Does microneedling go as deep as a tattoo?

Author: Jason Littel  |  Last update: Saturday, January 3, 2026

Preserving Tattoo Ink Because microneedling creates small holes, some fear their ink may fade or blur. Generally speaking, they are safe if they are under close control. Following many sessions, there is a risk of some fading. Moreover, the needles in this process do not go deep in the dermal layer.

Is microneedling deeper than a tattoo?

Unlike a tattoo artist, your esthetician or dermatologist will use a microneedling pen or device to slightly penetrate the top layer of your skin. It will cause your skin to react by swelling slightly. The micro-fine needles also cause your skin to produce collagen and elastin.

How deep does microneedling go into the skin?

At-home microneedling devices also only superficially affect the skin—they penetrate just its outer layer (the stratum corneum or epidermis), reaching 0.25 mm deep. Professional devices can go deeper (2 mm to 3 mm deep), reaching not only the epidermis but also the dermis, a deeper layer of skin.

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.

What is deeper than microneedling?

Fraxel is a fractionated laser treatment that also works by creating micro-injuries in your skin, but it penetrates more deeply than microneedling. This deeper penetration helps to break down damaged skin cells and stimulate the production of new, healthy cells.

At- Home MICRONEEDLING: How Deep Should I Go? | Dr Davin Lim Explains

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.

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.

What happens if you microneedle too deep?

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.

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.

Do you look younger after microneedling?

If done perfectly, microneedling can make you look younger. The skin tends to become less tight and firm. As you age, the amount of collagen goes on decreasing. But collagen is the most crucial protein required in humans and animals.

Is 2.5 mm 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 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.

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 is the best depth for 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.

What hurts more microneedling or laser?

Although a topical numbing agent is used for both microneedling and laser treatment, the majority of patients find the pain associated with microneedling to be much more tolerable.

How deep does tattoo ink go into the skin?

For a tattoo to be both permanent and visually appealing, the needle must penetrate the dermis. This layer is approximately 1.5 to 2 millimeters beneath the skin's surface.

Can you overdo micro needling?

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.

How long does it take to see final results from microneedling?

Microneedling when to see results? The initial skin tightening and pore reduction can be seen immediately after treatment. However, you won't see your final microneedling results until four to six weeks after your anti-aging treatment.

How to increase the effectiveness of microneedling?

Following a consistent skincare regimen can help to maintain the results of microneedling. A skincare regimen that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing regularly can help to improve the texture and tone of the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to know if microneedling went wrong?

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.

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.

How many passes with microneedling on face?

Perform every 3-6 weeks, 6 to 8 passes depending on the number of needles.

How long is 1 session of microneedling?

Some people don't invest in their skin because they think that they don't have the time. This treatment obliterates that excuse because it is a quick, efficient treatment typically performed in 30 minutes.

Is microneedling worth the money?

One study showed that almost 100 percent of microneedling participants reported a noticeable difference, and 80 percent reported a vast improvement in the appearance of their acne scars after a treatment1, so yeah—microneedling is that girl.

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