When were microneedles invented?

Author: Prof. Tremaine Beatty  |  Last update: Saturday, August 2, 2025

The concept of microneedles was first derived from the use of large hypodermic needles in the 1970s, but it only became prominent in the 1990s as microfabrication manufacturing technology developed.

When did micro needling start?

Microneedling as we know it today was first used in 1995 by Dr. Desmond Fernandes in Philadelphia, to treat wrinkles and scars with hypodermic needles. Around the same time, Dr. Fernandes developed a small needle stamp to induce collagen production.

What is the history of microneedles?

Microneedles were first conceptualized for drug delivery many decades ago, but only became the subject of significant research starting in the mid-1990's when microfabrication technology enabled their manufacture as (i) solid microneedles for skin pretreatment to increase skin permeability, (ii) microneedles coated ...

What are the disadvantages of microneedles?

Disadvantages of microneedles [12]: Limited drug dose loaded, due to the small size of microneedles. Temporary inflammation and allergy may occur. Sophisticated technologies needed for manufacturing with reproducibility.

Are microneedles invasive?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure for your skin. Your healthcare provider uses thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin. The damage helps stimulate your skin's healing process, so it produces more collagen and elastin. These proteins keep your skin firm and smooth.

Carl Schoellhammer, Inventor of the Microneedle Pill

What can 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.

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.

Do microneedles actually work?

Patients can see improvement in mild wrinkles, acne scars, and mild skin tightening when paired with radiofrequency." Dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, who performed my procedure, told me the biggest benefit of microneedling is its ability to radically enhance the texture of your skin.

Are hollow microneedles any good?

Compared to the solid microneedle, the hollow microneedle can handle a large dose/amount of drug solution [68]. A hollow microneedle also has the ability to deliver the drug into the viable epidermis or dermis which is suitable for high molecular weight compounds [69].

Do microneedles dissolve?

After penetrating the stratum corneum, the polymer forming the needle architecture dissolves and releases the entrapped drug, Fig. 1 (e). The application of dissolving microneedles involves a one-step approach since the microneedle is not removed following application.

Is microneedling backed by science?

The science behind microneedling lies in its ability to stimulate collagen production in the skin's dermal layer. Research suggests this stimulation can help improve the overall texture and tone of the skin, resulting in a more youthful look.

Are microneedles painful?

In conclusion, while microneedling may cause some level of discomfort, the pain is generally manageable and temporary. The benefits of this skin rejuvenation technique far outweigh any potential discomfort, as the procedure can improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin significantly.

What is the difference between microneedling and Micropenning?

With multiple treatments (3-6 generally recommended), performed about a month apart, a very effective skin repair cycle will form - so that your skin will look its best and feels its healthiest. Micro-needling is a deeper form of micropenning, that helps to address deeper scarring in the skin.

Did Kim Kardashian do microneedling?

WHAT HAPPENED WITH KIM'S TREATMENT? A standard part of any microneedling procedure includes numbing the target area with a topical cream. Because Kim was pregnant at the time of her treatment, she decided not to use the numbing cream, which is why she experienced pain.

What are the long term side 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.

At what age is microneedling most effective?

Generally, individuals in their late 20s to early 30s stand to gain significantly from microneedling. During this period, the skin's natural ability to produce collagen is still robust, making the treatment especially effective.

How can you tell the difference between real and fake microneedles?

One of the biggest dangers of fake microneedling devices is that they can cause permanent damage to your skin. Genuine microneedling devices are designed to penetrate the skin at a controlled depth, which helps the skin to heal and produce collagen.

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 do microneedles last?

Sometimes, microneedling results are permanent. However, they don't always last a lifetime. Sometimes, the results only last for four to six months. We can give you a better idea of how long you can expect your final results to last once we have discussed your cosmetic concerns thoroughly and evaluated them.

What is the downside 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.

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.

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.

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.

How often should I get microneedling?

Generally, a cycle of skin cell regeneration takes about 28 days. It's during this period that collagen production takes place and new skin cells are formed. Given this, a typical treatment regimen involves getting a session every 4–6 weeks.

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