Microneedling: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Microneedling?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin, usually performs microneedling. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a medical doctor who has expertise in treating the skin and performing cosmetic treatments. An example is a board-certified dermatologist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Microneedling is a medical treatment that uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. The needles may be on a roller, a flat stamp, or the tip of a pen-shaped tool.
When it is done properly, your body heals the holes in your skin. This can lead to less noticeable scars and wrinkles, and more even skin tone and texture.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Dermatologists use microneedling to diminish acne scars, dark spots, large pores, sagging skin, scars from surgery or an injury, and stretch marks. They also use it for uneven skin texture and tone, and for wrinkles and fine lines. The FDA has legally authorized microneedling devices for some uses. These are to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, facial wrinkles, and abdominal scars in patients aged 22 years or older.
How to prepare
Before treatment, a dermatologist holds a counseling session. They ask about your health and what you expect, and they examine your skin. This lets your dermatologist know whether microneedling is safe for you and can deliver the results you want. Your dermatologist will give you a skin care routine to follow before treatment. Following it for 2 to 4 weeks will improve your response to treatment. The routine may include stopping retinoids (retinol and tretinoin) or other skin care ingredients for a few days. You will also need to protect your skin from the sun.
Your dermatologist will wait to treat you if you have a tan or a skin infection. They will also wait if you are taking, or took, isotretinoin, a medicine that treats severe acne.
You should not have microneedling if you heal slowly or poorly. You should also not have it if you have or had a keloid, which is a raised scar.
What happens during it
The device makes many small puncture holes in the skin. Some devices use a motor to move the needles in and out. With some motorized devices, the provider can adjust the depth and speed of the needles.
Recovery
Downtime is minimal. Your skin may feel sunburned, with minor discomfort, burning, or swelling. These reactions usually disappear in a few days to a week.
You can return to work or school right after microneedling. Wait 24 hours before you apply makeup. Aftercare will help you avoid an infection and see the best results.
Results appear slowly. You may see improvement within a few weeks, but full results usually take several months.
Risks and side effects
Side effects can last a short time or a long time, and some may be permanent. Most side effects happen soon after treatment and go away. Microneedling may not always give the result you want.
Common side effects include dryness, rough skin, tightness, redness, itching, peeling, discomfort, burning, bruising, bleeding, and crusting.
Less common risks include changes in skin color, cold sores coming back, swollen lymph nodes, and infection. The risk of infection, scarring, or long-lasting skin color change goes up when someone without medical training does the treatment. Seek medical attention right away if you have signs of a complication.
Who performs it
A dermatologist usually performs microneedling. Choose a provider who is trained to perform microneedling. Ask whether a new needle cartridge is used for each patient and each treatment session. Reusing a needle cartridge is unsafe.
Common questions
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
You may need more than one session to get the results you want. For acne scars, you may need 3 to 5 treatments, performed every 2 to 4 weeks.
How long do microneedling results last?
Results fade over time as your body loses collagen. Your dermatologist may also recommend a maintenance session once a year.
Is at-home microneedling as good as treatment from a dermatologist?
No, at-home products lead to less noticeable results than treatment from a dermatologist. At-home microneedling can also be risky.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- FDA - Microneedling Devices
- American Academy of Dermatology - Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
