Types of microneedling: which approach works best for you

Microneedling is an effective treatment for a variety of skin concerns, including acne scarring, age spots, pigmentation issues, and hair loss. By creating micro-injuries or micro-wounds, it stimulates collagen production and promotes skin resurfacing for tighter, youthful skin.

Treatment options range from at-home dermal rollers to advanced microneedling procedures like RF microneedling and PRP microneedling, which penetrate micrometers deep for clinical improvement. Chemical peels, light therapy, and mesotherapy products can enhance results, while Skin care Products aid optimal healing.

Factors such as needle types, mechanisms of action, and healing time influence results. Clinics like Capital Laser & Skin Care offer invasive treatments tailored to individual skin conditions. Whether for joint pain, linear scars, or an extra boost, a personalised treatment plan is key—raising lots of questions about the best approach.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a dermatological procedure that creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration. Using fine needles, it improves acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and enlarged pores. Variants like RF microneedling and PRP microneedling enhance collagen synthesis and skin resurfacing. It also aids hair growth treatment, joint pain relief, and mesotherapy product delivery. Proper post-care with gentle cleansers and skincare products supports healing and treatment efficacy.

What is at-home microneedling?

At-home microneedling creates micro-injuries in the facial skin, stimulating collagen induction therapy for tighter skin and addressing a wide range of dermatological issues. Using a skin pen or dermal roller, it forms micro-wounds and micro-channels in the outer layers, enhancing collagen stimulation and the delivery of growth factors. While effective for maintenance treatments, its efficacy is lower than advanced treatments for Hypertrophic scars and Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy.

A microneedling session at home can improve the appearance of pores, fine lines, and pigmentation, but improper use may cause micro-tears or skin injury, requiring medical attention. A comparative study shows that clinical applications of professional treatments offer noticeable improvements through invasive procedures. Factors like financial relationships, microneedling in dermatology, and the application of serums influence results, making additional treatments an option for deeper healing properties.

What is professional microneedling?

Professional microneedling is an invasive procedure performed by dermatologists using medical-grade devices like skin pens to create micro-injuries in the facial skin. It stimulates collagen induction therapy, improving Hypertrophic scars, Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy, and a wide range of skin concerns.

By forming micro-wounds and micro-channels, it enhances healing properties, tighter skin, and the delivery of growth factors. A microneedling session may include additional treatments like PRP or RF microneedling for greater efficacy. While highly effective, it carries risks of skin injury and micro-tears, requiring medical attention. A comparative study highlights its noticeable improvements in dermatological issues, making it a key method in microneedling in dermatology. Book a session in our Perth Clinic with a microneedling professional.

What are the different types of microneedling?

Microneedling techniques target various dermatological issues, improving collagen induction therapy, healing properties, and growth factor delivery for tighter skin and noticeable improvements.

Below are the key types of microneedling in dermatology:

• Traditional Microneedling – Uses a skin pen or dermal roller to create micro-injuries, stimulating collagen induction therapy for tighter skin and skin resurfacing.
• RF microneedling (Radiofrequency Microneedling) – Combines micro-wounds with radiofrequency energy to enhance collagen stimulation, improving Hypertrophic scars, Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy, and a wide range of skin concerns. Sylfirm X is the only device on the market which features Continuous Wave and Pulsed Wave mode, and the only device designed to be used on the upper and lower eyelids for rejuvenation and we offer it in our Perth Skin Clinic.
• PRP Microneedling (Vampire Facial) – Uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to accelerate healing properties, boost delivery of growth factors, and improve dermatological issues like age spots and pigmentation.
• At-Home Microneedling – Utilises dermal rollers with shorter needles for mild skin resurfacing, enhancing appearance of pores and absorption of skincare products.
• Hydrating Microneedling (Mesotherapy Microneedling) – Involves the application of serums or mesotherapy products during the microneedling session, improving skin hydration and clinical applications.
• Medical Microneedling – A comparative study supports its effectiveness in advanced treatments, often performed alongside chemical peels or additional treatments to enhance efficacy in microneedling in dermatology.

