--- title: Does Microneedling Work—And Is It Safe? description: Here’s what to know about the different types of microneedling, the benefits, and potential side effects. canonical: https://time.com/article/2026/03/26/does-microneedling-work-is-it-safe/ author: Erica Sweeney article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2026-04-09T15:18:42.035Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-13T06:52:17.692Z article:section: Health og:title: Does Microneedling Work—And Is It Safe? og:description: Here’s what to know about the different types, benefits, and potential side effects. og:url: https://time.com/article/2026/03/26/does-microneedling-work-is-it-safe/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf9ad831d8ce3f731/69d6b5a611788e4174ccc237/Microneedling.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: Microneedling.jpg og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Does Microneedling Work—And Is It Safe? twitter:description: Here’s what to know about the different types, benefits, and potential side effects. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf9ad831d8ce3f731/69d6b5a611788e4174ccc237/Microneedling.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Does Microneedling Work—And Is It Safe? by [Erica Sweeney](https://time.com/author/erica-sweeney/) ## Erica Sweeney Sweeney is a contributor for TIME. Apr 9, 2026 3:18 PM UTC  Photo-Illustration by TIME (Source Image: Nastasic/Getty Images) by [Erica Sweeney](https://time.com/author/erica-sweeney/) ## Erica Sweeney Sweeney is a contributor for TIME. Apr 9, 2026 3:18 PM UTC Microneedling is a popular cosmetic procedure that promises to trigger your body’s natural repair system to boost [collagen production](https://time.com/5034102/collagen-supplement-powder-benefits/). But does it work? Here’s what to know about the different types of microneedling, the benefits, and potential side effects. ## What is microneedling? The procedure involves fine needles puncturing the skin and creating “controlled micro-injuries,” says Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, an associate professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. This stimulates natural wound healing, a process known as dermal remodeling. These micro-injuries trigger the body to produce new collagen, which strengthens and firms the skin, and to release growth factors, or proteins that play a key role in skin repair and revitalization, adds Dr. Krishna Vyas, a plastic surgeon at Breast Surgery Group in New York City. “It has a lot of therapeutic benefits.” ## The benefits of different types of microneedling Microneedling offers a [number of skin benefits](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11499218/), experts agree, from treating acne scars to addressing discoloration to improving your skin’s overall appearance. Traditional microneedling uses handheld rollers or pens with tiny needles to create micro-injuries that ignite the skin’s natural healing process, says Dr. Rishi Chopra, a dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. The process activates fibroblasts, or the skin cells responsible for collagen and elastin production, skin structure, and wound healing. It’s a “regenerative and restorative treatment,” he says, that activates “your body’s own biological healing mechanisms to gradually build healthier, more resilient skin from within.” **Read More**: [_Why Are People Obsessed With Hypochlorous Acid?_](https://time.com/7358447/what-is-hypochlorous-acid/) [Research](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11499218/) shows that microneedling can improve skin texture, pigmentation, pore appearance, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other types of scars, says Dr. Kseniya Kobets, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, New York. While traditional microneedling has the most established benefits, there are a few other types: ### Radiofrequency microneedling This combines needles and heat energy to penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing skin remodeling, collagen production, and skin tightening, Vyas says. A small, company-funded [study](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-02545-3) published in 2025 in _Scientific Reports_ found that four radiofrequency microneedling treatments improved wrinkles and skin hydration, elasticity, and skin water loss in women over 60\. The research concluded that microneedling with radiofrequency offered more improvements for aging skin than traditional microneedling. A 2025 [research review](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387718338%5FFractional%5FRadiofrequency%5FMicroneedling%5Fas%5Fa%5FMonotherapy%5Fin%5FAcne%5FScar%5FManagement%5FA%5FSystematic%5FReview%5Fof%5FCurrent%5FEvidence) suggested that radiofrequency microneedling is an effective treatment for acne scarring. ### Platelet-rich plasma microneedling [Platelet-rich plasma](https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/platelet-rich-plasma-secret-to-younger-skin) involves drawing blood, separating out the platelets, and applying it topically to your face during and after microneedling. This is often referred to as a “[vampire facial](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-a-vampire-facial-make-you-look-younger).” Some [research](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11035968/) shows it can help reduce wrinkles, plump the skin, and improve complexion. Chopra says growth factors that support healing and tissue repair are concentrated in platelet-rich plasma, and pairing it with microneedling may enhance the skin’s “regenerative response.” **Read More**: [_Do Compression Socks Actually Work?