Possible Side Effects or Complications from Microneedling

Skin damage is a risk that commonly occurs with microneedling devices. The damage may include bleeding, bruising, redness, tightness, itching and peeling, and these typically go away without any treatment after a few days or weeks.

Bleeding is an uncommon reaction to microneedling, though it may be more likely to occur after a deeper treatment.

Bleeding may also be more of a risk for people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medications. It is important to disclose this information to a doctor before receiving this treatment.

There is also a risk of more serious side effects, including:

  • infection
  • skin pigment changes
  • reaction to topical medications used during treatment

Finally, some people are not candidates for microneedling treatment, including those with:

  • an active skin infection
  • active acne
  • keloid scarring
  • an unstable skin type

Seeing a dermatologist or medical skin care professional who is experienced in these types of procedures will help minimize the risks.