What depth of microneedling is best?

Author: Dr. Delmer Tromp  |  Last update: Friday, August 15, 2025

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.

What is the most effective depth for microneedling?

In his “Commentary on: Micro-Needling Depth Penetration…” , Des Fernandez, MD found that “1.0 to 1.5 [mm] is a very effective depth to achieve good results” and that “overtreatment and excoriation of the epidermis becomes a real danger when trying to do skin needling at 2.0 mm or more with these vertical mechanical ...

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.

Is 12 pin or 36 pin microneedling better for the face?

We recommend the 12 pin and 16 pin (16 pin cartridges only available with the M8 device) for face. The 36 pin is recommended for the body (For stretch marks, for example). Which body parts can you microneedle? You can use the Dr Pen microneedle on your whole body.

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.

Is MICRONEEDLING Worth the Hype? Doctorly Explains

What happens if you microneedle too deep?

Improper Technique: Applying excessive pressure or using incorrect needle depth can lead to skin trauma, scarring, and permanent damage. Infection Risks: Poor hygiene practices, unsterile equipment, or microneedling over active lesions increase the chances of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

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.

What is stronger than microneedling?

Laser treatments can often provide quicker, more dramatic and long lasting results than microneedling treatments. Because lasers deliver heat to the skin we see more side effects (such as temporary darkening or bruising) and longer downtime due to post-treatment swelling and redness.

What size microneedle do professionals use?

For treating acne and other scars as a routine, a needle length of 1.5–2 mm is usually used. 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.

Can I microneedle my armpits?

This treatment can be used for acne scarring, aging skin, hyperpigmentation, skin tightening. This can be used on the face, neck, décolletage and now the underarm area. Radiofrequency micro needling is also used to destroy sweat glands that contribute to excessive sweating.

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.

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.

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 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 can estheticians do microneedling?

In California, aestheticians cannot penetrate the skin and should not perform microneedling. This can also be done at home, but products available likely do not go as deep into the skin's surface as those done by a professional.

What do you put on your face after microneedling?

What to Put On Your Skin After Microneedling
  1. Avoid harsh scrubs or products.
  2. Only clean your skin with a professionally formulated cleanser.
  3. Apply targeted skincare serums that will penetrate deeply into your skin.
  4. Keep your skin well-hydrated with a gentle moisturizer.
  5. Apply medical-grade sun protection.

What are the long term 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.

What serum to use after microneedling?

For the best results, we'd recommend applying your hyaluronic acid serum immediately after microneedling in the evening, and then again the following morning.

Which at home microneedling is best?

  • Best Overall: Beauty Bio Glopro At Home Microneedling Tool.
  • Best for Beginners: Stacked Skincare Microneedling Tool.
  • Best for Hair Growth: Act & Acre . 25mm Scalp Dermaroller.
  • Best for Dry Skin: Skin Gym Hyaluronic Roller.

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.

Is there anything better than microneedling?

Both microneedling and chemical peels can help to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, however, for deeper wrinkles, Dr. Green may recommend adding Botox or dermal fillers to your treatment plan.

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.

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.

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 do microneedling under eyes?

Overall, microneedling under eyes is a safe and effective treatment for addressing various skin concerns and can help improve the overall appearance of the eye area.

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