What is radiofrequency (RF) microneedling?

Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a safe procedure that combines micro-injuries with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen deposition and improve the skin surface. Using derma rollers or automated devices, it creates micro-wounds and micro-channels, enhancing the efficacy of microneedling while causing minimal pain.

An experienced provider uses this Skin Technique to treat micro-tears, acne scars, wrinkles, and laxity. The effects of microneedling include improvements in skin texture and accelerated healing. Applications of microneedling extend to skin resurfacing, factors via microneedling, and advanced treatments.

What is PRP (platelet-rich plasma) microneedling?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) microneedling is a Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency treatment that enhances skin tightening and production of collagen. It creates micro-injuries and micro-wounds, allowing PRP to penetrate micro-channels for faster healing.

Healthcare providers use this technique to repair micro-tears, improve skin texture, and promote regeneration. This method reduces wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation while stimulating natural repair.

What is nano microneedling?

Nano microneedling is a non-invasive skincare treatment that enhances skin rejuvenation without creating deep micro-injuries. Unlike traditional microneedling, it uses silicone or metal-tipped nanoneedles to create microscopic micro-channels on the skin surface, boosting the absorption of serums and stimulating production of collagen for skin tightening.

This technique does not cause micro-wounds or micro-tears, making it a gentler option performed by healthcare providers for improving fine lines, hydration, and overall skin texture. While it lacks the depth of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency, it remains effective for mild skin concerns and requires no downtime.

What is mesotherapy microneedling?

Mesotherapy microneedling is an effective procedure that creates micro – injuries and micro – wounds to enhance the skin’s natural healing process. It delivers nutrient-rich serums through micro – channels, boosting collagen production for younger-looking skin and improved hydration.

This cosmetic treatment stimulates the skin’s natural healing response, reducing fine lines, dullness, and micro – tears. The benefits of microneedling include enhanced absorption of active ingredients and a prolonged healing response, leading to long-lasting results. Performed by healthcare providers, it is a non-invasive method for skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime.

What is fractional microneedling?

Fractional microneedling is an advanced cosmetic treatment that creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate natural healing processes and boost collagen production. It uses an array of fine needles to generate micro-wounds and micro-channels, triggering a healing response that improves skin texture, reduces scars, and promotes younger-looking skin.

This effective procedure addresses fine lines, pigmentation, and micro-tears while enhancing the benefits of microneedling for long-lasting results. By stimulating the skin’s natural healing response, it supports tissue regeneration with minimal downtime. Healthcare providers use fractional microneedling for targeted rejuvenation, offering cosmetic treatments that refine and tighten the skin.

What is automated microneedling?

Automated microneedling is an advanced cosmetic treatment that uses a motorised device to create precise micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and enhancing the natural healing process. Unlike manual techniques, it employs controlled, high-speed needle penetration to generate uniform micro-wounds and micro-channels, improving the absorption of serums and accelerating the healing response.

This effective procedure helps reduce fine lines, acne scars, and micro-tears, promoting younger-looking skin with long-lasting results. Performed by healthcare providers, it offers greater precision than traditional cosmetic treatments like dermal rollers. The benefits of microneedling include improved skin texture, elasticity, and reduced pigmentation, making it a preferred option for non-invasive skin rejuvenation.

What is manual microneedling?

Manual microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that uses a handheld device, such as a derma roller, to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-wounds trigger the natural healing process, stimulating collagen production and enhancing skin regeneration. Unlike automated methods, it relies on manual pressure to form micro-channels, improving the absorption of serums and accelerating the healing response.

This effective procedure helps reduce acne scars, fine lines, and micro-tears, promoting younger-looking skin with long-lasting results. Performed by healthcare providers or at home with proper technique, it offers a less intensive but accessible approach to cosmetic treatments while delivering the benefits of microneedling for skin texture and elasticity.

What is microneedling with stem cells?

