How bad does microneedling hurt without numbing cream?

Author: Lane Hauck PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Many people are curious about numbing cream, specifically, does microneedling hurt without numbing cream? At Vujevich Dermatology Associates, we use the SkinPen, which creates hundreds to thousands of micro skin injuries per second, which can be painful without numbing cream.

How painful is microneedling without numbing?

Without numbing creams it too painful to penetrate deeply enough into the skin to get medical grade results. Myth: Microneedling hurts. Fact: Microneedling has an unfortunate name – but don't let that turn you off! At Restor we apply a topical numbing cream, and you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

Can you have microneedling without numbing cream?

Thank you for your question. Numbing cream is typically applied prior to the Microneedling treatment to help ease pain that is sometimes experienced with Microneedling. If you opt not to use numbing cream, you may experience pain and discomfort during the procedure. There is no benefit of not using a numbing cream.

Why shouldn't you use numbing cream for microneedling?

Adverse Effects of TLA Numbing Cream

TLA has been reported to cause burning or stinging at the site of administration. TLA can even lead to systemic toxicity if used in excess. Signs of systemic toxicity include agitation, elevated blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and muscle twitching.

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.

Microneedling: 5 Tips You MUST Know BEFORE & AFTER | Doctorly + Esthetician

How to make microneedling less painful?

We use topical numbing medication during your microneedling appointment to minimize any pain you may feel during the procedure.

Can microneedling do more harm than good?

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. Shallow microneedling won't have any effect on improving the scarring problem.

Can anything go wrong with 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.

Do needles hurt with numbing cream?

Indeed, they are able to decrease needle-related pain and anxiety without additional pain. Topical anesthetic creams can be an easy-to-use solution for painful needle procedures.

How many passes for microneedling?

According to some studies, 10 to 15 passes must be made in the same direction, and at least four crossing passes in the rolling areas.

How long will my face hurt after microneedling?

This is because redness after microneedling is common. In fact, your skin will feel as if you have a mild to moderate sunburn. These effects are normal and should subside within 24 – 48 hours. Avoid exfoliants and other abrasive products until your complexion has returned to normal.

What is an alternative to microneedling cream?

Hyaluronic acid serums are the best and most commonly used type for microneedling because of their hydrating properties. Other great alternatives include peptides, ceramides, and EGF. Just make sure to avoid retinoids, Vitamin C, and other serums that contain acids (AHA, BHA, and lactic acid).

Is it better to do skin needling without numbing cream?

Generally, topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the skin 20 minutes before treatment, however, topical numbing is discouraged as it acts as a vasoconstrictor. Vasoconstriction slows down the natural inflammatory response that is beneficial for new collagen fibres.

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.

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.

How do you make a needle not hurt without numbing cream?

Try to distract yourself by talking to someone while injecting or listening to soothing music. Sitting rather than standing can also help to relax your muscles. Apply an ice pack to the injection site about 15 minutes before you plan to administer your medication.

Why do numbing shots hurt so bad?

The pain is due to the perforation of the skin, the injected liquid activating stretch receptors in the deeper tissues, and the chemical composition of the injected substance. It is possible to reduce the pain due to the anaesthesia itself.

Why is pain worse after numbing cream wears off?

Also, if the numbing cream wears off mid-tattoo, this can make the process more painful as the nerves come back to life.

Why did my microneedling hurt so bad?

Essentially, some people are more sensitive to pain than others. For individuals with a lower pain tolerance, the sensation caused by the microneedling process may feel more intense. However, many describe it as a feeling of light sandpaper being moved across the skin.

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.

Who shouldn't get microneedling?

Talk to your healthcare provider before getting microneedling if you have: Acne or are taking medication for acne. Blood disorders or are on anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clots). Cancer and are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

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.

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 to know if microneedling went wrong?

If you experience any adverse effects after your microneedling treatment, such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection, please contact us at Wellaholic immediately. We will assess your skin and provide appropriate care instructions.

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