Professional microneedling costs $768 on average, according to 391 patient reviews on RealSelf.
Also called collagen induction therapy, microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that creates tiny controlled injuries in the skin, to trigger the body’s natural healing response, thereby stimulating collagen and elastin production. It’s a versatile, energy-free treatment that can help improve various skin conditions, on almost any skin tone, with little downtime.
Read on to find out why the cost of microneedling varies and whether real patients think it was worth the money to pay a professional.
Microneedling has a 83% Worth It Rating from reviewers on RealSelf who had the treatment, so while not everyone was pleased with their outcome, a solid majority thought it was a worthwhile investment.
Happy patients who had a variety of skin conditions and concerns noted visible benefits, including firmer, more evenly toned skin with less hyperpigmentation, fewer fine lines, better elasticity, and less acne scarring.
Many of those who said it was "Not Worth It" were upset by new skin concerns from being treated by an inexperienced or inept provider. They noted unwanted side effects like large pores, crepey skin, and textual issues from the needle punctures. In some cases, people say they had to pay for additional treatments in an effort to resolve these new issues, which was frustrating and expensive.
Seeking out a well-trained, experienced provider can help ensure your results are worth the price you pay. Depending on your skin concerns and budget, they may even recommend an entirely different skin rejuvenation treatment option.
Your microneedling cost will largely depend on these factors.
A treatment performed by an aesthetician, medical assistant, or nurse typically costs less than one from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
As with all device-driven procedures, microneedling outcomes are profoundly influenced by the provider’s technique. In inexperienced hands, the procedure can cause textural damage and hyperpigmentation. Pick a provider who performs microneedling regularly and has enough glowing patient reviews and photos to give you confidence in their skill level.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling Side Effects
Plastic surgery or dermatology practices and med spas in cities or neighborhoods with higher rents typically have to charge more, to help cover their higher overhead.
If you’re looking for ways to save and willing to go a little out of your way, it may be worth your time to request cost quotes from several practices in a broader area. You’ll probably get more reasonable quotes from qualified providers in modest locations, rather than luxury practices in the heart of downtown.
Microneedling treatment plans include a number of sessions, with the recommended number based on your skin’s starting point, your aesthetic goals, and how well your skin responds to this treatment.
To address skin concerns like acne scars and stretch marks, dermatologists often propose a treatment plan of three to six microneedling sessions, every two to six weeks, to see optimal results.
Improvements aren't permanent, so you'll also need to factor in the cost of maintenance treatments. How long your results last will hinge on your age as well as lifestyle factors. Younger patients who avoid sun exposure and use daily sunscreen and medical-grade skin care products may be able to go six months to a year between treatments. Not smoking will also help protect your investment.
Patients over 40, as well as those who aren’t careful about avoiding sun damage, may need follow-up treatments as frequently as every three to four months. That’s because older skin has accrued more damage (so, there’s more to fix), and it doesn’t respond as robustly to collagen-spurring treatments, like microneedling, due to the cellular slowdown that occurs with age.
Larger body parts like thighs, or multiple areas, like the full face and neck, take more time to treat than isolated zones, like the upper lip or around the eyes.
The longer your provider spends on your treatment, the more they’ll have to charge for their time.
Ancillary treatments or topical skin care can bolster the benefits of microneedling. While they will increase your cost per treatment, they can also amp up results, curtailing the number of sessions you’ll need to see a significant change in your skin.
It’s common to find promotional pricing or discounts if you buy a package of treatment sessions up-front.
These can be well worth taking advantage of, as long as you don’t choose your provider just because they offer the lowest price.
Yes, many providers offer payment plans and financing to make paying for your procedure more manageable.
During your initial consultation, ask your provider for a detailed cost estimate and find out which financing options they accept.
Scheduling consultations with one or more qualified providers is the best way to get a personalized treatment plan and microneedling price estimate.
Many providers on RealSelf offer free consultations or apply the cost of the consult to your first treatment.
Browse average microneedling costs in U.S. states, according to recent RealSelf member reviews (as of July 2023). States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.
State | Average Cost |
---|---|
Michigan | $295 |
Ohio | $331 |
Oregon | $358 |
Texas | $399 |
Florida | $485 |
Washington | $549 |
California | $939 |
Maryland | $1,067 |
New York | $1,215 |
Average costs according to patient-reported data, as of July 2023. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.
Metro Area | Average Cost |
---|---|
Columbus, OH | $199 |
Detroit, MI | $295 |
Orlando, FL | $333 |
Portland, OR | $358 |
Miami, FL | $493 |
Tampa, FL | $522 |
Seattle-Tacoma, WA | $599 |
Orange County | $668 |
San Francisco, CA | $859 |
Los Angeles, CA | $866 |
Washington, DC | $1,050 |
New York City | $1,328 |