Facials · 03 of 03
Microneedling
Fine needles stimulate skin repair to improve selected scars and wrinkles.
- Typical visit
- 30–60 minConfirm whether numbing time is included.
- Downtime
- 2–4 days
- First results
- 4–13 weeks
- Lasts
- Months, with maintenance visits
- Treatment plan
- Often a seriesYour clinician sets the number and spacing.
Typical estimates. Your clinician explains the timing, recovery and treatment plan for you.
In brief
What this treatment does.
A needling device creates controlled channels in the skin, stimulating repair. Certain devices are FDA-authorized for facial acne scars, facial wrinkles or abdominal scars in adults 22 and older. The practice must identify its device before confirming which uses apply.
- Selected facial acne scars
- Selected wrinkles, depending on the device
- A non-laser approach
Before you decide
Suitability and important risks.
Your health, medicines and previous treatments affect what is appropriate. Discuss benefits, risks and alternatives with the clinical team.
Who might consider it, and when to ask first
Often a good fit
- Adults with facial acne scarring
- People who prefer a non-laser option
- Anyone ready for a series of visits over several months
Discuss before booking
- Active infection, cold sores or breakouts in the area
- Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding
- A blood-clotting disorder, blood-thinning medicine or a keloid history
- Open wounds, sunburn or any other skin question: ask your clinician first.
Visit & aftercare
Know what to expect.
The visit, step by step
Consultation
Your clinician reviews your skin and history, including active acne, infection, cold sores, any keloid tendency and blood-thinning medicine.
Numbing
Your skin is cleansed and a topical numbing cream is applied before treatment begins.
Treatment
The pen is passed over the area in sections. Most people describe a vibrating or light scratching sensation.
Afterwards
A soothing serum or lotion is applied. Redness lasts a few days, and mild swelling or dryness is possible. You leave with gentle skincare and sunscreen instructions.
Series and review
Several sessions are usually planned, about a month apart. Change builds gradually, and some people return for maintenance every six to twelve months.
Caring for your skin afterwards
- Use only a gentle cleanser and moisturizer for the first few days.
- Avoid direct sun and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
- Skip harsh products, retinoids and heavy exercise until we clear you.
- Leave any flaking alone rather than picking at it.
- Wait for our go-ahead before wearing makeup.
Areas and concerns to discuss
Facial acne scars
Certain devices are authorized for this use in adults 22 and older.
Facial wrinkles
Authorized for some devices. Confirm the practice’s model and its labeling.
Other scars or areas
Some devices are authorized for abdominal scars. Chest treatment, stretch marks and other uses require a device-specific discussion; they are not automatically offered here.
How it works & evidence
The detail behind the treatment.
How it works, evidence and device labeling
Microneedling uses a pen-style device fitted with very fine needles to make small, controlled channels in the skin. The skin responds with wound healing, including new collagen and elastin, which is why change builds over weeks and months rather than overnight. Your clinician decides whether it suits your skin and how many sessions to plan.
FDA authorization is specific to a device, age group and treatment area. The FDA lists legally authorized uses for facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in people aged 22 and older. These are not universal indications for every needling device.
Ask which device the practice uses and which indications its labeling covers. A use outside that device’s labeling is off-label; the clinician should explain the evidence, limitations and alternatives before treatment.
Device clearance and approval apply to particular products and uses. Ask which device or formulation will be used for your treatment.
- Microneedling in Dermatology: a comprehensive review (PMC)
- Efficacy and Tolerability of a Microneedling Device for Treating Wrinkles on the Neck (PMC)
- FDA De Novo database record DEN160029, the first microneedling device classification (21 CFR 878.4430)
- FDA: Microneedling Devices — legally marketed uses and risks
Questions
Your questions about Microneedling.
Which microneedling uses are FDA-authorized?
FDA authorization is specific to a device, age group and treatment area. The FDA lists legally authorized uses for facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in people aged 22 and older. These are not universal indications for every needling device.
Can it treat wrinkles or areas beyond the face?
Ask which device the practice uses and which indications its labeling covers. A use outside that device’s labeling is off-label; the clinician should explain the evidence, limitations and alternatives before treatment.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream keeps most people comfortable. The sensation is usually described as vibration or light scratching.
How does it compare with a chemical peel?
A peel uses acids to loosen the top layers, and the healing shows as flaking. Microneedling makes tiny channels in the skin, and the redness typically eases within a few days.
How many sessions will I need?
Often a series. Your clinician sets the number and spacing.
General treatment information. Your clinician explains the choices appropriate for you.
Begin here
Ask about Microneedling.
A consultation is a conversation about what you would like to change, and what you would like to keep. Nothing is scheduled until you choose to.
Book online