How Long Does Microneedling Take? From Treatment to Visible Results

Microneedling has so many benefits; smoother skin, improved texture, reduced wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and so much more. Two of the most common questions are: How long does microneedling take to perform? and How long before results appear?

This guide outlines key timeframes, preparation protocols, and expectations to help professionals optimize outcomes for their clients.

Treatment Duration

Microneedling itself is not a lengthy procedure. The introduction of professional-grade microneedling pens has streamlined the process, minimizing discomfort while improving precision.

• Preparation: Establishing a sterile workspace and disinfecting equipment typically requires about 10 minutes.

• Numbing (if required): Topical anesthetic creams may take 10–30 minutes to become effective. Plastic occlusion wraps can accelerate absorption but must be applied safely.

• Active needling: Treating the face generally takes 10–15 minutes. Larger areas such as the neck, décolletage, or body require more time.

On average, a full-face microneedling session requires about 30 minutes from preparation through treatment.

Preparing for Treatment

To minimize risks and optimize results, professionals should:

• Sterilize all tools, surfaces, and cartridges using 70% isopropyl alcohol.

• Wear medical-grade gloves and use sterile applicators or brushes for serums.

• Apply only professional-grade serums such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, or EGF during treatment to avoid adverse reactions.

Timeline for Results

• Immediately post-treatment: The skin appears red and inflamed, similar to a mild sunburn, but looks plumped and hydrated due to platelet activity and increased circulation.

• Days 1–7: The skin’s natural healing cascade is underway, stimulating fibroblast activity and collagen production.

• Days 7–14: Clients typically experience the “microneedling glow” with improved tone and visible radiance.

• After multiple sessions: Significant improvements in texture, pigmentation, and scarring generally become evident after 7–8 treatments, depending on skin concern and healing response.

 Timeline for Results

• Immediately post-treatment: The skin appears red and inflamed, similar to a mild sunburn, but looks plumped and hydrated due to platelet activity and increased circulation.

• Days 1–7: The skin’s natural healing cascade is underway, stimulating fibroblast activity and collagen production.

• Days 7–14: Clients typically experience the “microneedling glow” with improved tone and visible radiance.

• After multiple sessions: Significant improvements in texture, pigmentation, and scarring generally become evident after 7–8 treatments, depending on skin concern and healing response.

Supporting and Accelerating Outcomes

Adjunct therapies can enhance results:

• LED light therapy: Post-microneedling red LED or NIR light reduces inflammation and accelerates recovery.

• Nano needling: Can be performed weekly between microneedling sessions to boost hydration, refine pores, and improve product absorption with no downtime.

How to Maintain the Microneedling Results?

Microneedling produces long-term improvements, but results are not permanent. Skin continues to age and respond to internal and external factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and environmental stressors.

Maintenance protocol:

• Perform microneedling every 4–6 weeks during corrective phases.

• Transition to every 8–12 weeks for maintenance, adjusting depth as needed.

• Alternate with nano needling to sustain hydration and collagen stimulation.

Let’s Summarise  

A typical microneedling session—including preparation, numbing, and treatment—takes approximately 30 minutes. Visible improvements can appear within 1–2 weeks, but 7–8 sessions are often needed for transformative results. Maintenance is essential, as skin is a dynamic organ subject to ongoing changes.

Professionals can optimize outcomes by maintaining sterile technique, customizing depth settings to the client’s skin concern, and integrating supportive therapies such as LED or nano needling.

For guidance on device selection, protocols, or aftercare products, contact our professional support team. Alternatively, Join our VIP Private Facebook Support Group or follow Dr. Pen Global on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and Pinterest for more valuable tips.