The thought of having microneedling done is intimidating for some, but for others, it’s completely addicting. Tiny needles can do good sometimes, right?
Isn’t it great to have those fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and stretch marks, and sun damage gone for good?
As you consider whether to undergo this minimally invasive treatment, you may wonder how much does microneedling cost.
When you understand what factors influence treatment cost, you can choose the most effective treatment plan.
In this guide, we’ve answered the most common questions you might have when trying to figure out what you’ll need to spend.
Contents
Factors that Determine the Overall Cost
Also called collagen induction therapy, a microneedling treatment is typically customized to meet the needs of your skin. It is, therefore, a big factor in the final cost. However, there are other factors too.
Location
The place you live dramatically affects how much you have to pay for microneedling. The prices are usually higher in coastal and urban areas but lower in suburban and countryside areas.
The cost depends heavily on where you’re living and where you’re getting microneedling.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
The needles roll over your skin while applying platelets, a blood component, to stimulate collagen production.
Mostly used for wrinkles, scarring, and aging signs. Adding PRP to microneedling will result in tighter skin, but you will have to pay an extra fee.
PRP may cost you around $750 per session. Also, you may need 3 to 6 sessions over a few weeks for the best results.
Radiofrequency
The treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. RF enhances collagen and elastin production through microneedles.
The treatment involves minimal damage to the upper layers of the skin, so there is little downtime.
However, it is more expensive than any scar treatment and may cost anywhere about $1525 per session. You’ll require at least 4 treatments over six weeks.
Added Serums
A professional can apply topical serums during treatment which adds to the cost per treatment. These sink better than regular applications, so they are more effective.
When it comes to wrinkles, anti-aging serums like hyaluronic acid can boost skin’s youthfulness. So it’s worth investing in a good skincare product, preferably medical-grade.
For this package, you can expect to pay about $240 per session, and you will need about 3 sessions.
Exomes
A new type of innovative skin treatment that costs around $600, microneedling with exosomes improves the texture and appearance of your skin. Growth factors released by exosomes help your skin heal itself and produce more collagen and elastin.
Stem Cells
The stem cells are super-charged growth factors infused into the skin, where they help to promote a faster healing process and tissue regeneration. The cost averages around $650 to $800.
Brand of the device
Some dermapen devices and machine brands may be more expensive than others. Some commons brands include:
- Rejuvapen
- Vivace
- Genius™
- Skinpen
- Exceed™
- Infini™
- Morpheus
- PiXel8-RF
- Potenza™
A pen’s quality, number of needles, and features can directly affect its price. Pens with more needles, for example, may be more expensive than those with fewer needles.
At-home Session
If professional microneedling sessions are too expensive or don’t fit into your schedule, you can try it at home on your own.
Using a microneedling device, you can treat stretch marks, final lines and wrinkles, and other skin conditions and still trigger skin rejuvenation.
The price of a microneedling device varies between $80 and $200, depending on the length of the needles. You will also need to consider the brand and the additional products you use.
To get started with an at-home session, check out these best microneedling pens available.
Microneedling Costs
Depending on the body part, there is a different depth of penetration for microneedling, so the cost varies.
So, for example, the scalp needs less depth than other parts with thicker skin. A larger area requires more treatment time and products, making it more expensive.
Face treatments targeting minimizing fine lines and stretch marks are typically the least expensive per session, at about $300 each.
| Treatment area | Average prices |
| Full-face | $350 to $700 |
| Under eyes | $100 to $400 |
| Acne scars | $300 |
| Melasma | $350 |
| Stretch marks | $600 |
| Eyebrows | $200 |
| Hair | $700 |
In other body parts, you might want to address depressed scars, rough texture, or loss of elasticity. The cost of treatment varies more with the type of skin condition you desire to treat than with the specific body part.
Costs of Microneedling in Different Countries
United States
$400
United Kingdom
£200.00
Canada
$350 to $450
India
10,000 to 25,000 INR
Philippines
₱5200
Pakistan
PKR 500-3000
New Zealand
$300
South African countries
R1800
Pro Tip: Google search ‘microneedling treatment near me’ to get the list of treatment providers near you.
Tips For Managing the Costs
Insurance coverage
Because microneedling is considered a cosmetic treatment, your insurance generally doesn’t cover it. Because of that, you’ll have to pay for it.
Your insurance may cover the treatment if your doctor says it’s medically necessary. So, those with scars from traumatic injuries or required surgery can take advantage of it. Be sure to read everything with your insurance provider and confirm the details.
Memberships
Some treatment centers offer membership programs that let you earn discounted sessions.
Save when you pay upfront
If you get a package of treatments, the net price will be lower than if you got them individually. Even though the whole fee has to be paid out-of-pocket, it’ll pay off. Check with your clinic whether they offer anything like that.
Make the add-ons less expensive
During the microneedling session, you can choose a cheaper skincare product instead of what they normally use. You’ll still have to go with one the center offers, but a little research could save you some cash.
Try at home!
