Does Microneedling Work—And Is It Safe?

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Research 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 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 suggested that radiofrequency microneedling is an effective treatment for acne scarring. 

Platelet-rich plasma microneedling 

Platelet-rich plasma 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.”

 Some research 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.”  

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But results can vary, says Suozzi, and the evidence for this type of microneedling’s effectiveness is mixed. 

A 2024 study 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 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 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. 

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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 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 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, 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.

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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, 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.