What is Microneedling and What does it do?

January 10, 2023

2 min read

If you are generally in good health but suffer from skin concerns that do not respond to treatments like chemical peels or at-home treatments, you can try microneedling.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure involving pricking the skin with sterilized needles that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, rejuvenating your skin.

What does microneedling do?

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling can target various skin issues, boosting your skin's natural restorative powers and bringing glow back to your skin.

You can use microneedling to resolve skin issues, like:

Damage from the sun
Fine lines and wrinkles
Dark spots or hyperpigmentation of skin
Large pores
Acne, scars, and stretch marks
Hair loss

It is less expensive than laser treatments and safe for all types of skin.

How does microneedling work?

Microneedling is a safe, cost-effective process that involves using tiny sterilized needles to create microchannels that activate your body's collagen production, helping you resolve your skin issues.

Microneedling works in three steps:

Inflammation: A microneedling device is used to create microchannels within the skin to boost its immunity power, purify the blood and make new skin tissues;
Proliferation: After the wound from needles is repaired, the skin prepares a new vascular structure to promote the growth of new tissues;
Rejuvenation: New skin tissues are created that resolve skin problem, providing smoother, youthful-looking skin.

What is a microneedling procedure like?

The entire procedure of microneedling takes about 30 to 60 mins and is done in the dermatologist's office. At first, the skin is numbed using a topical anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort. Then a pen-like device called a dermaroller is used to prick the problem area with tiny sterilized needles causing punctures on the skin.

The tiny wounds boost collagen production, rejuvenating skin and curing skin issues.

What are the side effects of microneedling?

Microneedling, though considered a safe and effective procedure, usually must not be done if :

You have a history of fungus infections.
You have keloid scars.
You have skin issues like eczema or psoriasis.
You are pregnant.
You have had radiation in the past year.
You have poor wound healing issues.

What are the costs of microneedling?

If done in a doctor's office, microneedling can cost you between $100 and $700, depending on the size of the area being targeted and where you live. You can use the treatment at home using DIY dermarollers that cost between $30 to $200.

Although at-home dermarollers have limited ability for collagen production, they are affordable, improve exfoliation, and allow skin products to reach deeper into your skin.

With microneedling, you can get improved skin after four to six treatment sessions. The collagen boost can last 3 to 6 months after the microneedling treatment.

General information, not medical advice

This article can't account for your health history or current treatment. Talk to a qualified clinician before you change anything about your care.

Read our medical disclaimer →

On this page