Does microneedling bring dark spots to the surface?

Author: Sarina Weimann  |  Last update: Monday, September 22, 2025

The spots usually appear darker after the treatment, but a few days later they flake off leaving behind smooth even toned skin.

Can microneedling cause dark spots?

Immediately after microneedling, you may see some redness (lighter skin tones) or darker shades (darker skin tones) on your treated skin. Your treated skin may feel like it's sunburned, causing minor discomfort, burning, or swelling. These reactions usually disappear in a few days to a week.

Does microneedling bring out spots?

A common concern about microneedling is whether it can cause acne breakouts. While the procedure itself does not cause acne, it can temporarily exacerbate existing skin issues.

Why does my skin 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 downsides of microneedling?

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.

How microneedling works

Who is a bad candidate for microneedling?

Certain conditions can make a person a poor candidate. These include pregnancy, recent Accutane use, active acne outbreaks, or specific skin disorders. A history of poor wound healing and skin treatments like radiation and microneedling with PRP injection in the past year also raises red flags for patients.

How often should you microneedle your face?

Most people need multiple microneedling treatments, usually about 3 weeks to 8 weeks apart. It can take 3 months to 6 months to see results. Afterward, you might need the procedure once a year for maintenance.

Does microneedling damage skin over time?

Other microneedling side effects include: Damage to blood vessels. Skin irritation. Temporary or permanent nerve damage that could result in numbness or pain.

How long does it take for collagen to rebuild after microneedling?

Results will depend on the severity of the area being treated. The tightened and final results will be seen gradually over 6-9 months which is the time it takes for each individual's body to produce collagen naturally and for the skin to rebuild after injury.

What are the drag marks from microneedling?

Common potential side effects of this procedure are minimal, which include the following: Grid marks that look like waffles have been imprinted in your skin may be seen. This signifies an allergic reaction as to where the microneedling device went in through your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

How long does skin purge after microneedling?

If you're prone to breakouts and oily skin you may also experience breakouts in lots of lumps like pimples. But these'll go away in 2-3 days. I want to assure you these're also normal and it's just your body purging itself of toxins.

What is the best aftercare for microneedling?

Microneedling Aftercare Tips
  • #1. Avoid the sun after microneedling. Stay out of the sun and it goes without saying to avoid the sunbed or the solarium.
  • #2. Avoid active topical skin care products after microneedling. ...
  • #3. Do not use makeup after microneedling. ...
  • #4. Applying face masks after microneedling.

Should microneedling leave marks?

A cold compress can help reduce swelling, brings down inflammation, and can feel amazing. You might notice skin feels rough after microneedling, too. This could be due to the shedding, swelling, or both. For some patients, some visible marks might be apparent, though these are typically light.

Why am I getting spots after microneedling?

If the skin isn't cleansed properly before and after the procedure, this can also lead to an increase probability of acne post treatment. Microneedling can also cause inflammation in the skin, which can lead to an acne flareup.

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.

Why does my skin look worse day after microneedling?

Does Microneedling Make Skin Look Worse at First? After the treatment, your skin will be flushed or bright red, similar to a mild sunburn. The redness typically subsides within the next few days. Other aftereffects, such as peeling, flaking, or breakouts, may take slightly longer to resolve.

Why am I not seeing results from microneedling?

As soon as the deepest layers of your skin are penetrated by the needles, “micro-wounds” are created. This triggers your body's wound healing processes to heal your micro wounds immediately. However, the most dramatic results will not be visible until four to six weeks after treatment.

Does skin tighten after microneedling?

While microneedling offers a range of benefits, including improved skin texture, reduced pore size, and lessening the appearance of fine lines and scars, it primarily focuses on the skin's surface. It does promote some degree of skin tightening due to collagen production.

Why is my skin darker after microneedling?

There is a chance that microneedling post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur in some individuals. This happens as a response to the way that the skin heals, leading to an overproduction of melanin in the treated areas.

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 can I do instead of microneedling?

Of course, if you're unable to get microneedling or Plasma Pen therapy, other options have excellent results and few complications. Below are such alternatives procedures that you can explore: Injectables: For wrinkles and fine lines, especially on the forehead. Laser Resurfacing: For advanced skin rejuvenating.

What is the best time of year to do microneedling?

Specifically, fall and winter are the optimal seasons for microneedling. Fall and winter are ideal for this treatment due to the reduced exposure to sunlight. Post-treatment skin can be highly sensitive to sun exposure, and overexposure could potentially slow down the healing process.

Is microneedling better than Botox?

As stand-alone treatments, these are both fantastic in their own ways. Botox will provide good visual results on the skin, as the area will look and feel smoother – although for firmer, plumper, healthy-looking skin, microneedling wins, hands-down.

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.

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