Microneedling Reviews: How to Read Them

What studies of satisfaction and side effects measure

A 2025 systematic review of 21 studies (723 patients) pooled patient satisfaction and found 83% of patients reported satisfaction. The most common adverse effects were transient redness (6.8%), scaling (1.7%), burning sensation (1.5%) and itching (0.4%). Its authors also note that there are no standard measures of results (1).

A 2021 review of 51 articles (1,029 patients) found microneedling, whatever the device, to be relatively safe with minimal adverse effects, and advised that patients and clinicians know the possible side effects (2). The 2021 safety review of 85 articles adds that persistent problems can occur (3).

How to read a satisfaction figure

It is what patients said, not what a measuring device found.
It does not say how long results lasted.
It averages different devices, depths and schedules.
It does not tell you about your own skin.

How to read reviews of a clinic or a device

Who wrote it. A real patient, an employee, or someone paid? The FTC rule bans buying reviews, and bans incentives tied to a positive or negative sentiment (5).
What it covers. A friendly front desk says nothing about technique or hygiene.
Follow-up. A five-star review the day after a session cannot show how skin looked months later.
The pattern. Look for the same complaint repeated across sources, and read the clinic's replies.
Product reviews. A star average can mix versions of a product. Check which one the reviewer used.
Photos. See how to read them.

What to ask a clinic

How is the device cleaned between patients?
Is a new cartridge used for each patient and each session? The FDA says re-using cartridges can cause or spread infection (4).
Who does the procedure, and what training do they have in microneedling? The FDA recommends a provider specially trained in it (4).
What does your quote include, in writing?
What happens if I have a reaction?

Our standards for partner clinics are on this page.

What we publish, and what we do not

We publish no reviews, star ratings or testimonials of our own, and we do not copy or rewrite ratings from stores. For products we compare published specifications and explain how on the page about how we compare products. We do not test them.

Common questions

Are online microneedling reviews reliable?

Treat them as one clue. They are self-reported, hard to verify and can be shaped by incentives. The FTC's 2024 final rule prohibits fake or false reviews and testimonials, including ones that misrepresent the experience of the person giving them (5). Compare them with the studies and the questions listed above.

What can go wrong with microneedling?

The FDA lists bleeding, bruising, redness, tightness, itching and peeling as common, and dark or light spots, flare-ups of cold sores, swollen lymph nodes and infection as less common (4). A 2021 review says persistent problems included post-inflammatory pigment changes and tram-track scarring, and names active infection, darker skin and metal allergies as risk factors (3). A 2025 case report describes a serious skin injury after an at-home device was used with an oil (6).

Where can I report a problem?

The FDA points to its MedWatch program for problems or injuries you think may be linked to a microneedling product (4). Also tell the provider who treated you.

Microneedling Reviews: What to Trust and What to Ask