What are the symptoms of bad microneedling?

Author: Desiree Hagenes  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

The most common side effect of microneedling is skin irritation. This can range from mild redness and swelling to more severe symptoms like blisters or open wounds. In most cases, the skin will return to normal within a few days.

How do you know if microneedling is wrong?

Any type of redness, bruising, inflammation that doesn't go away. If you have any signs of infection, any signs of an allergic reaction, if your skin is really painful. for a long period of time, you're getting emerging discoloration of the skin. So contact your clinician. Don't just post on social media.

What is a bad result of microneedling?

However, people undergoing the treatment risk experiencing more severe side effects such as bleeding, bruising, peeling, and sometimes skin infections. Other microneedling side effects include: Damage to blood vessels.

Can you have a bad reaction to microneedling?

There are a few temporary side effects to be aware of with microneedling. The procedure causes short-term swelling, redness, and skin flaking, which can last for a few days. Most people can return to wearing regular makeup within a day of treatment.

How do I know if I have an infection from microneedling?

A sudden reappearance of redness or pain is a sign of infection, and you should notify our office immediately. PERSISTENT REDNESS, ITCHING, AND/OR SWELLING – Itching, redness, and swelling are normal parts of the healing process. These symptoms rarely persist longer than 24 hours.

Is Microneedling Good For Your Skin? | Angeline Yong Dermatology

How long does skin look bad after microneedling?

After Microneedling Treatment

You may notice that your skin is red and swollen for up to three days. During this time, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, and if necessary, use 1% hydrocortisone cream.

Can microneedling spread bacteria?

If microneedling is completed over an active bacterial infection, it is possible that the bacteria could be spread to other areas of the treated area. The needles used during the treatment can cause open punctures will can allow bacteria to enter the skin. This in turn can lead to an acne flareup.

Can you mess up microneedling?

The Common Microneedling Mistakes To Avoid Are:

Using Low Quality Derma Rollers. Applying a serum containing high amounts of fragrance after. Microneedling too often.

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 is the inflammatory response of microneedling?

At the wound edge, when re-epithelialization is arrested, microneedling of periwound skin may serve to induce a mild inflammatory response which may stimulate epithelial migration to occur. In addition, as previously mentioned the microneedling may help to restore the TEPs and electrotaxis of epithelial skin cells.

Why does my face look worse after microneedling?

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.

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.

Can microneedling cause sepsis?

Microneedling creates tiny holes in the skin, which could let germs enter. But the risk of infection is very low. If you're healthy, an infection from Microneedling is unlikely.

How to fix microneedling damage on face?

5 AFTERCARE PRACTICES THAT CAN ENHANCE THE RESULTS OF YOUR MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT
  1. Avoid Skin Care Products Containing Strong Active Ingredients After the Treatment. ...
  2. Use A Mild Cleanser Or Moisturizer. ...
  3. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure. ...
  4. Keep The Treated Area Clean To Avoid Infection.

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.

Can scars look worse after microneedling?

Scars that have developed into hypertrophic scars or keloids require other forms of treatment. Microneedling could worsen these scars or cause more keloid scarring to form because it stimulates the healing process.

Why is some microneedling more expensive?

You guessed it: larger body areas (or multiple areas, like the face plus neck) take more time to treat, which costs more. Complementary treatments or topicals can amplify the benefits of microneedling.

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.

Why am I not seeing results from microneedling?

As soon as the deepest layers of your skin are penetrated by the needles, “micro-wounds” are created. 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.

What happens if you go too deep microneedling?

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.

What are the drag marks from microneedling?

Common potential side effects of this procedure are minimal, which include the following: Grid marks that look like waffles have been imprinted in your skin may be seen. This signifies an allergic reaction as to where the microneedling device went in through your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

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 do you know if microneedling is infected?

Severe pain that is unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers. Any cold sores, pus bumps, or signs of infection on the face. Bothersome itching or significant swelling of the treated areas.

Can you 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.

Previous article
What is a good looking eye?
Next article
Does tensing your stomach make it flat?