What's the deepest you can go with microneedling?

Author: Prof. Maci Sporer PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, April 10, 2025

At-home microneedling devices also only superficially affect the skin—they penetrate just its outer layer (the stratum corneum or epidermis), reaching 0.25 mm deep. Professional devices can go deeper (2 mm to 3 mm deep), reaching not only the epidermis but also the dermis, a deeper layer of skin.

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.

Can you go too deep with microneedling?

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 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 is the deepest microneedling length?

For clinics, microneedling treatments can range from 0.10mm-3mm. Clinical treatments can be expensive, so we only recommend them for specialised skin problems such as severely deep acne scarring on the face.

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

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.

Is microneedling deeper than a tattoo?

Unlike a tattoo artist, your esthetician or dermatologist will use a microneedling pen or device to slightly penetrate the top layer of your skin. It will cause your skin to react by swelling slightly. The micro-fine needles also cause your skin to produce collagen and elastin.

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.

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 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 many passes with microneedling on face?

Perform every 3-6 weeks, 6 to 8 passes depending on the number of needles.

Why am I not seeing results with microneedling?

This treatment is all about 'repair' and stimulating collagen. This takes time and occurs deep within the skin, so the effects of Microneedling may not be seen immediately. RF Microneedling causes small wounds (pinpricks) in your skin which stimulates the skin's repair mode.

How bad will I look after microneedling?

Microneedling is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home once it's done. Your skin might be red and swollen for up to five days. An ice pack can help reduce irritation and discomfort. Most people can wear makeup the day after the procedure, but you should stay out of the sun until your skin heals.

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 is the depth of the Dr Pen microneedling?

Microneedling on the body:

Ensure only to use 36-42 pin cartridges for microneedling the body and take precaution not to use any active ingredients (such as acids or retinoids) after microneedling. Regarding needle depth, we recommend using 0.5mm for legs and up to 1.5mm for fattier areas of the body.

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.

How to increase the effectiveness of microneedling?

Following a consistent skincare regimen can help to maintain the results of microneedling. A skincare regimen that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing regularly can help to improve the texture and tone of the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How long does it take to see full results from microneedling?

However, the most dramatic results will not be visible until four to six weeks after treatment. It takes roughly this long for your body to create new, strong, healthy collagen. During your initial consultation, we will advise you of when you can expect to see results based on the results you are trying to achieve.

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 deep can an esthetician go with microneedling?

Microneedling Regulations for Estheticians in California

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology explicitly restricts estheticians from performing treatments that involve breaking the skin or penetrating below the outermost layer.

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.

How deep do professional microneedles go?

At-home microneedling devices also only superficially affect the skin—they penetrate just its outer layer (the stratum corneum or epidermis), reaching 0.25 mm deep. Professional devices can go deeper (2 mm to 3 mm deep), reaching not only the epidermis but also the dermis, a deeper layer of skin.

What is the deepest you can microneedling at home?

3 millimeters. "Never go over . 3 millimeters for the face," she stresses. If you can't talk to a medical professional, Mattioli suggests researching brands, reading reviews, and choosing the correct needle length.

What hurts more microneedling or laser?

Although a topical numbing agent is used for both microneedling and laser treatment, the majority of patients find the pain associated with microneedling to be much more tolerable.

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.

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