Microneedling, also known as dermarolling or collagen induction therapy (CIT), is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses hundreds of tiny needles to penetrate the skin to spur the improvement of several chronic dermatologic problems.

Microneedling aims to create a controlled injury beneath the skin’s surface, to induce collagen production in the treated area. The skin plumps and thickens in response to the stimulus, reducing the appearance of scars, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles, and more.

How It Works

The treatment uses a small rolling device covered with hundreds of tiny (0.5 to 1.5 millimeters long), closely spaced needles. As the device rolls along the skin, the needles pierce thousands of microscopic holes just deep enough to reach the collagen layer in the dermis.

The damage is minimal but enough to trigger a cascade of inflammatory effects that produce healing growth factors in the skin, and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin that rejuvenates the area.

Uses

Microneedling is used to treat a variety of skin conditions a less-invasive way than lasers, such as:

  • WrinklesAcne scarsStretch marksSurgical scarsEnlarged poresBurns

It can take several sessions over time to gain the full results, but the collagen production in the area can make positive changes without using lasers. In addition, while lasers can cause hyperpigmentation in the treatment area, microneedling is less likely to cause this damage in those with lighter skin tones.

Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling is a newer development that adds electromagnetic radiation to the needle penetration, heating the depths of the dermis and promoting collagen repair.

Studies have shown it to be as effective or better than regular microneedling for the same skin conditions. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon can tell you if this option is available and whether it is a preferable treatment.

Procedure

Microneedling is best performed in a healthcare provider’s office by a trained professional who can diagnose any skin condition that may need treatment, determine if the procedure is appropriate for you, and recognize areas to be avoided. Sterile, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved equipment should be used.

The treatment generally takes minutes, but the length of a session varies depending on the size of the area being treated.

Your healthcare provider will administer a topical anesthetic cream 30 minutes before the procedure to minimize pain. The needles may draw blood, but it’s usually minimal.

Effectiveness

Science has shown that microneedling can achieve positive molecular changes in the skin (dermal remodeling) and that total healing from a procedure usually happens within five days.

What About DIY Microneedling?

Microneedling devices are available at health and wellness retailers for personal use. They are inexpensive ($10 and up; Dermaroller is one brand), which adds to their appeal.

Meanwhile, research has shown the procedure to be safe and effective for the following skin concerns:

  • Wrinkles: A 2018 study found four microneedling treatments spaced out every 30 days improved wrinkles, skin laxity, and skin texture.
  • Scars: Positive results have been seen with atrophic (indented) scars from acne or chicken pox, hypertrophic (raised) scars, and keloid (raised and larger than original wound) scars.
  • Stretch marks (striae distensae): A 2019 review of seven studies found microneedling effective in improving stretch marks.
  • Patchy hair loss (alopecia): Microneedling used along with drugs like Rogaine (minoxidil) has been shown to yield more substantial hair growth than using minoxidil alone.
  • Gray or brown skin patches (melasma): One review of 22 melasma cases treated with microneedling showed improvement in all cases.
  • Absorption of topical skin applications: Microneedling can help enhance skin-based drug delivery.

Microneedling has been shown to be effective in treating people of all skin colors.

Summary

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses small sterile needles to cause skin inflammation to stimulate collagen production. The collagen produced from the inflammation can address common skin issues, without more invasive procedures. It may take several treatments to achieve the desired results.

A Word From Verywell

Microneedling is available as a series of treatments in some dermatologists’ or facial plastic surgeons’ offices. If you’re considering a home unit, first consult with a healthcare provider who can show you the proper way to safely perform the home treatments (or if it’s even recommended). They can also ensure you don’t have any skin conditions that would contraindicate microneedling.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is microneedling better than Botox?
  • Both cosmetic procedures can effectively improve the appearance of the face, but they work with different mechanisms. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) relaxes the muscles of the face to reduce specific kinds of wrinkles that create an aged appearance. Microneedling generates collagen and elastin production that works to restore the tissues in the face and reduce pore size resulting in a more youthful and healed appearance.
  • How long does it take to see results from microneedling?
  • Some tightening results may be visible soon after the swelling goes down. Overall, results may take several weeks to months to see the final results of the microneedling treatments.
  • How long do microneedling results last?
  • Unfortunately, the answer is that this varies based on the person and how long their body maintains the collagen in the area. This can change depending on age, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
  • Can microneedling ruin your skin?
  • As with any procedure, there are side effects and potential risks to microneedling, including:BleedingRednessFlaky skinInfectionBruisingTightnessWhile there are possible side effects, they typically resolve in a couple of weeks.

Both cosmetic procedures can effectively improve the appearance of the face, but they work with different mechanisms. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) relaxes the muscles of the face to reduce specific kinds of wrinkles that create an aged appearance. Microneedling generates collagen and elastin production that works to restore the tissues in the face and reduce pore size resulting in a more youthful and healed appearance.

Some tightening results may be visible soon after the swelling goes down. Overall, results may take several weeks to months to see the final results of the microneedling treatments.

Unfortunately, the answer is that this varies based on the person and how long their body maintains the collagen in the area. This can change depending on age, genetics, and lifestyle factors.

As with any procedure, there are side effects and potential risks to microneedling, including: