What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy or percutaneous collagen induction, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves pricking the skin with tiny sterile needles to stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration. The purpose of microneedling is to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks and other skin concerns by boosting collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin.
How Microneedling Improves Skin
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to the skin which triggers the body's natural wound healing process. This leads to increased production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that give the skin its youthful structure and elasticity. The procedure also increases blood flow to treat issues like acne scars and sun damage. Overall, microneedling improves various skin concerns to reveal smoother, firmer and more toned complexion.
Types of Microneedling
There are three main types of microneedling:
- In-office microneedling performed by a licensed dermatologist using an electronic device with sterile needles
- At-home microneedling using an FDA-cleared device with shorter needles for safety
- In-office microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for enhanced effects
Professional microneedling tends to yield better results than at-home treatments since it penetrates deeper with longer needles and incorporates beneficial technologies like radiofrequency and PRP.
How Much Does Professional Microneedling Cost?
The cost of professional in-office microneedling can range from $100 to $700 per session depending on some key factors:
$100-$300 - Basic Microneedling
Basic microneedling using an electronic pen device can cost between $100 to $300 per session on average. The number of sessions needed ranges from 2 to 7 in total spaced 3-6 weeks apart for best results.
$300-$500 - Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling combined with PRP can cost between $300 to $500 per session on average. Since PRP enhances the effects, fewer sessions are required - usually 3 spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
$400-$700 - Microneedling with RF
Microneedling using radiofrequency heat can range from $400 to $700 per treatment. The radiofrequency energy induces more collagen renewal so only 1 to 3 sessions may be needed.
Cost Factors
The exact microneedling cost can be higher or lower based on your provider, your location, the size of the treated area, and what technology you get. For example, one session with basic microneedling may be $150 in a small town versus $300 in a big city. Combination RF microneedling treatments tend to be the most expensive option.
Does Insurance Cover Microneedling?
Unfortunately, health insurance typically does not cover microneedling because it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure instead of medically necessary treatment. However, those with deep acne scarring may be able to provide documentation from their physician to insurance for partial coverage in some cases.
Since the out-of-pocket cost per session is relatively affordable for most budgets, many patients opt to pay cash for their microneedling treatments to achieve the aesthetic improvements they desire.
Other Potential Payment Options
If the overall cost of multiple microneedling sessions is too high for your budget, ask your dermatologist about these options:
- Extended payment plans
- Packages or bundled pricing for multiple treatments
- Manufacturer discounts on treatment sessions
- Credit cards with intro 0% APR periods (if paid off quickly)
Taking advantage of special offers or finance options can make achieving your microneedling goals more affordable.
Microneedling Cost Over Time
While each individual microneedling session ranges from $100 to $700 depending on the technology used, most patients require a series of 3 to 7 sessions spaced weeks apart for optimal improvements. So your total cost over time can add up quickly:
- Basic Microneedling: $300 to $2,100 total
- Microneedling with PRP: $900 to $1,500 total
- Microneedling with RF: $1,200 to $4,900 total
On average, you can expect to invest anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for a full microneedling treatment plan. However, dramatic remodeling of your skins structure using advanced devices can be worth the price for long-lasting, natural-looking enhancements.
Is Microneedling Worth the Cost?
Most microneedling patients find the improvements to skin texture, tone, fine lines, enlarged pores, scars and more to be well worth the cost over time. When performed properly by an experienced dermatologist, microneedling can achieve significant, youth-restoring changes not possible with topical products alone.
And unlike laser treatments requiring extensive downtime, microneedling results develop gradually after each subtle injury to the skin initiates natural renewal. So you can receive your microneedling sessions during convenient appointments and continue life activities with minimal restrictions.
What Affects Microneedling Pricing?
Many factors contribute to the overall cost of your microneedling treatment plan including:
Microneedling Device Used
The microneedling device and needle configurations significantly impact session pricing. For example, basic electronic pens with shorter needle depths allow providers to offer more budget-friendly pricing. Advanced micro needling tools also incorporating radiofrequency or fractional capabilities have higher price tags per use.
Combination Therapies
When microneedling is combined with platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections or radiofrequency (RF) heating, both treatment costs are included in the total session fee. More advanced combination therapies improve results but also make treatments more expensive.
Office Location & Provider Experience
Established dermatology or plastic surgery practices located in major metropolitan areas tend to charge higher prices than solo esthetic offices in small towns or rural locations due to increased overhead expenses.
Additionally, board certified dermatologists often price treatments higher than nurse practitioners or physician assistants due to more advanced certifications and expertise.
Extent of Correction Needed
Larger areas requiring treatment like full facial rejuvenation, stretch mark removal from the hips/thighs, or surgical scar improvements cost more in session fees than single small areas like crows feet or isolated acne scarring.
Number of Sessions
While each session of microneedling costs $100 to $700+, most patients require between 3 to 7 treatments for full correction. So your total spend over months for complete improvements ranges from $1,000 to $3,000+ in many cases.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
The microneedling procedure does involve controlled piercing of the outer layers of skin using tiny sterile needles. Most patients tolerate the treatments well using only topical numbing cream applied an hour before sessions. They often describe the needle pricks as sensations of tingling, pinching, stinging or moderate discomfort rather than actual pain.
Your chosen dermatology provider carefully adjusts needle length and device settings based on your pain tolerance and areas being treated. This ensures maximal results with minimal unnecessary discomfort.
What to Expect During Microneedling Sessions
During your appointment, your provider first cleans and numbs the treatment areas thoroughly using a topical anesthetic cream. Then the electronic pen device with tiny needles is moved methodically over sections of skin to create micro injuries stimulating collagen growth and healing.
Advanced treatments like radiofrequency microneedling also deliver heat below the surface using the needles to encourage additional new collagen production. Each full face, neck or body treatment takes around 30 to 60 minutes depending on size of area covered.
Downtime & Side Effects
You may experience some redness and sensitivity up to 24 hours after more aggressive session protocols. But most patients resume normal activities immediately with minimal restrictions or downtime needed.
Some temporary side effects like pinpoint bleeding, swelling, bruising or dryness typically resolve quickly as the renewal process initiates below. More intensive combination RF microneedling may require additional healing time before resuming strenuous exercise.
Takeaway on Microneedling Cost
While per-treatment costs range widely from $100 to $700+, most patients require between 3 to 7 sessions spaced weeks apart for significant improvements to skin texture, scars, fine lines, tone, pores and beyond.
So you can expect to invest anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 over several months for your complete customized microneedling treatment plan using basic devices or advanced combination technologies.
When performed properly under expert care, dramatic remodeling and rejuvenation can restore youthful radiance and glow worth the price. Contact a highly experienced, board certified dermatologist today for a microneedling consultation to reduce signs of aging and reveal your best complexion yet!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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