Microneedling results: how many sessions, when you see a change, and what studies found

Microneedling works slowly. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says results appear gradually as your body makes collagen: you may see improvement within a few weeks, and full results usually take several months.¹

Here is what the dermatologists' societies say about sessions and timing, and what two pooled analyses of studies found. Whether to have it is for you and a clinician.

What it can change

The AAD says dermatologists use microneedling mostly for acne scars and for scars from injury or surgery. When it is done properly, the body heals the tiny holes with the right amount of collagen, which can mean less noticeable scars and wrinkles and a more even skin tone and texture.¹ The dermatologic surgeons' society (ASDS) says overall skin texture improves over time as the skin forms new collagen and elastin, and fine lines and textural irregularities can decrease.²

How many sessions, how far apart

The two societies give different plans. The AAD says that for acne scars you may need 3 to 5 treatments, every 2 to 4 weeks.¹ The ASDS says typically a series of monthly treatments, at least three, for optimal results.²

The AAD adds that studies have found this plan can fade acne scars by 50% to 70%.¹ The pooled analyses below are more cautious. Because the FDA notes you may need more than one procedure to get the improvement you want, ask your provider how many they would plan for you, and why.³

When you see it, and how long it lasts

After 24 hours you can use makeup and sunscreen, the ASDS says, and downtime usually runs two to seven days.² Here is the timeline the two societies describe, in order.

The AAD says results fade as your body loses collagen, and that people lose it at different rates. Some dermatologists suggest a maintenance session once a year.¹

What the pooled studies found

A 2022 meta-analysis pooled 12 randomized trials with 414 participants. It compared microneedling with other treatments for acne scars. Microneedling without radiofrequency showed a statistically significant difference in objective scar improvement against the comparison treatments. Fractional radiofrequency microneedling did not. For patient satisfaction, most comparisons showed no significant difference. It reported no secondary scarring or infection.⁴

A 2025 review of 21 articles on 723 patients looked at facial rejuvenation. Wrinkling was the most common thing measured. Pooled across studies, 83% of patients reported satisfaction. The most common side effects were transient redness (6.8%), scaling (1.7%), burning (1.5%) and itching (0.4%). Treatment schedules varied a lot between studies.⁵

At home and in a spa

The AAD says products sold for at-home use, and microneedling done in a non-medical spa, aren't meant to puncture the skin, and give less noticeable results than those from a dermatologist.¹

For radiofrequency microneedling, see our Morpheus8 page. The AAD says some small studies suggest radiofrequency microneedling can give results like a laser with less downtime, and that more research is needed in people with darker skin tones.¹

Here is what to bring to a consultation.

Cost

We don't give prices on this page. See our microneedling cost guide for how clinics quote.

Common questions

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