How Long Does Microneedling Take?

Microneedling is a popular procedure for renewing skin, getting rid of scars, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and targeting texture. But microneedling comes with a lot of questions, such as how long microneedling takes to work, how long skin needling takes to heal, and how long it takes until you see results from microneedling, among many others.

Whether you're planning professional treatments or wondering how often microneedling at home is suitable, this blog will tell you all you need to know about session lengths, healing time frames, how many microneedling treatments you'll need, and when to anticipate visible results.

Factors Affecting Microneedling Duration

If you've been wondering how long microneedling lasts during a session, several key factors can affect the length of your treatment:

Factor #1. Treatment Area

Treatments for smaller regions, such as the face, typically take less time than those for bigger areas, such as the scalp or torso.

Full face treatments are often faster; however, addressing the neck, chest, or scalp might lengthen session times.

Factor #2. Depth of Microneedling

Cosmetic microneedling (up to 0.5 mm), designed for enhancing product absorption and surface texture, takes less time than deeper medical microneedling (1.0–2.5 mm), which targets scars and wrinkles. Please note that microneedling with needle lengths above 1 mm should only be performed by trained professionals.

Factor #3. Professional vs. At-Home Microneedling

Professional treatments are typically longer since they require complete skin preparation, numbing, and post-procedure care. In contrast, home microneedling typically involves shorter treatments since at-home sessions imply lower-depth penetration.

Understanding these factors helps explain why session times and recovery windows vary so much from person to person, depending on their goals and chosen treatment type.

Duration of Professional Microneedling Sessions

Professional microneedling treatments typically take longer, usually between 30 and 60 minutes per session, depending on the size of the treatment area and the depth of the needles used.

When planning your treatment journey, it's important to factor in microneedling and how many sessions you might need, as deeper skin concerns usually require multiple appointments for the best results.

Here's a breakdown of the professional process:

Consultation: At your first session, expect an additional 10–15 minutes for consultation and skin evaluation. This step ensures that the treatment is tailored to your unique skin needs.
Preparation: A topical numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort, needing about 20 to 30 minutes to take full effect before the procedure begins.
Microneedling Procedure: Once the skin is numb, the actual microneedling process usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and condition of the area being treated.
Aftercare: Gentle cleansing and soothing serums are applied afterward, adding another 5 to 10 minutes to protect and calm the skin post-treatment.

Professional microneedling provides deeper, more regulated treatments, resulting in longer-lasting results, but it does come with a higher time commitment compared to at-home options.

If long-term skin rejuvenation is your goal, the investment of time, money, and care with professional sessions could be worth it.

How Long Does At-Home Microneedling Take

Microneedling at home is faster and easier than professional treatments. An at-home microneedling session typically lasts 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the area and level of skill. At-home treatments also allow you to do your treatment in the comfort of your own space, rather than going to a medical spa or clinic every session.

Here's a breakdown of the at-home process:

Preparation: Carefully cleanse your face and disinfect your microneedling device; this usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes. Clean tools and skin are essential for a safe treatment.
Optional Numbing (for needles longer than 0.5 mm): Apply a topical numbing cream if needed, allowing it 20 minutes to take full effect before starting. Be sure to thoroughly remove it before the procedure.
Technique: Gently roll or stamp your device across the skin, moving horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Light treatments usually take about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the area you're treating.
Aftercare: Apply soothing serums like hyaluronic acid or peptides immediately after treatment to promote hydration and healing; this typically takes only a few minutes.

How often can I microneedle with Dr. Pen is also a common question, especially since you can adjust a device to "at-home settings", which are designed for safer, more frequent use compared to professional treatments. Generally, sessions with shorter needle lengths (up to 0.5 mm) can be done every two weeks, while deeper treatments should be spaced four to six weeks apart.

How long it takes to heal from microneedling for at-home treatments depends on factors like needle depth and skin type. Still, recovery is usually much faster compared to deeper, professional treatments. Mild redness and sensitivity may last a day or two, but sticking to a gentle aftercare routine ensures faster recovery and better long-term results.

Patience and proper technique are crucial for getting the glowing skin you aim for at home.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

As we mentioned briefly, how many microneedling sessions are needed varies depending on individual skin conditions and goals. In general:

Mild Skin Rejuvenation: Needs 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Acne Scars or Deep Wrinkles: Needs 6 to 8 sessions spaced 6 weeks apart.
Hair Loss Treatments: Typically requires weekly to bi-weekly sessions over 3 to 6 months.

If you're wondering how often you should microneedle your face at home, lower-depth treatments can be performed more frequently, such as once in two weeks with a 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm needle length.

Visible improvements are usually noticeable after 4 to 6 weeks from the first session. However, how long it takes for microneedling results to show fully depends on the individual's collagen production cycle, which can take several months. Patience and consistency are highly important for maximizing results.

When thinking about how often I should microneedle my face for deeper treatments that require longer healing, properly spacing treatment sessions ensures that the skin fully recovers and builds collagen efficiently.

Get Started on Your Clear Skin Journey At-Home With Dr. Pen

Microneedling is a highly effective way to enhance your skin's health and appearance. While professional sessions usually take between 30 and 60 minutes and at-home treatments around 10 to 30 minutes, the advantage of at-home microneedling is that you can do it comfortably in your own space.

How long microneedling takes to heal depends on factors like skin type and needle depth, but consistency with treatments and aftercare is key for achieving lasting, noticeable results.

When you see results from microneedling at home, it depends on your skin's healing cycle, but most people notice improvements within a few weeks as collagen production gradually increases.

Ready to start your skin renewal journey at home? Explore our trusted microneedling devices today or reach out to our experts at Dr. Pen!