DOES MICRONEEDING HURT?
Microneedling is a highly effective treatment for improving skin texture, reducing scars, boosting collagen and tackling pigmentation, which explains its growing popularity. Common questions clients ask before booking include: is microneedling painful, and is microneedling safe?
Thanks to modern devices like the Dermapen 4™, treatments are much more comfortable than older methods. This blog will bust common microneedling myths to give you clear and reliable information so you can make a confident decision about your next treatment.
So, What Does Microneedling Do for the Skin?
Microneedling treatment creates tiny channels in the skin using fine needles between 0.25mm and 1.5mm long. These micro-injuries made by the needle then trigger the skin’s natural repair process. This helps to:
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Minimise acne scars and other types of scarring
- Improve uneven skin tone and pigmentation
- Boost collagen production
- Tighten pores and boost overall skin texture
- Stimulate hair growth in some cases
The procedure also helps your skin absorb products more effectively, so serums with hyaluronic acid and other active ingredients work far better than they would with traditional skincare alone.
How Does Microneedling Work?
During microneedling, tiny needles make precise openings in the skin. These reach into the dermis, the deeper layer of skin that produces collagen and elastin. The process doesn’t cause long-term damage. Instead, it stimulates the body’s natural healing response, which helps the skin become stronger, smoother and plumper.
Modern devices like the Dermapen use a vertical stamping motion, which is gentler and more precise than at-home derma rollers that drag across the skin and may cause irritation.
Professional microneedling treatment also allows the needle depth and speed to be adjusted to your skin's needs. This makes it possible to safely target different skin concerns in the dermis, including acne scars, pigmentation, and fine lines.
What Does Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling is not limited to the face and can be performed on different areas of the body. Its versatility allows multiple concerns to be treated in a single session. Microneedling can help with:
- Acne and acne scars
- Sunspots, melasma, and pigmentation
- Enlarged pores
- Hair thinning and loss
- Tattoo fading
Is Microneedling Safe?
Microneedling is safe when performed by trained professionals. Professional treatments use sterile, single-use needles and the correct techniques, keeping your skin protected and the procedure safe.
Opting for aesthetic practitioners with a medical background, like our team at Hannah McCoy Clinic, ensures the highest level of safety and reduces any risks that could be associated with the treatment, such as bad techniques.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Many people worry about pain, but modern microneedling is generally very comfortable. Devices like the Dermapen 4™ use fast, sharp needles with an oscillating motion, which helps minimise discomfort. Most people describe the sensation as a mild prickling or tingling rather than actual pain.
If needed, numbing creams or calming serums can be applied before the session, but for most treatments, these aren’t necessary. Overall, microneedling is tolerable for the majority of people without pain relief.
How Long Does Microneedling Last?
Microneedling results develop gradually as the skin produces new collagen and elastin.
Some improvement may be visible after a single session, but the full benefits build over multiple treatments. Long-term effects can last from several months up to two years, depending on factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and proper aftercare.
So, How Painful Actually Is Microneedling?
Most people are surprised at how comfortable microneedling feels, and downtime is usually very short. Sessions usually take around 30 minutes, and you might only notice a little redness or tiny pinpricks afterwards. Using hydrating masks and SPF after your session helps the skin recover faster.
Is All Microneedling Treatment the Same?
No, not all microneedling is the same.
Bad microneedling often happens with untrained providers, improper home devices, or the wrong needle depths. Our team of practitioners are highly qualified and experienced, so you can relax knowing your treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your skin needs.
Common Microneedling Myths
Here are the most common microneedling myths, with the truth behind each to help you understand the procedure better:
| Common Microneedling Myth | Fact / Reality |
|---|---|
| Microneedling hurts | Modern treatments are comfortable and often don’t need numbing. |
| Microneedling isn’t safe | Sterile, single-use needles and trained professionals make it a low-risk procedure. |
| Home devices give the same results | Professional treatments reach deeper and use stronger serums. |
| Any skincare is fine between sessions | Only recommended products protect results and sensitive skin. |
| You can microneedle 3mm at home | Depths over 0.5mm should only be done by professionals. |
| It’s just for anti-ageing | Microneedling also treats scars, pigmentation, pores, hair, and tattoos. |
| Derma rolling = Dermapen | Dermapen uses vertical, sterile needles for safer, precise results. |
| You can’t microneedle active acne | With proper protocols, microneedling can treat active acne safely. |
| Results take too long | Effects appear gradually and intensify with repeated sessions. |
| You need time off work | Minimal downtime; many sessions are completed in under an hour. |
Book A Microneedling Consultation Today
Microneedling is a safe, effective, and relatively comfortable way to rejuvenate your skin. Our passionate team at Hannah McCoy Clinic has extensive experience with microneedling and can customise each session to your skin’s needs. Whether that be to target acne scars, pigmentation, fine lines or an overall glow, we’re here to listen and help you.
We have clinics in Liverpool, Leeds, London, and the Isle of Man, making it easy to find a location convenient for you to reach us. Interested in microneedling treatment with Hannah McCoy Clinics? Book a Microneedling consultation with us today, and let’s get your skin glowing.
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Microneedling FAQs
What happens if I get bad microneedling?
Bad microneedling from untrained providers or incorrect techniques can lead to redness, irritation, scarring, or uneven results.
Does waiting between sessions reduce pain?
Waiting the recommended time between microneedling sessions gives the dermis time to heal, which can reduce discomfort in the next treatment. Shallow sessions typically need 2–4 weeks, medium depth 4–6 weeks, and deep treatments 6–8 weeks. Proper wait times between sessions also help the skin produce collagen and elastin while lowering the risk of irritation.