Medical Encyclopaedia › Microneedling (short definition)
In brief: In microneedling, the skin is punctured in a controlled way with many very fine needles. The tiny injuries are intended to stimulate wound healing and promote the formation of new collagen (collagen induction). The treatment has been studied best for depressed acne scars; for other applications, the evidence is weaker.
How does microneedling work?
The needles create microchannels in the epidermis and upper dermis, while the skin surface between the punctures remains largely intact. As a result, the skin usually heals quickly. The small injuries release growth factors and stimulate remodelling of the connective tissue over weeks to months. Needle rollers (dermarollers) or motorised pens with adjustable puncture depth are used. A further development is radiofrequency microneedling, in which heat is additionally delivered into the tissue via the needles. Microneedling is sometimes combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or active-ingredient serums; the additional benefit is supported to varying degrees depending on the combination.
What is it used for?
- Acne scars: above all depressed, rolling scars; here studies show the most consistent, though usually moderate, improvements. Deep, sharply defined ice-pick scars respond less well.
- Skin ageing: fine lines, skin texture and enlarged pores; the effects are usually subtle.
- Stretch marks and other scars: some improvements, but the studies are small and inconsistent.
- Pigmentation disorders such as melasma: only in selected cases and with caution, because the irritation itself can trigger pigment spots.
- Hair loss: studied as an adjunct to established therapies; not sufficiently proven as sole treatment.
Procedure
Before treatment, skin findings, skin type, pre-existing conditions, medicines and previous treatments are discussed. After thorough cleansing and disinfection, an anaesthetic cream is usually applied. The treatment itself takes about 20 to 60 minutes depending on the area. Several sessions a few weeks apart are generally needed for visible effects. Sterile single-use needles and sterile products suitable for use on the skin are important, because foreign substances and germs can also enter the skin via the microchannels.
After the treatment
Redness and a feeling of tightness or warmth similar to sunburn are usual for the first one to three days, as are pinpoint bleeding and slight swelling. The skin may then flake for a few days. Consistent sun protection is particularly important in the following weeks. Make-up, saunas, swimming pools and irritating active ingredients such as acid peels or retinoids should be avoided for a short time; the exact recommendations depend on the penetration depth.
Risks and limits
- persistent redness, irritation or flare-up of acne
- infections, flare-up of cold sores when treating around the mouth
- dark pigment spots after inflammation, especially with darker skin or without sun protection
- marks or scars with too deep or improper use
- allergic or nodular inflammatory reactions (granulomas) if unsuitable serums are introduced into the skin
Treatment should not be carried out with active acne with many inflamed lesions, infections, eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area, a strong tendency to keloids, or during pregnancy. Microneedling does not replace surgery for pronounced skin laxity. Home rollers with short needles have a much weaker effect; deeper treatments belong in expert hands.
Costs and important to know
Microneedling for aesthetic purposes is paid for privately. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies microneedling devices that penetrate deeper into the skin and claim an effect on the tissue as medical devices. Before a course of treatment, a specialist assessment, realistic expectations of a usually gradual, limited result and questions about hygiene, the device and the products used are advisable. Depending on the findings, alternatives are chemical peels, laser treatments or, for scars, targeted procedures such as subcision.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Collagen, Acne scar treatment, Radiofrequency microneedling, PRP treatment, Stretch marks, Hyperpigmentation, Melasma, Chemical peel, Skin ageing
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Regulatory Considerations for Microneedling Products – Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff (2020)
- Alster TS, Graham PM: Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide. Dermatol Surg 2018
- Ramaut L et al.: Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018
- Soltani-Arabshahi R et al.: Facial allergic granulomatous reaction and systemic hypersensitivity associated with microneedle therapy for skin rejuvenation. JAMA Dermatol 2014
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, dentist or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.