What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin procedure that uses many tiny, thin needles to make controlled punctures in the skin. The skin responds to these small wounds by healing itself, which stimulates new collagen and elastin. Because it works by prompting collagen production, microneedling is also called collagen induction therapy.
The FDA has cleared microneedling devices to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in adults 22 and older. Most people need more than one session, and results appear gradually as new collagen forms. The FDA recommends choosing a health care provider with special training in microneedling.
Microneedling at a Glance
| Also called | Collagen induction therapy |
|---|---|
| What it treats | Acne scars, other scars, wrinkles and fine lines, stretch marks, large pores, and uneven skin tone and texture |
| How it works | Tiny needle punctures trigger wound healing and new collagen and elastin |
| How it's done | In the office, with a motorized pen or a roller, after a numbing cream is applied |
| Number of sessions | Usually more than one. Acne scars may need 3 to 5 sessions every 2 to 4 weeks. |
| When results show | Gradually. Full results usually take several months. |
| How long results last | Improvement may be temporary. Maintenance sessions may be needed, sometimes once a year. |
| Downtime and side effects | Redness, swelling and a sunburn-like feeling that usually fade within a few days to a week |
| FDA status | Devices cleared for facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in adults 22 and older. None cleared for hair loss or for use with other products, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). |
How Does Microneedling Work?
The needles create tiny punctures without significantly damaging the outer layer of skin. These micro-injuries start the wound-healing process. Growth factors are released, and fibroblasts (collagen-making cells) build new collagen.
Needle depth depends on the concern. Longer needles of 1.5 to 2.0 mm may be used for scars. Shorter needles of 0.5 to 1.0 mm are generally recommended for aging skin and wrinkles.
Types of Microneedling Devices
Needles may sit on a cylinder rolled across the skin (a dermal roller), on a flat stamp, or on the tip of a pen-shaped device. Most FDA-cleared devices are motorized pens. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling devices also deliver heat and carry different risks.
What Does Microneedling Treat?
FDA-cleared uses are facial acne scars, wrinkles around the eyes and elsewhere on the face and neck, and surgical scars on the abdomen. Dermatologists also use microneedling for dark spots, large pores, melasma, sagging skin, other scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin texture and tone. The FDA notes that the risks of uses it has not reviewed are not known.
A 2021 systematic review of nine randomized controlled trials found microneedling effective for atrophic (depressed) acne scars, alone or combined with other treatments, with no serious side effects reported. Deep boxcar, ice-pick and linear scars are less likely to respond. Strong evidence for microneedling's effectiveness is still limited overall.
What to Expect Before, During and After Microneedling
Before
A consultation comes first. Your provider examines your skin, reviews your health history and discusses your goals, and may take photos for comparison. Mention any allergy to numbing medicine. For acne scars, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises telling your dermatologist about acne treatments used within the last two years.
During
Your skin is cleaned, and a numbing cream is applied about 30 to 45 minutes beforehand. The provider then moves the roller or pen across your skin. You may feel warmth or a scratching sensation, and bony areas such as the cheekbones can be uncomfortable. Deeper treatment may cause a little bleeding. A session takes 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the area's size.
Ask whether a new needle cartridge is used for each patient and each session. The FDA says reusing a cartridge is unsafe, even if it has been cleaned.
After
- Skin may look red (or darker on darker skin tones) and feel sunburned or swollen for a few days to a week.
- Dry, flaking skin may follow and usually improves with moisturizer.
- Most people can wear makeup and resume usual activities the next day.
- Wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure and harsh chemicals for at least a week. Skin may be more sensitive to products that contain retinol, glycolic acid, menthol, capsaicin or alcohol.
Contact your provider if the treated area bleeds for more than 24 hours, blisters or stays swollen for more than a week.
Microneedling Results and How Long They Last
Results build slowly as your body makes collagen. You may see some improvement within a few weeks, but full results take several months, because new collagen keeps forming for about 3 to 6 months.
The AAD says acne scars may need 3 to 5 treatments, done every 2 to 4 weeks. Studies have found this plan can fade acne scars by 50% to 70%. The FDA cautions that microneedling may not always give the result you want, and any improvement may be temporary.
Microneedling Risks and Side Effects
Most side effects appear soon after treatment and resolve, but some may be permanent. The FDA lists these risks:
- Common: dryness, rough skin, tightness, redness, itching, peeling, discomfort, burning, bruising, bleeding and crusting
- Less common: darker or lighter skin patches, lines on the face, cold sore flare-ups, swollen lymph nodes, infection, and stinging when skin products are applied
Products pushed into the skin add risk. No microneedling device is approved to deliver cosmetics, creams, vitamin solutions, drugs or PRP into the skin. In one published report, three women developed facial granulomas (inflamed lumps) after microneedling. The authors warned that products applied before treatment can be carried into the skin and trigger allergic reactions.
RF microneedling carries its own risks. In October 2025, the FDA warned of reports of burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage with RF microneedling used for cosmetic skin procedures.
Who Shouldn't Have Microneedling?
