Are there different qualities of microneedling?

Author: Shanna Orn  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

Different types of micro-needling are available, and each type has unique benefits. The results vary depending on the technique being used. Before spending your money on the procedure, know the difference between each type. This will help you choose a treatment that best suits your needs.

Are there different strengths of microneedling?

For treating acne and other scars as a routine, a needle length of 1.5–2 mm is usually used. When microneedling is used as a procedure to treat ageing skin and wrinkles, the needle length of 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm is usually recommended.

Are there different levels of microneedling?

Microneedling Depth For Wrinkles

Surface layer fine lines and wrinkles can be improved with a 0.5mm derma roller or microneedling device. For deeper, most established lines or to produce more collagen you should opt for a 1mm device.

Are all microneedling treatments the same?

While the at-home options are based on the same principles, it will be no surprise to hear that both the technology and results are vastly different from the professional treatments. RF and traditional microneedling, on the other hand, are far more similar to one another.

Is 12 pin or 36 pin microneedling better for the face?

We recommend the 12 pin and 16 pin (16 pin cartridges only available with the M8 device) for face. The 36 pin is recommended for the body (For stretch marks, for example). Which body parts can you microneedle? You can use the Dr Pen microneedle on your whole body.

Is MICRONEEDLING Worth the Hype? Doctorly Explains

What is a 42 pin for microneedling used for?

The 42 Pin cartridge is unique to the Dr. Pen A6S Microneedling Pen and is great for acne scarring. The needles are made of high-quality stainless steel; each cartridge comes in a sterile pack.

Why is SkinPen better than microneedling?

As the only FDA-approved tool for microneedling, the SkinPen is your best option for treating acne scars. With guaranteed results, short treatment times, and recovery times from under one week, the SkinPen can revolutionize your self-confidence and skin texture.

Which type of microneedling is most effective?

Radiofrequency micro-needling is an effective treatment that utilizes radiofrequency technology in combination with micro-needling. This tandem helps enhance the results of micro-needling. Radiofrequency micro-needling provides additional benefits as compared to traditional micro-needling.

Can you do microneedling wrong?

Improper Technique: Applying excessive pressure or using incorrect needle depth can lead to skin trauma, scarring, and permanent damage. Infection Risks: Poor hygiene practices, unsterile equipment, or microneedling over active lesions increase the chances of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Why is some microneedling more expensive?

What's the Average Microneedling Cost?
  • Your location: Prices may be higher in major cities or upscale clinics.
  • The areas you're treating: Larger or multiple areas will cost more.
  • The type of device used: More advanced devices can be more expensive (for example, SkinPen treatments typically cost more than Dermapen).

Can I microneedle my lips?

In lip microneedling, hyaluronic acid is applied to the lips and is followed by microneedling, supposedly to help HA penetrate the dermal layer. In reality, because of the thinness of lip tissue, micro-wounds must be kept shallow, too shallow to elicit collagen formation or deliver HA to deep lip tissue.

Does the depth of microneedling matter?

It's a question that requires some explanation, but in short, there is no single, universally optimal microneedling depth. The “right depth” is determined by many factors, including the concern being treated, severity of the concern, area being treated, individual tolerance and individual response.

What is better than microneedling?

Laser treatments can often provide quicker, more dramatic and long lasting results than microneedling treatments.

What is the average price of a microneedling session?

Cost Range

Microneedling sessions typically range from $100 to $700 per session. Prices vary based on location, provider experience, micro treatment specifics. Most treatments average around $300 per session.

What are the disadvantages of microneedling?

Common, expected complications include:
  • Pain during the procedure (minimal when topical anesthetics are used appropriately)
  • Erythema, irritation, and mild edema (which generally subsides in hours-to-days)

What is the best medical grade microneedling device?

What Is the Best FDA Approved Microneedling Device? The best FDA-approved microneedling device is the SkinPen. It's cleared for safety and effectiveness in enhancing skin texture and promoting collagen production, ensuring a reliable and beneficial treatment for your skincare needs.

Why do I look older after microneedling?

Why Do I Look Older After Microneedling? You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers.

How hard do you press when microneedling?

Use a light, even pressure. If you have some loose skin, you may need to hold this area taut also.

What happens if you go too deep microneedling?

Attempting to improve your scars with microneedling at home may cause more harm than good to your skin. Puncturing too deep can result in rupture of capillaries.

Are all microneedling the same?

Different types of microneedles: (a) Solid microneedles with a poke with patch approach are used for pre-treatment of the skin. (b) Coated microneedles use the coat and poke approach, where a coating of the drug solution is applied on the needle surface. (c) Dissolving microneedles are made of biodegradable polymers.

What size microneedle do professionals use?

DIY microneedles are typically less than 1mm in length while professional microneedling devices often use needles between 1mm to 3mm. The longer needles used in professional treatments create more controlled wounding, providing more noticeable results.

What is the newest type of microneedling?

The Vivace® Microneedle RF device is the newest generation of radiofrequency microneedling and is FDA-cleared for your safety.

Is Dr pen the same as SkinPen?

Both SkinPen and Dermapen are advanced micro-needling devices that use patented technology from their respective manufacturers. That being said, at Dr Aesthetica in Birmingham, we recommend choosing SkinPen Over Dermapen. Here are the reasons. SkinPen is the only microneedling device that's FDA cleared.

Why is some microneedling more expensive than others?

You guessed it: larger body areas (or multiple areas, like the face plus neck) take more time to treat, which costs more. Complementary treatments or topicals can amplify the benefits of microneedling.

Is a pen or roller better for microneedling?

Microneedling Pens: Precision Powerhouse

Unlike derma rollers that you can sweep across the skin, microneedling pens vibrate vertically as they poke little holes in your skin. The pen allows better control on how deep you want the needles to go through, and how fast it should work.

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