmetic skin concerns and a few medical conditions. [1]
Type of use | Conditions microneedling can help |
Cosmetic | Enlarged pores; fine lines and wrinkles; loose or crepey (thin, wrinkled) skin; mild scars, especially from acne or burns; skin discoloration or uneven tone; stretch marks |
Medical | Alopecia areata (hair loss caused by an autoimmune disease); hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) |
Drug delivery | Delivering some drugs or vaccines directly into the skin, sometimes through microneedle patches that people apply themselves |
Source: [1]
How is microneedling different from microdermabrasion?
Microneedling reaches deeper into the skin than microdermabrasion, so it may work better for problems beneath the surface, such as acne scars. [1]
Both procedures aim to improve the look and texture of your skin. Microdermabrasion uses no needles. A provider uses a device with a rough, sandpaper-like edge to exfoliate only the uppermost layer of skin. [1]
Feature | Microneedling | Microdermabrasion |
Tool | Hand-held roller or electric pen with fine needles | Device with a rough, sandpaper-like edge |
Depth | Goes deeper into the skin | Exfoliates the uppermost layer only |
Best suited for | Problems beneath the surface, such as acne scars | Surface texture |
Needles used | Yes, 0.5 mm to 2 mm long | No |
Source: [1]
Who should avoid microneedling or check with a provider first?
People with certain skin, blood or medical conditions should talk to a healthcare provider before having microneedling. [1] These include:
Active acne, or taking medication for acne
Blood disorders, or taking anticoagulants (medicines that prevent blood clots)
Cancer treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Frequent skin rashes (contact dermatitis) or cold sores
A tendency to form keloids (hard, raised scars)
Moles, freckles, skin tags or other growths that change in size or shape, or bleed
How do you prepare for microneedling?
Preparing for microneedling starts with a consultation, where a provider examines your skin, reviews your health history and discusses your goals. [1]
A plastic surgeon, dermatologist or aesthetician may perform the procedure. Choose someone with experience in this technique. [1]
Your provider may take photos so you can compare your skin before and after treatment. About a month before your first session, they may ask you to apply a vitamin A or vitamin C cream, which can help start collagen production. [1]
Questions worth asking at the consultation: [1]
Are there risks or side effects?
Does microneedling hurt?
Is there downtime after the procedure?
How soon will I see results?
Will I need more than one treatment?
Am I a good candidate, or would another treatment, such as microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, work better for me?
Can I do microneedling at home?
What happens during a microneedling session?
A microneedling session begins with cleansing the skin and applying a numbing cream, such as lidocaine gel, 30 to 45 minutes before treatment. [1]
Numbing. The cream needs this time to take effect before the needles start. [1]
Needling. Your provider either rolls a hand-held roller with tiny needles slowly and gently across your skin, or uses an electric pen whose needles pulse up and down. [1]
Depth adjustment. The electric device lets the provider change the needle length from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. Longer needles reach deeper and may be needed for deep acne scars or pockmarks. [1]
Sensation. You may feel warmth or a scratching feeling. Areas near bone, such as the cheekbones, can feel more uncomfortable, and deep treatment may cause a little bleeding. [1]
A session lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of the treated area. [1]
What is microneedling recovery like?
Microneedling recovery is usually short, because it is an outpatient procedure and you can go home right after. [1]
Time after treatment | What to expect | What helps |
Same day | Redness and swelling begin | An ice pack eases irritation and discomfort |
Day 1 | Skin still pink | Most people can wear makeup again |
Up to 5 days | Redness and swelling settle | Stay out of the sun until skin heals |
Days to weeks | Skin may burn, feel tight, or become dry and flaky | Moisturizer improves dryness and flaking |
Source: [1]
How many microneedling sessions do you need, and when do results appear?
Most people need several microneedling sessions, usually spaced 3 to 8 weeks apart. [1]
Results appear gradually, taking 3 to 6 months. After that, many people need one session a year to maintain them. [1]
What are the benefits and risks of microneedling?