According to the FDA, microneedling may not be suitable if you:
- Have a bleeding or clotting disorder, or take blood thinners such as warfarin, heparin or low-dose aspirin
- Have a weakened immune system or uncontrolled diabetes
- Have an active skin infection, a facial rash or a current cold sore outbreak
- Have or have had eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo or an autoimmune disease
- Take isotretinoin or have taken it in the past 6 months
- Have keloid scars, actinic keratoses, warts, or moles or birthmarks in the treatment area
- Are tan or plan to be in the sun in the two weeks after treatment
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have cancer, or are having or about to have chemotherapy, radiation therapy or steroids
- Are allergic to stainless steel or numbing medicine
Active acne, especially inflamed breakouts, is also a reason to wait.
Microneedling vs. Other Skin Treatments
| How it works | Key points | |
|---|---|---|
| Microneedling | Tiny needles create micro-injuries that prompt new collagen | Relatively short healing time. Lower risk of pigment changes than with lasers. |
| RF microneedling | Needles deliver radiofrequency heat into and under the skin | Used for wrinkles and tightening. The FDA has received reports of serious complications such as burns and nerve damage. |
| Ablative laser resurfacing (such as CO2) | Removes the outer skin layer, which then regrows | The damage leaves skin more sensitive to sun damage and discoloration |
| Microdermabrasion | A rough-edged device exfoliates the top skin layer. No needles. | Microneedling goes deeper and may work better for acne scars. |
For scars, a 2023 systematic review found no significant difference between needling and ablative fractional lasers in 60% of the studies it reviewed. For non-acne scars, a 2026 meta-analysis found fractional laser improved scar scores more. The FDA advises providers to discuss alternatives, including lasers, chemical peels and dermal fillers.
Microneedling at GENEVA
At GENEVA Primary Care & Med Spa in Alpharetta, GA, a provider evaluates your skin concern, health history and medications. Based on that evaluation, your provider recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a dermatologist or other specialist.
Learn more about microneedling in Alpharetta or about options for acne scar treatment. GENEVA serves patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Cumming.
Related Terms
- RF microneedling
- Collagen stimulation
- Atrophic scarring
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Fine lines
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Aging skin
- Morpheus8 RF Microneedling | Skin Tightening and Rejuvenation Treatment
- Growth Factor Serum for Skin Rejuvenation | Benefits and How It Works
Microneedling FAQs
Does microneedling hurt?
Microneedling can be uncomfortable, but pain is usually minimal when a numbing cream is used properly. The cream goes on about 30 to 45 minutes before treatment so it has time to work. You may feel warmth or a scratching sensation, especially over bony areas such as the cheekbones. Afterward, skin may feel sunburned for a few days to a week. As the FDA advises, tell your provider beforehand about any allergy or sensitivity to numbing medicines.
How many microneedling sessions do you need?
Most people need several microneedling sessions, not just one. For acne scars, the American Academy of Dermatology says 3 to 5 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart may be needed, and studies have found this plan can fade acne scars by 50% to 70%. Cleveland Clinic notes sessions are usually 3 to 8 weeks apart, and StatPearls advises waiting at least 3 weeks between treatments. Your provider will suggest a schedule based on your skin and the concern being treated, and may recommend maintenance sessions later.
How long do microneedling results last?
Microneedling results build over months but may not be permanent. New collagen keeps forming for about 3 to 6 months after a session, so full results take time to appear. The FDA cautions that any improvement may be temporary and that maintenance may require more procedures over time. Cleveland Clinic notes some people get a maintenance treatment once a year. Protect healing skin by avoiding sun exposure for at least a week after each session.
Is microneedling safe for dark skin?
Microneedling can be used on darker skin, but pigment changes are a known risk to discuss first. The American Academy of Dermatology describes microneedling as safe for all skin tones, and StatPearls notes its risk of hyperpigmentation is significantly lower than with lasers. However, the FDA lists darker skin among reasons microneedling may not be suitable, because skin can darken or lighten afterward and some cleared devices were not studied in people with darker skin. Choose a provider experienced in treating your skin tone, and avoid tanning before treatment.
What is the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?
Standard microneedling uses needles alone, while RF microneedling uses needles that also deliver radiofrequency heat into the skin. In RF microneedling, each needle produces a small area of intense heat at its tip, which changes the tissue. In October 2025, the FDA warned of reports of burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage with certain cosmetic uses of RF microneedling. The FDA says RF microneedling is a medical procedure and the devices should not be used at home.
Is at-home microneedling as effective as in-office treatment?
No, at-home microneedling products generally don't give the same results as in-office treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology says at-home products aren't meant to puncture the skin, so results are less noticeable. They also carry risks. Overuse can irritate skin, and an at-home product that pierces the skin can lead to infection or scarring. At-home devices can also spread warts, herpes and other viruses across the skin. The FDA has not authorized any microneedling medical device for over-the-counter sale, so talk with a trained provider first.
Can a primary care provider help with microneedling?
Yes, a primary care provider can review whether microneedling is a suitable option for you. That review matters because the FDA lists many reasons microneedling may not be suitable, including blood thinners, uncontrolled diabetes, a weakened immune system, isotretinoin use in the past 6 months, pregnancy and active skin infections. At GENEVA, a provider evaluates your skin concern, health history and medications. Your provider then recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a dermatologist or other specialist.