Microneedling with stem cells is an advanced cosmetic treatment that enhances skin regeneration by combining microneedling with the application of stem cell-derived serums. The procedure creates controlled micro-injuries, forming micro-wounds and micro-channels that allow stem cell growth factors to penetrate deeply, stimulating collagen production and accelerating the natural healing process.

This effective procedure helps repair micro-tears, improve skin texture, and promote younger-looking skin with long-lasting results. By harnessing the regenerative properties of stem cells, it enhances the benefits of microneedling, reducing fine lines, scars, and pigmentation while supporting tissue repair.

How do different microneedling techniques compare?

Different microneedling techniques vary in depth, precision, and effectiveness, targeting a wide range of skin concerns. Manual microneedling with a derma roller creates micro-injuries, stimulating collagen production but lacks the control of automated microneedling, which delivers consistent micro-wounds with motorised precision. Fractional microneedling enhances skin tightening and healing response, while RF microneedling combines radiofrequency energy for deeper tissue remodelling.

PRP microneedling and stem cell microneedling boost regeneration by delivering growth factors into micro-channels, accelerating the natural healing process. Nano microneedling works at a shallower level, improving absorption without creating micro-tears. Each method offers unique benefits of microneedling, influencing long-lasting results based on individual needs.

Dermal needling vs. microneedling: what’s the difference?

Dermal needling and microneedling are often used interchangeably, but they differ in depth, application, and intended results. Microneedling refers broadly to the process of creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin using fine needles to stimulate collagen production and enhance skin rejuvenation. It includes superficial treatments that target the outer layers, improving skin texture, fine lines, and serum absorption.

Dermal needling penetrates deeper into the dermis, making it a more invasive procedure designed for advanced treatment of scars, skin tightening, and deep wrinkles. It promotes collagen induction therapy and tissue remodeling, addressing hypertrophic scars and deeper skin concerns. While microneedling suits general cosmetic treatments, dermal needling requires an experienced provider due to its more intense effects and longer healing process. Both techniques share the benefits of microneedling, but dermal needling offers long-lasting results for more severe skin conditions.

Microneedling pens vs. rollers: what’s the difference?

A microneedling pen is an automated device that uses a vertical stamping motion to create uniform micro-wounds. It offers adjustable needle depths, reducing micro-tears and targeting a wide range of skin concerns, from fine lines to hypertrophic scars. The controlled penetration improves skin texture, enhances serum absorption, and minimises trauma to the outer layers, leading to a shorter healing process and long-lasting results.

A derma roller is a manual tool with a fixed needle length, rolled across the skin to create micro-channels. While effective for general skin rejuvenation, it lacks precision, may cause uneven skin injury, and increases the risk of micro-tears. Rollers are more accessible for at-home use but are less effective than microneedling pens, which deliver advanced treatment with greater efficacy of microneedling.

Microneedling vs. nanoneedling: what’s the difference?

Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin using fine needles, triggering collagen production, skin tightening, and deep skin rejuvenation. It penetrates the dermis, treating scars, wrinkles, and pigmentation with a controlled healing response.

Nanoneedling uses microscopic silicone tips that do not puncture the skin but create micro-channels for enhanced serum absorption. It targets the outer layers, improving skin texture without causing micro-tears or requiring downtime. While microneedling is an invasive procedure for long-lasting results, nanoneedling is a gentler, non-invasive option for surface-level cosmetic treatments.

Microneedling vs. mesotherapy: what’s the difference?

Microneedling creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production, promoting skin tightening, scar reduction, and rejuvenation through the body’s natural healing response. It enhances skin texture and long-lasting results by triggering tissue remodeling.

Mesotherapy delivers vitamins, enzymes, and growth factors into the skin via fine needles, focusing on hydration, pigmentation, and hair restoration. It uses micro-channels to infuse mesotherapy products, improving skin health rather than inducing a healing response. While microneedling relies on micro-wounds to boost regeneration, mesotherapy emphasises nutrient delivery for younger-looking skin and cosmetic treatments.