_](https://time.com/7358172/do-compression-socks-work/) But results can vary, says Suozzi, and the evidence for this type of microneedling’s effectiveness is mixed. A 2024 [study](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743327/#jocd16651-sec-0023) published in the _Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology_ found that using platelet-rich plasma alone or with microneedling offered “varying degrees of clinical improvement,” but using it with radiofrequency showed more improvement in treating neck wrinkles and skin laxity. ### Microneedling with serums Microneedling creates “microchannels” in the skin that allow topical serums, such as vitamin C or tranexamic acid, to better penetrate, Suozzi says. The specific benefits depend on the exact serum being used, Chopra says. “For example, growth factors and [peptides](https://time.com/7380810/anti-aging-peptide-shots-social-media/) support repair and collagen production, tranexamic acid helps improve pigmentation, hyaluronic acid enhances hydration, and antioxidants brighten and protect.” However, there’s limited high-quality data on the effectiveness of microneedling with serums, Suozzi says. ### At-home devices [Dermarollers](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7588378/) and other at-home microneedling devices are also available. But Suozzi says they offer limited benefits and carry risks of infection and skin damage if used improperly. These devices generally don’t penetrate the skin deeply enough to stimulate collagen but can cause tearing, bruising, scarring, and irritation, Chopra adds. **Read More**: [_Should You Take a Vitamin D Supplement?_](https://time.com/7288858/should-i-take-vitamin-d-supplement/) There are also concerns about sterility and consistency, Kobets says. “In-office devices are more precise, safer, and provide more reliable results.” ## Is microneedling safe? “In general, microneedling is very safe when performed by a trained provider,” Kobets says. The American Academy of Dermatology [recommends](https://www.aad.org/news/statement-on-fda-rf-microneedling-risks) that people see a board-certified dermatologist for cosmetic treatments. Radiofrequency microneedling is more “advanced and operator-dependent” because it uses heat and penetrates deeper into the skin, Chopra says. When it’s not done properly, it could cause burns, hyperpigmentation, or loss of fat under the skin, Kobets adds. In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a [safety communication](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/potential-risks-certain-uses-radiofrequency-rf-microneedling-fda-safety-communication) regarding reports of complications from radiofrequency microneedling devices, including burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, nerve damage, and the need for surgery or other medical intervention to treat injuries. With any microneedling, Kobets says, “the most important factor is who is performing the procedure.” Suozzi suggests seeking treatment from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Kobets adds that you should check that your procedure involves “sterile, single-use needle tips and customized treatment depth and settings based on the area and skin type.” Also, check that providers use [FDA-cleared devices](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/microneedling-devices), Chopra says. “Microneedling is simple in concept, but not in execution,” he adds. “The outcome is highly dependent on the judgment and technique of the person performing it.” ## Are there side effects? Microneedling generally comes with little downtime. A few days of redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn, is the most common side effect, Kobets says. Chopra recommends wearing sunscreen post-procedure to protect your skin. **Read More**: [_Do At-Home Red-Light Masks Really Work?_](https://time.com/7071807/do-at-home-red-light-masks-really-work/) Less-common side effects include temporary hyperpigmentation, especially after radiofrequency microneedling or in people with darker skin, Kobets says. Breakouts or irritation are also possible. In rare instances, Suozzi says microneedling may cause scarring, acne flares, infections, or [granulomas](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24597-granuloma), which are hard lumps that form in the skin in response to inflammation. ## Should you try microneedling? Microneedling is suitable for all skin types, Suozzi says. It’s beneficial for acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven texture, and early signs of aging, Chopra adds. “It’s a good long-term therapeutic benefit for skin longevity,” Vyas says. But it’s not a one-and-done treatment, he adds. You likely won’t notice a difference after the first couple of treatments—it takes time to improve collagen production. Vyas says some people may need microneedling a few times a year to see improvements, while others do it annually for skin maintenance. Kobets recommends spacing treatments at least one month apart. Avoid microneedling if you have active acne, skin infections, rashes, or open wounds, Kobets says. Check with your doctor first if you have a history of keloids, autoimmune conditions, or are immunosuppressed. Overall, microneedling is a “versatile, evidence-based treatment,” Chopra says. “The best aesthetic treatments don’t create a different face. 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