Surgery Plastic Surgery Facial Procedures An Overview of Microneedling Treatment This minimally invasive procedure could improve skin's appearance By Natalie Kita Updated on October 24, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by William Truswell, MD Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD Facebook LinkedIn William Truswell, MD, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngology (head and neck) surgeon. He is president of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and treats skin cancer patients as part of his practice. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print 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 in an effort to spur improvement of several chronic dermatologic problems. Microneedling aims to create a controlled injury just beneath the skin's surface, thereby inducing the body to respond by producing more collagen 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. Africa Images / E+ / Getty Images 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 inflammatory effect that produces healing growth factors in the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin that rejuvenates the area. Anatomy of the Skin 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, FDA-approved equipment should be used. The treatment generally takes minutes, but 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. It is possible that the needles may draw blood, but it's usually minimal. Radiofrequency Microneedling This is a newer development in the procedure that adds radiofrequency (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 or not it is a preferable treatment for you. 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. While some may be useful, it's impossible to predict the quality of a device. In addition, if you perform microneedling yourself, you run the risk of using the roller incorrectly, needles coming off and remaining in your skin, infection, and inconsistent results. 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. Meanwhile, research has shown the procedure to be safe and effective for the following skin issues: Wrinkles: A 2018 study found four microneedling treatments spaced out every 30 days to improve wrinkles, skin laxity, and skin texture. Scars: Positive results have been seen with atrophic (indented) scars from acne or chickenpox, hypertrophic (raised) scars, and keloid (raised and larger than original wound) scars. Stretch marks (striae distensae): A 2019 review of seven studies found microneedling to be effective in improving stretch marks. Patchy hair loss (alopecia): Microneedling used along with drugs like 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 effective treating people of all skin colors. 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 do the home treatments (or if it's even recommended). They can also ensure you don't have any skin conditions that would contraindicate microneedling. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:289–298. Published 2017 Aug 8. doi:10.2147/CCID.S142450 Elawar A, Dahan S. Non-insulated Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Treatment with Smooth Motor Insertion for Reduction of Depressed Acne Scars, Pore Size, and Skin Texture Improvement: A Preliminary Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(8):41–44. Schmitt L, Marquardt Y, Amann P, et al. Comprehensive molecular characterization of microneedling therapy in a human three-dimensional skin model. PLoS ONE. 2018;13(9):e0204318. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0204318 Ablon G. Safety and Effectiveness of an Automated Microneedling Device in Improving the Signs of Aging Skin. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(8):29–34. Mujahid N, Shareef F, Maymone MBC, Vashi NA. Microneedling as a Treatment for Acne Scarring: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Surg. 2020;46(1):86–92. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000002020 Magda M Hagag, Rehab M Samaka, Hanan A E Mahmoud. Role of microneedling in treatment of patients with striae distensae. Menoufia Medical Journal. 2019; vol 32, issue 3, pp.756-762. doi:10.4103/mmj.mmj_36_18 Lima Ede A. Microneedling in facial recalcitrant melasma: report of a series of 22 cases. An Bras Dermatol. 2015;90(6):919–921. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20154748. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20154748 Additional Reading Bhargava S, Kumar U, Varma K. Subcision and Microneedling as an Inexpensive and Safe Combination to Treat Atrophic Acne Scars in Dark Skin: A Prospective Study of 45 Patients at a Tertiary Care Center. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(8):18–22. Dhurat R, Sukesh M, Avhad G, Dandale A, Pal A, Pund P. A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: A pilot study. Int J Trichology. 2013;5(1):6-11. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.114700 Garg S, Baveja S. Combination Therapy in the Management of Atrophic Acne Scars. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014;7(1):18-23. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.129964 Ramaut L, Hoeksema H, Pirayesh A, Stillaert F, Monstrey S. Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2018;71(1):1-14. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2017.06.006