When it comes to cosmetic procedures of any type, whether Botox injections, microneedling or a facelift, the cost can be a make-or-break factor.

Not everyone can shell out thousands of dollars, no matter how much they want to better their face. 

Skin Pharm understands that, and we want to be upfront about how much certain procedures may cost before you commit. Microneedling is one of our most popular cosmetic treatments — and for good reason. 

While we believe that the benefits that come with these treatments more than pay for themselves, let’s discuss the microneedling cost and what you actually get for your money. 

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that is used to help manage a variety of different aesthetic skin concerns. This is done using a device that has multiple, tiny, shallow needles. 

Using the device on targeted areas, hundreds of controlled puncture wounds are made to the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. 

But don’t worry, these punctures are invisible to the naked eye, although they may cause some superficial bleeding during the process. Hench, this procedure is often known as part of the “vampire facial”).

There are also at-home microneedling devices that have become more popular recently. As tempting as purchasing one may be, the risks involved may not be worth it. Anything that involves puncturing the skin, even if those punctures are invisible, should always be done in a sterile environment to reduce the risk of infection. 

How does microneedling work?

Those puncture wounds are the key to the benefits that microneedling can provide to your skin. It all goes back to basic anatomy and physiology. When a wound happens to the skin, the body works hard to heal it. 

A variety of processes start to repair the skin on a cellular level, from the inside out. Part of that involves collagen production being triggered at the injury site. 

While microneedling is a controlled injury, it helps to close the wound and is an essential part of the growth and development of scar tissue. Along with elastin and an increase in capillaries, which provide the skin with the blood supply it needs to heal, the skin is rebuilt.

The skin doesn’t always know how much it’s being injured, though, it just reacts to the injury. Even though the microneedling process only creates tiny wounds, the body responds in the same way, flooding the area with collagen. If you know much about skin care, you probably already know just how important collagen is to the health and appearance of the skin.

Collagen is what keeps the skin plump and youthful so, obviously, more collagen is better! There aren’t a lot of products or treatments that can do that like microneedling can, a fact which has been studied. 

It takes a week or two after your microneedling treatment to see results. 

What are the benefits of microneedling?

There are plenty of benefits to stimulating additional collagen production in your face. The most obvious of those benefits is how they can help decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

As the body loses collagen as it ages, fine lines and wrinkles can become even more apparent. With thinner skin, there is less collagen to help plump the wrinkles up and less elastin to help the skin be taut and firm. That’s the same way collagen can help boost sagging skin.

Microneedling can also help improve the signs of sun damage, hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and reduce the severity of scars. It may also be able to reduce the appearance of large pores. These benefits can be boosted further with the addition of PRP, or platelet-rich plasma. 

PRP is a vital part of your blood and, once separated via a blood draw, followed by centrifugation, it can be used both on the skin and inside the skin to amplify your results. Not to mention, PRP also helps speed up the healing process and is an overall skin rejuvenator, especially when it comes to helping roll back the effects of photodamage.

Microneedling cost guide

Microneedling cost varies from clinic to clinic, but here’s a general rule of thumb about how we handle it here at Skin Pharm. (As always, we recommend consulting with one of our advanced practice providers first!)

The discussion around microneedling cost is essential. For one, patients must always inquire about the cost per treatment and how many treatments it usually takes to achieve optimal results to gain a better insight on what to expect. 

For us, the cost per treatment starts at $425. For some, a single treatment is all it takes to get their skin to the place they want it. Others, however, may require multiple treatments to get the results they’re looking for. 

We generally recommend microneedling treatments every four to six weeks for those seeking treatment for melasma (patchy skin discoloration) and scar visibility reduction. For wrinkle management, treatments are recommended every 12 weeks. For both, it takes between four to six treatments to see optimal results. 

The cost is higher if you elect to use PRP with your microneedling treatments. Because of how PRP helps speed up the natural healing process of your skin, you can also do them more frequently, as well.

Treatments for melasma and scarring can be scheduled every two to four weeks and age management every four to six weeks. Standard PRP microneedling treatments run at $600, with an additional $300 if you also want PRP injections, too.

While it may be tempting to save money by choosing a cheaper clinic, the results you get from having your microneedling done by someone who is experienced are well worth the cost.

How does the microneedling process work?

When you come in for a microneedling treatment for the first time, it can be a little overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect. To help relieve a little bit of your anxiety, knowing what the process is like can help you go into it with confidence. 

The entire process of microneedling takes around an hour, from start to finish. 

After discussing your skin care goals and the cost of treatment, your provider will start by cleaning your skin. Once your skin is cleaned, it will be numbed so that you don’t feel the needles. And finally, after you’re thoroughly numb, your skin will be treated with our Super Serum, which is full of antioxidants and hydrating agents. This is when the actual process begins!

Using the microneedling device, your provider works section by section to target the areas that you’re concerned about. 

During the process, you can expect redness and minimal bleeding. That’s where the discomfort should stop, though. Most people describe microneedling as feeling like a mix between a razor blade and a vacuum cleaner, with a little bit of pressure. 

Certain areas may be more sensitive than others, which is totally normal.

After the procedure is over, the skin is treated with a post-procedure cream and an SPF. You’ll use special, gentle skin care products for a week or so after, as well, to help keep your skin protected and not cause any additional irritation. 

Does insurance pay for the cost of microneedling?

Because microneedling is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not normally pick it up. Unless you have a verifiable medical need, any cost associated with having it done will need to be paid completely out of pocket.

In conclusion...

Microneedling cost depends on what areas you’re concerned about and how many treatments it will likely take to achieve your desired results. In the end, the cost associated with the procedure is significantly overshadowed by the results that you can get for your fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation and scar reduction, among other benefits. 

Skin Pharm would love to help you achieve the results you’re looking for, in a safe and controlled environment. We love your skin and you should, too!

SOURCES:

Wound Healing and the Immune System - Science in the News | Harvard (harvard.edu)

Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons | National Institutes of Health (nih.gov)

Platelet-rich plasma for photodamaged skin: A pilot study | PubMed (nih.gov)