Microneedling improves the appearance and texture of the skin and can minimize stretch marks, scars, wrinkles and other skin concerns. [1]
It does not use heat, light or lasers, so it avoids the skin-discoloration risk linked to some facial rejuvenation procedures. That makes microneedling a strong option for people with darker skin tones. [1]
Microneedling is a safe procedure overall, but risks include: [1]
Bruising
Skin infection
Scarring, including raised scars in people prone to them
When should you call a healthcare provider after microneedling?
Call your healthcare provider after microneedling if the treated area shows any of these warning signs: [1]
Warning sign | Why it matters |
Bleeding for longer than 24 hours | Normal pinpoint bleeding stops quickly |
Blistering | Not part of normal healing |
Swelling for longer than a week | Normal swelling settles within about five days |
Conclusion
Microneedling is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that uses fine needles to trigger your skin's own repair process. It can soften acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and uneven tone, and it suits darker skin tones because it avoids heat and lasers. Expect a few days of redness, several sessions spaced weeks apart, and results that build over 3 to 6 months. [1]
Thinking about microneedling? Book a consultation with an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon, bring the questions above, and ask whether microneedling alone or a combination approach fits your skin. To learn more about related treatments, read our guides to acne scars, chemical peels and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
FAQ
Does microneedling hurt?
Microneedling usually causes only mild discomfort because a numbing cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure. You may feel warmth or a scratching sensation, and areas near bone, such as the cheekbones, can feel more uncomfortable. [1]
How long does microneedling take to heal?
Microneedling redness and swelling can last up to five days. In the days and weeks that follow, skin may burn, feel tight, or turn dry and flaky, and moisturizer helps. [1]
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
Most people need several microneedling sessions, usually spaced 3 to 8 weeks apart. Results take 3 to 6 months to appear, and a yearly session may help maintain them. [1]
Can I wear makeup after microneedling?
Most people can wear makeup the day after microneedling. Stay out of the sun until your skin has fully healed. [1]
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
Microneedling is a good option for darker skin tones because it does not use heat, light or lasers. Procedures that rely on those energy sources carry a risk of skin discoloration. [1]
Is microneedling better than microdermabrasion for acne scars?
Microneedling reaches deeper into the skin than microdermabrasion, so it may work better for acne scars and other problems beneath the surface. Microdermabrasion only exfoliates the top layer of skin with a rough-edged device. [1]
What are the side effects of microneedling?
Microneedling side effects can include bruising, skin infection and scarring. Short-term redness, swelling, tightness and dry, flaking skin are also common while the skin heals. [1]
Who should not get microneedling?
People with active acne, eczema, psoriasis, frequent cold sores, a tendency to form keloids, or blood disorders should talk to a provider before microneedling. The same applies to anyone taking blood thinners, receiving chemotherapy or radiation, or noticing moles or growths that change. [1]
Can I do microneedling at home?
At-home rollers use shorter needles and carry a higher risk of infection and skin damage if they are not cleaned or used correctly. Microneedling done by a trained provider in a clean setting is safer and more effective.
Do I need to avoid the sun after microneedling?
Yes. Skin is more sensitive after microneedling, so avoid direct sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen once your provider says it is okay. Sun protection also lowers the risk of dark spots.
Related Reading
Radiofrequency (RF) Skin Tightening: Benefits, Results and Risks explains radiofrequency skin tightening.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Microneedling: What It Is, Uses, Benefits & Results. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated May 23, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23113-microneedling
Batool A, Abbas MS, Mahin FE, et al. Comparing fractional CO₂ laser and needling-based modalities in facial acne scar treatment: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2026;41(1). PMID 42334669. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-026-04905-5
Agu-Jefferson I, Gebregiorgis TT, Ozumba L, et al. Microneedling Versus Chemical Peels for Atrophic Acne Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2026;18(5):e108622. PMID 42281674. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.108622
Woźna J, Bałoniak A, Stępka J, et al. Chemical peeling in combination with microneedling versus chemical peeling or microneedling monotherapy in the treatment of acne scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2025;42(6):527-536. PMID 41640476. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2025.154436
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your skin, your health history and whether microneedling is right for you.
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