Can microneedling go too deep?

Author: Dexter Robel  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

When it comes to microneedling, going too deep can potentially cause damage to the skin. If the needles penetrate beyond the recommended depth into the dermis or subcutaneous layer, it may lead to side effects like bleeding, bruising, or even scarring in severe cases.

How deep is too deep for microneedling?

There is a generally agreed upon effective depth range (0.10 mm to 3 mm), although the length of needles chosen within that range is determined by the severity of the concern, area being treated, the person's discomfort tolerance and response.

What happens when you microneedle too deep?

But yeah, there are a few things you need to take into account otherwise... yes, you will have ``regrets.'' If you go too deep or do sessions too often, it can lead to scarring or even enlarge your pores, doing the opposite of what you're looking for. Also, the quality of the pen plays a huge role.

Is it better to go deeper with microneedling?

Success with MCN is truly based on what you are trying to fix. Depth of needling is very important because your collagen and elastin are formed in your dermis and if your needles are not getting to that depth you are not maximally stimulating their formation. Acne scarring needs deeper needling to >2mm.

How to know if microneedling went wrong?

Any type of redness, bruising, inflammation that doesn't go away. If you have any signs of infection, any signs of an allergic reaction, if your skin is really painful. for a long period of time, you're getting emerging discoloration of the skin. So contact your clinician. Don't just post on social media.

Is MICRONEEDLING Worth the Hype? Doctorly Explains

Can you mess up microneedling?

The Common Microneedling Mistakes To Avoid Are:

Using Low Quality Derma Rollers. Applying a serum containing high amounts of fragrance after. Microneedling too often.

Why does my skin look awful after microneedling?

It's all normal for skin to look red or inflamed, possibly even scratched or bloody, and possibly feel rough and tender to the touch. These side effects of microneedling will go away eventually.

How deep can estheticians do microneedling?

In California, aestheticians cannot penetrate the skin and should not perform microneedling. This can also be done at home, but products available likely do not go as deep into the skin's surface as those done by a professional.

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.

Does microneedling look bad at first?

Sometimes skin can look slightly swollen after microneedling. This is due to the natural and mechanical injury of the treatment. Degree of swelling (if any) will depend on skin sensitivity and the aggressiveness of the treatment. When swelling does occur, it is subtle and subsides in about three days.

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.

What are the bad experiences of microneedling?

Risks that May Occur From Microneedling

As mentioned earlier, microneedling side effects can cause swelling, redness, and skin flaking in the short term. However, people undergoing the treatment risk experiencing more severe side effects such as bleeding, bruising, peeling, and sometimes skin infections.

Does microneedling go as deep as a tattoo?

This treatment rejuvenates by creating micro-injuries on your skin and triggering the scar tissue to produce more collagen. However, this treatment is not an effective way to permanently remove tats. Tattoo ink penetrates deep into the layers of the dermis, but dermarollers can only reach up to the skin's upper layer.

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.

Is it better to microneedling fast or slow?

As a general rule, the faster you set the speed on your microneedling pen, the deeper the needle will penetrate your skin. If you're using the pen on your face or other sensitive areas, we recommend using a lower speed - this gives you more precise control of the pen and its movements.

Which microneedling depth is best?

Suitable depth varies depending on the site.
  • Forehead: 0.25 to 1.0 mm.
  • Around the eyes: 0.25 to 1.0 mm.
  • Cheek: 0.25 to 1.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Nose: 0.25-0.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Jaw: 0.25 to 1.0 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Body: 0.25 to 3.0 mm.

What happens if microneedling is done incorrectly?

If you're considering this treatment, thorough research is essential—but one thing is sure: microneedling should never be attempted at home. When done incorrectly, the potential side effects can be severe, ranging from scarring, pockmarks, and infections to enlarged pores, track marks, and premature ageing.

How do you maximize microneedling results?

Microneedling Aftercare Tips
  1. Boosting progress with supplements.
  2. Avoiding intense activities.
  3. Staying out of hot showers and baths.
  4. Letting the skin rest before further treatments.
  5. Not wearing makeup.
  6. Protecting your skin from the sun.
  7. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Should you apply pressure when microneedling?

Before starting the treatment, your hands must be washed and your skin thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise it can lead to unpleasant inflammation. Divide the face into three parts: forehead, cheeks and chin. Then pull the derma roller gently over the respective area of the face without applying pressure.

Is 2.5 too deep for microneedling?

The correct depth for microneedling stretchmarks is 1.5mm-2.5mm. It's recommended to start with a 1.5mm depth for 3-4 sessions before considering a larger size. Deep dark stretch marks usually take 3-5 sessions of a 2mm+ needle depth to see results.

Is Dr Pen as good as SkinPen?

When it comes to choosing between SkinPen and Dermapen, SkinPen is the clear winner. Not only does it offer superior precision and safety, but shorter treatment times make it more convenient for busy patients. In addition, SkinPen's technology provides a more even distribution of needles across the skin.

What is the maximum depth for microneedling?

Micro-needling can be used at a range of depths between 0.25mm-2.5mm – but what depth is best? The aim is for maximum benefits, with little downtime. However, as micro-needling is fairly new to the beauty world, there is room for speculation.

Can you overdo microneedling?

Even though microneedling benefits the skin, overdoing it can cause serious risks, including skin irritation, redness, and inflammation, leading to discomfort. Overdoing treatments or not allowing ample time between sessions can lead to scarring and even hyperpigmentation.

What is the average price of a microneedling session?

The average cost of microneedling in the US is about $640 per session, according to over 300 patient experiences on RealSelf. This can vary between $300 to $700, however, depending on: Your location: Prices may be higher in major cities or upscale clinics.

Can microneedling mess up your face?

Skin damage is a risk that commonly occurs with microneedling devices. The damage may include bleeding, bruising, redness, tightness, itching and peeling, and these typically go away without any treatment after a few days or weeks.

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