Microneedling Benefits for the Face: What the Evidence Shows
The studies we found look most often at acne scars, where reviews report better-looking scars. For fine lines and skin texture, patients report high satisfaction, but studies measure results in different ways. Benefits are modest, take several sessions and may be temporary.
Last reviewed:
Benefit, what was measured and source
This table reports what the sources measured and found. We do not grade the evidence, and none of it says how much a given person will gain.
| Benefit studied | What the sources report | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Look of acne scars | A review of 33 articles found every one reported better-looking acne scars. A meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials (414 participants) found microneedling without radiofrequency favorable for scar improvement compared with other treatments. The FDA has cleared some professional devices for this use. | (2, 3, 9) |
| Fine lines and wrinkles | Wrinkling was the most common endpoint in 21 facial rejuvenation studies (723 patients). 83% of patients reported satisfaction, but the authors note there are no standard ways to measure results. | (1) |
| Skin texture | Texture was measured in 33% of those studies. A 2018 review of microneedling overall reported results similar to other treatments, with minimal side effects and shorter downtime, and flagged methodological shortcomings. | (1, 4) |
| Signs of sun exposure | Photoaging was measured in 29% of the studies in the 2025 review. | (1) |
| Skin firmness | Laxity was measured in 14% of those studies. | (1) |
What has not been shown
- That results last. The FDA says improvement may be temporary (5).
- That a home tool matches a clinic procedure. The FDA has not authorized any microneedling device for over-the-counter sale (5).
- That serums or other products work better with microneedling. The FDA says it has not cleared any microneedling device for use with another product, so it has not reviewed the safety or effectiveness of combining them (5).
- A standard way to measure facial results. The 2025 review calls for one (1).
Side effects, in numbers
In the 2025 review the most common adverse effects were transient redness (6.8%), scaling (1.7%), burning sensation (1.5%) and itching (0.4%) (1).
A 2021 review of 85 articles says expected effects last up to 7 days, and that active infection, darker skin and metal allergies raise the risk of problems (6). See the aftercare guide.
Questions about benefits
How many sessions does it take to see a benefit?
It depends on the device, the depth and the goal, so the professional sets the plan. The Cleveland Clinic says most people need multiple treatments, usually about 3 to 8 weeks apart, and that it can take 3 to 6 months to see results (7). In the 2025 review, 19 of 21 trials used multiple sessions, and the schedules differed (1).
Do the benefits last?
The FDA says any improvement in appearance may be temporary, and that keeping it up may need additional procedures over time (5). We found no source that supports a fixed length of benefit for everyone.
Sources
- Systematic review of 21 studies, 2025 (PMID 40542236)
- Systematic review of 33 articles, 2020 (PMID 31356435)
- Meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials, 2022 (PMID 35426044)
- Systematic review of the literature, 2018 (PMID 28690124)
- FDA consumer update on microneedling devices (content current as of 10/15/2025; checked October 15, 2026)
- Safety systematic review of 85 articles, 2021 (PMID 34448760)
- Cleveland Clinic patient page, last updated May 23, 2022 (checked October 15, 2026)
- Review and practical guide, 2018 (PMID 28796657)
- FDA De Novo database, DEN160029 (checked October 15, 2026)