How deep should you go when microneedling?

Author: Teresa Rippin  |  Last update: Thursday, May 1, 2025

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.

What is the best depth for microneedling?

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. [9] When the needles are only up to 0.5 mm long, the procedure is essentially painless, and the perception of pain increases as the depth of needle penetration increases.

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 happens if you microneedle too deep?

Yes, you need to be careful with the depth of treatment with RF microneedling. If you treat 'too deep' you can theoretically break down fat.

Is 2.5 mm too deep for microneedling?

Answer: Microneedling Hello and thank you for your question. The needle depth of 2.5mm is the deepest Microneedling can penetrate. You do not have to go that deep to see a therapeutic result. Most 2.5mm treatments are for scarring such as acne or for older skin more wrinkled skin.

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

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.

How deep can an esthetician go with microneedling?

It is most often performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. In California, aestheticians cannot penetrate the skin and should not perform microneedling.

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 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 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.

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.

What depth of microneedling produces collagen?

Microneedling Depth For Wrinkles

Surface layer fine lines and wrinkles can be improved with a 0.5mm derma roller or microneedling device. For deeper, most established lines or to produce more collagen you should opt for a 1mm device.

How often should I microneedle my 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.

How deep does Dr Pen microneedling go?

All the Dr Pen devices have a needle depth which ranges from 0mm - 2.5mm.

Can I microneedle my lips?

In lip microneedling, hyaluronic acid is applied to the lips and is followed by microneedling, supposedly to help HA penetrate the dermal layer. In reality, because of the thinness of lip tissue, micro-wounds must be kept shallow, too shallow to elicit collagen formation or deliver HA to deep lip tissue.

What happens if you microneedle too hard?

This could lead to an infection or scarring. At-home microneedling can accidentally spread warts, herpes, and other viruses across the skin. Pressing too hard can damage your skin. This damage can cause scarring or changes to your skin's color or texture.

How quickly do you see microneedling results?

While the timeline for seeing results can vary, most individuals begin to notice significant improvements within a few weeks to a few months post-treatment. Between two to six months post-treatment, you'll continue to see improvements in your skin.

How often do I apply hyaluronic acid after microneedling?

We recommend our Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, available for purchase. It is important to apply every 3 hours for the first 24 hours after the microneedling. These can also be continued twice a day for the first week.

Is deeper microneedling more effective?

However, as micro-needling is fairly new to the beauty world, there is room for speculation. One study found evidence that, while there is no significant difference after 1.5mm depth, consistent results were achieved between 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Therefore, the study concluded that 1-1.5mm needles are an optimal choice.

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 needle depth for microneedling?

There is a generally agreed upon effective depth range (0.10 mm to 3 mm), although the length of needles chosen within that range is determined by the severity of the concern, area being treated, the person's discomfort tolerance and response.

Is Dr Pen as good as SkinPen?

When it comes to choosing between SkinPen and Dermapen, SkinPen is the clear winner. Not only does it offer superior precision and safety, but shorter treatment times make it more convenient for busy patients. In addition, SkinPen's technology provides a more even distribution of needles across the skin.

Which microneedling depth is best?

Suitable depth varies depending on the site.
  • Forehead: 0.25 to 1.0 mm.
  • Around the eyes: 0.25 to 1.0 mm.
  • Cheek: 0.25 to 1.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Nose: 0.25-0.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Jaw: 0.25 to 1.0 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Body: 0.25 to 3.0 mm.

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.

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