Microneedling Cost and Procedure Guide

While aging is inevitable, not everyone is ready to undergo plastic surgery to achieve a more youthful appearance. Fortunately, less invasive options are available for those seeking to rejuvenate their skin and reduce the visible signs of aging.

Non-invasive and minimally invasive skin care procedures offer a pathway for people to look their best for as long as possible. Microneedling, a form of collagen induction therapy, is one such method that can help people achieve their goals without the pain, cost and recovery time of invasive approaches.¹

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling utilizes very fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. That sounds more alarming than it is; these very tiny pinpricks initiate a wound-healing process, which brings the added benefit of increasing your body’s natural collagen and elastin production. This supports elasticity and skin firmness, essential factors in youthful-looking skin. Microneedling can be used on any part of the body but is most commonly used on the face, neck and décolletage.¹

Benefits

Microneedling promotes the formation of new blood vessels, which are correlated with enhanced blood supply and overall more vibrant-looking skin. This is thought to make scars and other skin lesions heal more quickly.¹

Additionally, microneedling is sometimes used to improve the delivery of other skin-improving cosmetic ingredients, including ascorbic acid, retinoids, melanin, proteins and peptides. It’s also been shown to be effective in combination with other treatments for conditions like alopecia (hair loss) and vitiligo (loss of melanin).²

Types

Microneedling is performed using one of three main types of microneedling devices:

• Manual rollers. Manual rollers (such as Dermaroller^®) are handheld devices equipped with a roller covered in fine needles made from silicon or stainless steel that can be used at home as well as in a practitioner’s office. These are typically used for acne scars, burn scars, pigmentary disorders and general skin rejuvenation. However, they can also treat stretch marks and hair loss. These may not have enough depth, however, to achieve optimal effects.²
• Automated pen devices. Automated pen devices (such as Dermapen^®) add a motorized mechanism — typically battery-operated — to the roller that can increase the speed and depth of the needles. The motor enables better precision and skin remodeling of scar tissue as well as more gentle efficacy around the delicate areas of the eyes, lips and nose.²
• Radiofrequency. This variation combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy and thicker needles to deliver heat into the deeper layers of the skin. This technique adds the stimulating effect of thermal injury along with the micro-injuries that come with the small wounds of the needles themselves, which may improve the skin tightening effect.¹
• Combination treatments. Microneedling can also be combined with other treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or topical serums.¹

How Much Is Microneedling?

The national average cost* of a microneedling treatment is $954 but can range from $737 to $1,880 depending on multiple factors.³

Since microneedling has the potential to reach nerves, blood vessels and other living tissue, the rules around who can perform it vary from state to state. Some states require a licensed professional (such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon), while others may allow aestheticians to do so. Any practitioner of microneedling requires a certification in the procedure itself.⁴

Average microneedling cost by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of microneedling for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:³

Does Insurance Cover Microneedling?

Most healthcare insurance is unlikely to cover microneedling since it is cosmetic and not a medically necessary treatment that aims to restore a person’s body to proper functioning, treat a disease or correct a problem. However, some insurance companies may allow you to pay for it with a Health Savings Account (HSA).⁵

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for microneedling include anyone seeking to reduce the size and/or appearance of:¹

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Large pores²
• Scars (such as acne and some burn scars)
• Stretch marks

However, you should not get microneedling if you are or have any of the following:⁶

• Active skin cancer in the treatment area
• Bleeding or clotting disorder
• Open wounds, sores or irritated skin in the treatment area
• Pregnant or nursing
• Stainless steel or anesthetics allergy
• Taking isotretinoin

What to Expect From the Microneedling Process

The microneedling process is not complicated, but you do need to make sure you follow the steps laid out for you by your practitioner.

Preparation

Preparing for your microneedling procedure may begin months or weeks before you actually receive your first treatment. You’ll have an initial consultation where your practitioner will take your general health history and assess your skin care needs. They may recommend a skin care regimen of products to use or avoid.⁷

Treatment

On the day of your treatment, you’ll most likely be given a topical anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. Whichever device your practitioner uses will be moved around the specified area of your skin to administer small, controlled pricks. The treatment will take around 30 minutes.¹

Recovery

Your skin will likely be sensitive, red and even swollen after your treatment.⁸ Your practitioner may apply a soothing lotion or gel to the treatment area of your skin.¹ It's a good idea to keep your hands off your face and to follow your skin care professional's protocol for your skin, which will probably include avoiding anything harsh or irritating to the skin, such as scrubs or acids.⁸

After 24 hours you can wash and apply makeup, but since it often leaves skin flaky or irritated at first, cream-based products will apply best.⁹

How Often Should You Get Microneedling?

Microneedling is a relatively gentle procedure that can be repeated every four to six weeks as needed. However, your specific goals will shape the frequency. For example, if you’re seeking to smooth acne or other scars or more significant signs of aging, a practitioner may recommend treatments every month. When those initial goals are met, then your practitioner may space the treatments out to every six to eight weeks.¹⁰

Possible Side Effects: Is It Safe?

Microneedling is minimally invasive and safe overall, but because it does create micro-injuries in the skin, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms after:²

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Itching
• Peeling
• Rashes
• Redness
• Skin irritation

In more extreme, but rare, cases, it is also possible to experience one of the following side effects:²

• Abnormal scarring
• Allergic granulomas
• Dermatitis
• Hyperpigmentation
• Skin infections

It’s important to adopt the proper skin care products and avoid those with irritants, such as retinol, glycolic acid or alcohol, per your practitioner’s recommendation.²

Financing Microneedling With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting microneedling or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Jordan Rosenfeld has been freelance writing for 21 years about finances, health, education and more. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Billfold, Good Magazine, GOBanking Rates, Daily Worth, Quartz, Medical Economics, The New York Times, PayPal, The Washington Post and more.