Microneedling and laser resurfacing: what’s the difference?

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries using fine needles to stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture, scars, and wrinkles through the body’s natural healing process. It suits various skin types, involves minimal downtime, and enhances skin rejuvenation with long-lasting results.

Laser resurfacing uses concentrated light energy to remove outer layers of skin, targeting deep wrinkles, pigmentation, and scars with precision. It promotes skin tightening but involves a longer healing process and may not be suitable for darker skin tones due to the risk of hyperpigmentation. Microneedling is a mechanical, invasive procedure, while laser resurfacing relies on heat, offering more intense skin resurfacing but requiring more recovery time.

Microneedling vs. microdermabrasion: what’s the difference?

Microneedling uses fine needles to create micro-injuries, stimulating collagen production for skin tightening, scar reduction, and long-lasting results. It penetrates the dermis, triggering the skin’s natural healing process and improving wrinkles, pigmentation, and texture.

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that exfoliates the outer layers using a diamond-tipped device or fine crystals. It removes dead skin cells, enhances radiance, and treats minor imperfections without creating micro-wounds. Microneedling promotes deep skin rejuvenation, while microdermabrasion focuses on surface-level skin texture improvements with no downtime. Book a Microdermabrasion treatment in our Perth Skin Clinic.

What are the different substances used with microneedling?

Various substances enhance the effects of microneedling by penetrating micro-channels for deeper absorption and improved skin rejuvenation. These include:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – Boosts hydration, plumps skin, and enhances healing properties.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Uses growth factors from the patient’s blood to accelerate collagen production and skin tightening.
• Vitamin C – Brightens pigmentation issues, evens skin tone, and provides antioxidant protection.
• Retinol (Vitamin A) – Promotes skin resurfacing, reduces wrinkles, and improves cell turnover.
• Peptides – Stimulate collagen induction therapy, improving elasticity and appearance of pores.
• Stem Cells – Support tissue repair and regeneration for long-lasting results.
• Growth Factors – Enhance the healing process and aid in dermatological issues.
• Amino Acids – Strengthen skin structure and promote younger-looking skin.
• Botox (Micro-Botox) – Reduces fine lines and improves skin texture without affecting muscle movement.
• Glutathione – Lightens skin and reduces hyperpigmentation.
• Mesotherapy Cocktails – A mix of vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants for cosmetic treatments and healing response.

What is microneedling with hyaluronic acid?

Microneedling with hyaluronic acid (HA) combines micro-injuries with deep hydration to enhance skin rejuvenation. Fine needles create micro-channels, allowing HA to penetrate beyond the outer layers, boosting collagen production and skin tightening. This effective procedure improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and accelerates the natural healing process. HA retains moisture, promoting younger-looking skin with long-lasting results. Suitable for various cosmetic treatments, it enhances healing properties while minimising downtime.

What is microneedling with vitamin c?

Microneedling with Vitamin C enhances skin rejuvenation by combining micro-injuries with the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C. Fine needles create micro-channels, allowing deeper absorption of Vitamin C to stimulate collagen production, brighten pigmentation issues, and improve skin texture. This effective procedure reduces fine lines, evens skin tone, and promotes younger-looking skin. The healing process accelerates, leading to long-lasting results with improved hydration and radiance.

What is microneedling with growth factors?

Microneedling with growth factors enhances skin rejuvenation by combining micro-injuries with bioactive proteins that accelerate the healing process. Fine needles create micro-channels, allowing growth factors to penetrate deeply, boosting collagen production, skin tightening, and tissue repair. This effective procedure improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and enhances long-lasting results by stimulating cell regeneration. It is commonly used for scar reduction, pigmentation issues, and younger-looking skin.

What is microneedling with PDO threads?

