Microneedling: what to ask before you book

Microneedling uses a device with very fine needles to make small marks in the top layers of the skin. People ask about it for skin texture and appearance. We cannot say what it may do for your skin, and results differ from person to person. A licensed professional must assess you first.

Because it breaks the skin, hygiene and who does it matter a great deal. This page gives you the questions.

What is the decision rule?

If the needles go into the skin, ask who is licensed, what is single use, and what you do if something goes wrong. If any of those answers is unclear, do not book.

What are the different kinds?

You may hear about a few types, and they are not the same:

• Short rollers or pens sold for home: often shorter needles. Ask a licensed professional before using any at home.
• Clinic devices: longer needles used by trained staff, sometimes with numbing cream.
• Combined treatments: microneedling with a serum or other product applied during or after. Ask exactly what is applied, what it contains and where it came from.

Treatments in a clinic may differ a lot from a home tool. Do not assume one is equal to the other.

Questions to ask your clinic

Questions to ask your clinic

1. Who will carry out the treatment, and are they licensed for it?
2. What device is used, and are the needle tips single use?
3. How is the room and the skin prepared, and how is hygiene managed?
4. What numbing cream, if any, is used, and how long does it stay on?
5. What product is put on my skin, and what is in it?
6. Who might this treatment not suit, based on my health and skin?
7. What are the risks and side effects, in general terms?
8. What aftercare do I need, and what should I avoid?
9. How many sessions are suggested, and why?
10. Who do I call if I have a problem, and how fast will they reply?

Ruling: questions 2 and 3 are non-negotiable. A clinic that cannot show clean, single-use tips is not one to book.

Who might need to wait or skip it?

General information only: practitioners often take care or advise against treatment where skin is broken, irritated or infected, in some skin conditions, during some medicines, and in pregnancy. This list is not complete and is not advice for you. Tell the practitioner about everything and ask whether you are suitable. Check a mole or unusual mark with a doctor first. See should I get a mole checked.

What to expect

• Before: a consultation, a health check, a written plan, and a consent form. Ask for a patch test of any product used.
• At the visit: the skin is cleaned, a numbing cream may be used, and the device is passed over the area. Skin is typically red afterwards.
• After: typically some redness and dryness for a time. Ask your clinic how long, what to avoid (sun, make-up, other treatments) and which signs mean you should call.

Fever, spreading redness, pus, severe pain or swelling need prompt medical care.

Red flags

• The tips are not new or sealed in front of you
• No health questions are asked
• No written consent
• Results are promised
• A "starter pack" of many sessions is pushed at the first visit
• Aftercare is not explained

How does this compare with other skin treatments?

Peels work on the surface in a different way. Our page on questions to ask before a chemical peel lists what to ask for those. The skin treatment consultation checklist works for any of them.

Common mistakes

• Using a home roller with needles that are too long
• Putting products on freshly needled skin without advice
• Going in the sun straight after
• Booking several sessions before you see how your skin reacts