Does microneedling make you look worse before better?

Author: Alycia Krajcik I  |  Last update: Monday, January 26, 2026

In the short term, lines can appear worse for the first few days after a treatment due to transepidermal water loss (TEWL). You can reassure your clients that any wrinkle that develops quickly is not due to loss of structural integrity and it is temporary.

Does microneedling look worse before it gets better?

Healing Process: The skin can take time to heal and start producing new collagen. During this period, it might appear worse before it gets better. Technique and Device Quality: The efficacy and safety of microneedling can vary depending on the device used and the skill of the practitioner.

How long will my face look bad after microneedling?

It's normal to experience certain side effects after a microneedling procedure. Your skin can be flushed or even bright red when you leave your visit. Within 48 hours, the majority of the redness you experience after microneedling will go away. Peeling, flaking and breakouts may take a little longer.

How long does microneedling purging last?

Some breakouts after microneedling may be due to “skin purging” as impurities are brought to the surface. This is temporary and should resolve within a few days to weeks.

How long does microneedling take to look normal?

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. It takes roughly this long for your body to create new, strong, healthy collagen.

Is MICRONEEDLING Worth the Hype? Doctorly Explains

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.

How to know if microneedling is working?

In the days and weeks after microneedling, you might notice that your skin burns or feels tight. Some people also have dry, flaking skin that improves with moisturizer. 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.

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.

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 does skin purging look like?

In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.

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 do I look darker after microneedling?

You'll see noticeable improvement within a few days, but the full effects of microneedling appear after several weeks. Some patients may experience temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially those with darker skin tones.

When can I go back to my normal skincare routine after microneedling?

Sometimes it can take up to 24-48 hours for the discomfort to dissipate. It is important to treat the skin gently for three days after microneedling, then you may resume your normal skincare routine. Blow is our recommendation for the best microneedling aftercare: Keep your skin clean.

Can you notice a difference after 1 microneedling session?

You'll often notice a difference after just one microneedling session. However, optimal results typically require multiple treatments, depending on your skin's condition and desired outcomes. Each session builds on the last for cumulative improvements.

What are the cons 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 to 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.

Does microneedling make skin look worse 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.

How much younger does microneedling make you look?

But beyond these basic microneedling benefits, it also offers several other VERY beneficial side effects that you can take advantage of. These range from healing acne, reducing scar formation and even helping you look 5+ years younger!

Does microneedling bring out age spots?

As collagen production increases the skin gets plump and thicker, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. The process of microneedling also breaks up melanin in the skin absorbing it into the body, so it is an effective treatment for age spots.

Why do I see more wrinkles after microneedling?

Microneedling is generally considered a safe treatment that should not make conditions worse. In fact, microneedling is actually proven to help improve the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. However, if the procedure is not performed properly, it is possible that it could make wrinkles worse.

Can microneedling make pigment worse?

It can however, be worked into a treatment plan for certain causes of pigmentation when the condition is not flaring, at certain times of the year and in selected skin types. When used incorrectly, microneedling can actually make pigmentation worse!

How long does your face look bad after microneedling?

How long does peeling last after microneedling? As a result of accelerated skin cell turnover, microneedling peeling and flaking may occur three to five days following microneedling treatment. Within two to four weeks, the benefits of microneedling will be apparent.

What is the success rate of microneedling?

Microneedling has been found to be effective in reducing even burn scars [Figure 5] by up to 80% in a study on 16 patients by Aust et al. It was stipulated that there is normalization of collagen-elastin matrix in the dermis at 1 year.

How to speed up healing after microneedling?

Here are five essential tips to help speed up your microneedling healing process and get you back to your glowing self in no time.
  1. Keep Your Skin Hydrated. ...
  2. Protect Your Skin From the Sun. ...
  3. Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine. ...
  4. Avoid Strenuous Activities. ...
  5. Nourish Your Body From Within.

Why am I not seeing results with microneedling?

This treatment is all about 'repair' and stimulating collagen. This takes time and occurs deep within the skin, so the effects of Microneedling may not be seen immediately. RF Microneedling causes small wounds (pinpricks) in your skin which stimulates the skin's repair mode.

Previous article
Why does my face still look fat after losing weight?
Next article
Does age affect hair color?