Microneedling with PDO (Polydioxanone) threads combines micro-injuries with collagen-stimulating threads to enhance skin tightening and rejuvenation. Fine needles create micro-channels, allowing PDO threads to be placed within the dermis, where they dissolve over time, triggering collagen production and tissue remodelling. This effective procedure improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and provides long-lasting results by promoting a natural healing response. It is often used for lifting sagging skin, enhancing firmness, and refining facial contours.

What are the most common at-home microneedling errors to avoid?

At-home microneedling can improve the appearance of skin, but improper technique may lead to adverse effects. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Using excessive pressure – Pressing too hard can damage deeper skin layers, increasing the risk of hypertrophic scarring and uneven texture.
• Selecting the wrong needle length – Standard microneedling at home should be shallow; longer needles penetrate deeper layers, requiring medical spa treatments for safety.
• Not sterilising the microneedling device – Dirty manual rollers or pens can introduce bacteria, leading to infection, mild edema, or the need for oral antibiotics.
• Overuse – Frequent sessions can impair healing, causing microscopic wounds that worsen skin laxity instead of promoting firmer skin.
• Skipping aftercare – Failing to use the right serums post-treatment can limit deep pore cleansing and hinder collagen production.
• Using on active acne or infections – This can spread bacteria, worsening atrophic acne scars and deep boxcar scars.

What tools should you avoid for at-home microneedling?

Avoid these at-home microneedling tools to prevent adverse effects and damage to deeper layers of skin:

• Manual rollers with long needles – These can penetrate deeper skin layers, increasing the risk of hypertrophic scarring, infection, and irritation.
• Unregulated microneedling devices – Cheap or non-FDA-approved tools lack precision, leading to uneven texture, deep boxcar scars, and ineffective collagen stimulation.
• Derma rollers with dull needles – Worn-out rollers cause microscopic wounds that tear the skin rather than create controlled mechanical microneedling channels.
• DIY microneedling pens – Without proper calibration, these devices can damage hair follicles, trigger mild edema, and lead to excessive irritation.
• Non-sterile tools – Contaminated devices increase infection risks, requiring oral antibiotics or professional medical spa treatments.
• Devices meant for deeper penetration – Some standard microneedling tools are designed for cosmetic procedures performed in clinics, not for at-home use.

How often should you perform at-home microneedling for best results?

The frequency of at-home microneedling depends on needle length, individual skin concerns, and healing response.

• 0.25mm needles (superficial treatment) – 2–3 times per week for enhanced serum absorption and deep pore cleansing.
• 0.5mm needles (mild concerns like uneven texture) – Once a week to boost collagen production and improve the appearance of skin.
• 1.0mm needles (targeting atrophic acne scars, fine lines, or mild skin laxity) – Every 2–4 weeks for optimal healing of microscopic wounds.
• 1.5mm+ needles (deeper issues like deep boxcar scars or hypertrophic scarring) – Best left to professionals at medical spa treatments such as Dermapen Microneedling or laser treatment.

Who should and shouldn’t get microneedling treatments?

Microneedling is suitable for individuals looking to improve skin laxity, uneven texture, and the appearance of scars. It enhances collagen production, reduces fine lines, and refines enlarged pores. Those with atrophic acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or hair loss may benefit from this cosmetic procedure, especially when combined with growth factors or deep pore cleansing techniques.

People with active acne, infections, or inflammatory skin conditions should avoid microneedling, as it can worsen microscopic wounds and spread bacteria. Those prone to hypertrophic scarring or keloids may experience excessive collagen deposition, leading to unwanted effects. Recent laser treatment, chemical peels, or deep surgical scars require full healing before microneedling. Individuals with blood disorders or those who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider due to potential adverse effects.

What are the latest advancements in microneedling technology?

Advancements in microneedling technology enhance precision, safety, and results. RF microneedling and fractional RF combine micro-injuries with heat for deeper collagen stimulation and improved skin laxity. Growth factors, exosomes, and stem cells accelerate healing, while PDO thread microneedling boosts firmness. Automated devices like Dermapen allow customised treatments, and AI-powered microneedling is emerging for personalised skin care with minimal adverse effects.