For those who prefer doing it themselves, you can always use your own microneedling pen. It’s a great way to save, but you have to do your research before trying it.
Who are Good Candidates For This Treatment?
The microneedling procedure causes your skin cells to undergo positive stress, causing healing and growth.
The treatment is effective for a wide variety of skin conditions. So, anyone who is interested is a good candidate for microneedling.
Still, it’s best to determine whether this is the right choice for you. A dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or esthetician is your best bet, but we have a few tips.
You may benefit from microneedling if you
- Want to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Need your acne scars to fade away
- Want to treat enlarged pores while still being able to absorb skincare products properly
- Want to tighten your skin
- Are looking to improve your skin without invasive procedures
- Are at least 20 years old
- Want long-lasting, significant results
- Want to treat stretch marks, sun spots, dull skin, uneven texture, and more of such skincare conditions
- Are willing to follow this up with regular use of skincare products
At the same time, this may not be a good idea if you,
- Have infections or skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis
- Are currently pregnant or nursing
- Have open wounds from an injury
- Have a history of keloid scars
- Have had radiation therapy recently
- Are immunosuppressed
When performed correctly by an expert with the right device, microneedling can produce dramatic results.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Since the skin is a living tissue, it is constantly changing and different for every person.
Result longevity depends on your age, skin type, skin condition, and treatment area.
Some results, such as those from treating scars or stretch marks, last long. At the same time, results for fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation may last for only 3 to 4 months.
After your first treatment, you’ll see improvements within 2 to 4 weeks, provided you follow all the post-treatment instructions.
Your skin’s ability to heal also plays a role. The longer your skin takes to heal, you may see microneedling results only after a few treatments.
Keep in mind that results from microneedling will last a long time, but they won’t last forever. A lot depends on how long new collagen lasts in your skin and the extent of your skin concerns. Therefore, you need to keep taking treatments.
When you reach your treatment goals, your treatments will be spaced out, maybe even just once or twice a year. You might need touchup sessions as a part of a long-term maintenance plan. Therefore, before you begin treatment, talk to a professional to see how long the results will last.
The best treatment results come from understanding the cause of your problems. Whether it’s making lifestyle changes or protecting your collagen, you might be able to prolong the benefits.
Recovery Time: What To Consider
An average microneedling session should not exceed 30 minutes, plus the time required for numbing cream.
And ideally, following the treatment, the recovery time is not a lot. In most cases, you can resume work or other activities immediately after the treatment.
However, most users report skin sensitivity, redness and swelling, and some bruising for deeper procedures 24 to 72 hours post-treatment. Dry skin and shedding are also common. But it’s nothing some calming solution, cold compresses, and pain medication can’t fix.
For extra safety, you can take the rest of the day off. It’s even better if you schedule the treatment on a Friday so you can recover during the weekend.
After this period, your skin will recover fully, and you can resume your regular skincare routine.
Do You Need Multiple Treatment Sessions?
You will require a specific number of treatments based on your skin type and severity.
Typically, an individual needs at least three treatments.
Simply put, you’ll know when your treatment is complete when:
You are satisfied with how your skin looks and feels because your opinion is all that matters.
Your skin stops responding to treatment, and you stop seeing further improvements. The therapy has helped you the best it can, so continuing it won’t produce any more benefits.
Undoubtedly, you should also trust your dermatologist’s word on this. In total, the whole process might cost you between $600 and $4,200.
What Makes Microneedling a Cost-Effective Treatment?
Studies have found that microneedling may be as helpful as lasers for reducing scars, but on average, it is way cheaper than the latter.
With microneedling, you can improve the absorption of skincare products, and achieve anti-aging benefits, all for a reasonable price — even dermatologists recommend it.
So yes, microneedling is cost-effective therapy. Even if you are combining microneedling with other treatments, it is still affordable. And, since the treatments are spaced between 4 to 6 weeks apart, you can plan your payments and incorporate them into your regular skincare budget.
Can DIY Microneedling Lower The Cost?
You can reduce your cost of microneedling by doing it yourself at home, without professional help.
Depending on the quality and brand, average costs range anywhere from $15 to $140 for a derma roller and between $80 and $250 for a dermapen.
While DIY sessions are cheaper and easier to fit into your schedule, the results may not match those from professional treatments.
Plus, any side effects you experience could cost you more if not handled properly.
The takeaway
Microneedling is an investment. So, before booking your first appointment, it’s important to understand how much it will cost.
This can help you determine whether or not you’ll be able to afford the treatment. After considering the microneedling cost, you can also begin thinking about how much you’ll want to spend.
Once you’re in, you’ll have to do multiple sessions and follow a skincare routine. For a cheaper option, you can also give it a go at home using a dermapen.
On the whole, microneedling works as an affordable procedure. Once you see the result, your treatment sessions will be worthwhile.
The cost variations in microneedling based on location are something I’ve never considered before. It’s interesting how suburban areas offer more budget-friendly options. PRP, while an extra expense, seems like a worthy investment in achieving better skin.