What happens when you microneedle too deep?

Author: Lamar Lemke  |  Last update: Thursday, December 11, 2025

When it comes to microneedling, going too deep can potentially cause damage to the skin. If the needles penetrate beyond the recommended depth into the dermis or subcutaneous layer, it may lead to side effects like bleeding, bruising, or even scarring in severe cases.

What happens if microneedling is 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.

How deep is too deep 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.

What happens if you microneedle too hard?

But yeah, there are a few things you need to take into account otherwise... yes, you will have ``regrets.'' If you go too deep or do sessions too often, it can lead to scarring or even enlarge your pores, doing the opposite of what you're looking for. Also, the quality of the pen plays a huge role.

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.

How microneedling works

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 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.

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 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.

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.

How long does deep microneedling take to heal?

Because it will take about two weeks for your skin to fully recover and your results to become noticeable, it's generally a good idea to schedule this treatment at least two weeks before any important life events. Other than that, you can have this treatment throughout the year to manage the appearance of your skin.

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.

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.

Is 2.5 mm too deep for microneedling?

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 are the side effects of deep microneedling?

What are the side effects of 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.

Can you look worse after microneedling?

The quick answer is NO. But, there is no definitive answer to this question as the results of microneedling can vary from person to person. However, some people report that their skin looks worse, red, or sensitive after a microneedling treatment, particularly if they have any adverse reactions to the treatment.

Can microneedling go too deep?

Risks of Microneedling

Improper Technique: Applying excessive pressure or using incorrect needle depth can lead to skin trauma, scarring, and permanent damage.

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 microneedling hit a nerve?

Devices that offer deeper microneedling settings (1.5 mm-3.0 mm) must be used with caution, particularly in patients with thin skin, as deeper needles (> 3mm) can cause sensory nerve damage. Areas that offer the most underlying fat and a thick dermis are considered more safe zones.

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.

How to remove dead skin after microneedling?

You shouldn't wash your skin at all during the first 72 hours. After that, gently exfoliate the skin after 3 – 5 days to remove the flaky dead skin that commonly forms after treatments. Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, and make sure your hand motions are as gentle as possible.

What are the bad experiences of microneedling?

Risks that May Occur From Microneedling

As mentioned earlier, microneedling side effects can cause swelling, redness, and skin flaking in the short term. However, people undergoing the treatment risk experiencing more severe side effects such as bleeding, bruising, peeling, and sometimes skin infections.

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.

Can an RN do microneedling?

Experience with Medical Procedures

Many nurses have extensive experience performing medical procedures, from administering injections to managing wound care. This background equips them with the skills needed to execute microneedling with confidence and competence.

What is deeper than microneedling?

Fraxel is a fractionated laser treatment that also works by creating micro-injuries in your skin, but it penetrates more deeply than microneedling. This deeper penetration helps to break down damaged skin cells and stimulate the production of new, healthy cells.

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