Is Microneedling Safe? Risks and What You Should Know

Microneedling has become one of the most popular skin rejuvenation treatments — and for good reason. It helps improve fine lines, wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture.

Here at Seneca Falls Acupuncture, we especially love microneedling because it’s non-toxic and works by encouraging your body’s natural repair process.

(Learn more about microneedling in this in-depth article.)

When you’re thinking about booking your first treatment, one of the first questions many people ask is: Is microneedling safe?

The short answer is yes. When performed by a trained professional, microneedling is considered a very safe procedure.

Still, like any treatment, there are a few things you should know before getting started.

Why Microneedling Is Considered Safe

• Minimally invasive: Microneedling uses ultra-fine needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin. These are very shallow and designed to stimulate repair without impacting deeper structures.

• Shallow depth: At Seneca Falls Acupuncture, we use a shallow depth for microneedling compared to most dermatology offices. In the past, it was thought that deeper dermis needling yielded better results. Now, strong research shows that shallower (i.e., gentler) needle depth works just as well to stimulate fibroblasts – the cells that produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

• Sterile, single-use equipment: At Seneca Falls Acupuncture, we use FDA-cleared microneedling pens with disposable, sterile needle cartridges — so there’s no risk of cross-contamination. Disposable, sterile cartridges are standard practice in microneedling. You always want to ensure that your provider is using an FDA-approved microneedling device.

• Natural healing: Unlike fillers or injectables, microneedling works with your body’s own healing process. Nothing foreign is injected into your skin.

• Treatment provided by a trained, approved professional: In New York State, acupuncturists, MDs, DOs, and NPs (nurse practitioners) are allowed to perform microneedling. Physician assistants (PAs) may perform microneedling under the supervision of a physician, and RNs may perform microneedling if delegated to do so by a prescribing supervisor (an MD, NP, or PA). At this time, licensed estheticians and cosmetologists are not permitted to practice microneedling in New York State. 

Common, Temporary Side Effects

It’s normal to experience some mild, short-lived effects after treatment, including:

• – Redness (similar to a light sunburn)
• – Mild swelling or sensitivity
• – Temporary dryness or flaking
• – “Tight” or occasionally itchy feeling of the skin, also temporary

These typically resolve within 12–24 hours. Most patients return to normal activities the next day, following aftercare instructions.

Rare Risks to Be Aware Of

While uncommon when microneedling is done by a trained, approved provider, potential risks can include:

• – Small bruises or pinpoint bleeding at treatment sites (At Seneca Falls Acupuncture, we believe the patient should never bleed or bruise from microneedling.)
• – Temporary hyperpigmentation (usually if aftercare/sun precautions aren’t followed)
• – Infection — extremely rare when proper hygiene and sterile technique are used
• – Scarring — very rare, generally linked to untrained providers or unsafe equipment

Who Should Avoid Microneedling

Microneedling isn’t the right choice for everyone. We do not recommend it if you:

• – Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• – Have open acne pustules, cold sores, or skin infections
• – Have a history of keloid scarring
• – Are on certain medications (such as isotretinoin/Accutane)
• – Have had Botox or Sculptra in the past two weeks (after two weeks, it is fine to get microneedling)
• – Have Discoid Lupus

During your consultation, we’ll review your health history to make sure microneedling is safe and appropriate for you.

The Bottom Line

For most healthy adults, microneedling is a safe, effective treatment to support smoother, firmer, plump skin. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, and serious risks are rare when treatment is performed by a trained professional using high-quality equipment.

✨ Ready to learn more? Book a free consultation with Seneca Falls Acupuncture today and find out if microneedling is right for your skin.

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