Does microneedling hurt as much as a tattoo?

Author: Rowena Hartmann  |  Last update: Monday, September 15, 2025

Some people have compared the feeling of microneedling to that of getting a tattoo, though more have compared it to having fine sandpaper rubbed along your skin.

Is microneedling more painful than a tattoo?

People have compared microneedling to a variety of sensations. Some people say it feels like getting a tattoo—which makes sense, considering both utilize small needles. Others say it feels like a cat licking you, or fine sandpaper being rubbed over the surface of your skin.

Is micro needling very painful?

Microneedling is not a pain-free procedure. However, the level of pain is usually manageable and tolerable. Most people will receive a topical numbing cream to help with the discomfort. The numbing cream will be applied before the procedure and will typically last for 30 to 60 minutes.

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 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.

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Is microneedling really worth it?

Microneedling can help improve the appearance and texture of your skin. It can minimize stretch marks, scars, wrinkles and other skin concerns. It doesn't carry the risk of skin discoloration, unlike some facial rejuvenation procedures that use heat, light or lasers.

How long is 1 session of microneedling?

A treatment session itself only lasts between 20 and 30 minutes depending on how many areas need to be treated. However, you must wait for the numbing cream to take effect and have your treatment area disinfected. Expect to spend at least an hour or two from start to finish.

What are the long-term side effects of microneedling?

Despite its many advantages, there are some risks associated with microneedling such as infection, inflammation and discoloration. Long-term effects may include scarring or changes in pigmentation so caution should be taken when undergoing this treatment.

How often should I microneedle my face?

Microneedling results are relatively easy to maintain, and the best way to keep the skin looking its best after treatment is with regular appointments. Most people can sustain their results with an appointment every six months to preserve the effects of collagen production.

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.

What is the disadvantage of micro needling?

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.

Why does needling hurt so much?

We believe the primary reason that some patients report dry needling hurts more than acupuncture is that dry needling is typically performed in response to a particular injury. As such, the dry needling is very localized to an injured joint or source of pain, and typically those areas are more sensitive by default.

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 bad is microneedling pain?

Though the thought of needles may make you cringe, microneedling is not painful. Doctors generally apply a topical anesthetic cream beforehand to help numb the area being treated. It has few side effects other than temporary redness and swelling post-treatment.

What is the most painful tattoo spot?

Here are the most painful places on the body to get a tattoo.
  • Head. The head, including the scalp and face, is a highly sensitive area due to the high density of nerve endings. ...
  • Rib Cage and Chest. ...
  • Stomach. ...
  • Nipples and Breasts. ...
  • Face and Ears. ...
  • Hands, Fingers, Feet, and Toes. ...
  • Neck and Spine. ...
  • Groins and Genital Area.

Is micro needling a waste of money?

The bottom line. Microneedling can offer benefits such as improved skin texture, increased collagen production, and reduced scarring. But it comes at a cost, and results don't last forever.

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?

Overdoing microneedling can lead to several negative consequences for your skin, including: Persistent Redness and Irritation: Microneedling too frequently can cause continuous redness, irritation, and inflammation, as the skin doesn't get enough time to heal properly between treatments.

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.

Why do I feel sick after microneedling?

It is rare to get any serious side effects following treatment, however possible side-effects include the following: Bruising/swelling/redness at injection site. Infection. Nausea, headache or flu-like symptoms.

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.

Can you see results from microneedling after 1 session?

Yes, you'll notice results after just one microneedling session. Your skin will appear smoother and more radiant, although individual outcomes can vary. Continuous improvements occur over the following weeks, enhancing texture and tone.

Does microneedling tighten skin?

Providing more dramatic results than microneedling on its own, RF microneedling has been shown by researchers to be effective in tightening the skin on various body parts, including the face, neck, chest, arms, and stomach.

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