How Much Does Microneedling Cost, and What Factors Into It?

There’s no one set fee for microneedling. Your bottom line depends on many factors, such as type, location, and doctor.

Cosmetic or home sessions

Cosmetic forms of microneedling are done at home without the assistance of a medical professional. This process involves the use of a portable tool called a derma roller that you swipe across your skin.

These home devices work best for fine lines and other surface skin concerns. The length of the needle on the device will determine how often you need to use it.

The cost of an at-home derma roller is typically between $15 and $140, depending on add-ons.

With added topical serums

Topical serums, such as hyaluronic acid, may be used as an anti-aging boost for wrinkles. The cost of microneedling with a serum may cost as little as $240 per session, with at least three treatments spaced out every few weeks.

With added radiofrequency

Microneedling with radiofrequency uses electromagnetic waves to treat scarring. Most people need at least four treatments spaced six weeks apart for optimal results. Scar treatment is often more expensive. Radiofrequency with microneedling is no exception. Some estimates report an average price of $1,525 per session.

With platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Some microneedling treatments are used in conjunction with PRP injections. PRP further stimulates skin tissues to encourage tightening. PRP is typically used to target wrinkles, scarring, and other signs of aging.

This combination may cost around $750 per session. You may need three to six treatments spaced out every few weeks for best results.

PRP injections are also sometimes marketed as a “vampire facial.” This is a trademarked name. It may only be used by people who have received specific training and use specific products by the company that trademarked it.

Overall, the cost of microneedling varies more by type and overall surface area than it does by individual body part. This is especially true for microneedling done in combination with added serums or PRP.

A larger surface area means more time spent on the treatment and more product. More product typically results in a higher price tag.

The official Dermapen website estimates that face treatments may be the least expensive per session at about $300 each.

This treatment is commonly used for skin concerns caused or enhanced by a loss of a collagen. This includes:

• acne scars
• enlarged pores
• fine lines and wrinkles
• stretch marks
• sunspots (also called age spots)
• uneven texture

Microneedling may also be used in other areas of the body to treat:

• depressed (flat) scars
• rough texture
• loss of elasticity

Just remember that the wider the area of treatment, the higher the cost may be.

Recovery time is relatively short with this treatment, but it can still influence your budget.

According to Emory Aesthetic Center, each microneedling session takes about 30 minutes. You may also have a numbing ointment applied to your skin before treatment. This usually adds an additional 30 minutes to wait for it to take effect.

Once you’re done with your treatment, your doctor will apply a calming solution to reduce redness and irritation.

Since this is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure, you aren’t expected to take time off work. Still, you may be at your appointment for a couple of hours. You might consider taking the day off and returning to work the next day. Otherwise, you should consider taking at least a half day off from work.

Redness from the procedure should ease within a couple of days. You may use makeup if you wish. But if the redness bothers you, you may consider taking a few days off after each procedure. You can also schedule the treatment on a Friday so that you have the weekend to recover if you work Monday through Friday.

Depending on how many paid days off you have, you may also need to consider the cost of your recovery time into your microneedling budget.

Another consideration is that microneedling isn’t a one-and-done treatment.

Microneedling typically requires nine months of treatment. During this time, you’ll need three to six treatments spaced out every two to six weeks to see full results. The exact number of treatments and the time between them will vary by type, location, and skin concern.

It’s also important to know that the results aren’t permanent. You’ll probably need additional sessions as part of a long-term maintenance plan. Microneedling for scars may require touch-ups every six months. Other cases may only need treatment once every year. Touch-ups typically have the same per-session cost as your initial treatments.

Microneedling is usually billed on an out-of-pocket basis. You may qualify for insurance reimbursement if your doctor determines that the procedure is medically necessary.

People who have scars from a traumatic injury or a required surgery may fall into this category. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider to learn more.

Many facilities offer payment plans for microneedling services. There’s also financing available in some instances. For example, some doctors accept Care Credit. This is a type of credit card used for healthcare purposes. You’ll need to apply for the card ahead of time. Unless you’re able to pay off the full amount within a set promotional period, you may have to pay a monthly interest fee on the balance owed.

If you’re getting add-ons, your doctor may offer a discount. The brand of the product may also offer a promotional rebate to help offset some of the cost.

Some facilities may offer reduced session rates for membership enrollment. There may also be a reduced rate if you purchase a “package.” This is a set number of treatments for a total reduced fee. You pay the total set fee up front, before receiving all the treatments, as opposed to paying full price each time you receive the treatment.

Some clinics price it so that if you pay for all your treatments up front, your final treatment may be free of charge. It doesn’t hurt to ask if there’s any “package” pricing in effect.

Finally, you may also be able to buy some microneedling products yourself. Dermapen, for example, says you can purchase their devices at about a third of the cost. There’s a great deal of risk associated with this plan, though. Any side effects you experience could end up costing you more than professional treatment. It’s also important to see if the device you’re purchasing is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure quality.

While microneedling and laser skin resurfacing are both considered corrective treatments, microneedling is less invasive and has fewer side effects. Here are some of the other key differences to discuss with your dermatologist.