Why Needle Depth Matters in Microneedling
Let me put this as clearly (and kindly) as possible:
If the same needle depth is used for your entire microneedling procedure, it is not being done correctly.
This is one of the most common reasons patients come to me disappointed with their results. Often, they’ve been treated at a single depth—commonly around 0.5 mm—for the entire face, regardless of skin thickness, concern, or treatment goal.
Skin Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
We instinctively know that the skin on our forehead feels different than the skin on our cheeks—and that’s because it is different. Thickness, density, and underlying structure vary across the face, which means each area needs to be treated differently to achieve optimal results.
For example:
I will always use a lighter depth on the forehead compared to the cheeks.
If a patient has acne scarring on the cheeks, I may need to increase the depth to reach the level necessary to adequately create effective micro-channels in the skin
Areas like the under-eyes and crow’s feet have thinner, more delicate skin and require a more conservative approach.
Using the same depth everywhere ignores these differences—and ultimately limits results.
Depth = Results
Microneedling is only effective if the needle penetrates to the appropriate depth for the specific concern being treated. Too shallow, and you won’t stimulate the response needed for collagen production or scar improvement. Too deep, and you risk unnecessary trauma. Most microneedling pens on the market should come with manufacturer instructions that include depth/speed for specific areas of the face.
This is why experience, technique, and customization matter so much.
An Educated Patient Is an Empowered Patient
No one wants to invest hundreds of dollars into a treatment and feel underwhelmed by the outcome. Whether you choose to see me or another provider for microneedling, my goal is for you to understand the why behind the treatment so you can ask the right questions and get the best possible return on your investment.
Because when microneedling is done correctly, depth matters—and results show it.
Happy needling. ✨
