Can micro-needling be done by a cosmetician or only by a MD?

Question

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

I believe by law in many states that an aesthetician, unsupervised by a physician can only work on the epidermis or outer supporting layer of skin. Physicians often go five times deeper. Depending on the state, if an aesthetician or staff memeber is performing microneeedling under a doctors supervision, they can go deeper than if they were on their own. Since every state is different, I would contact the state board. To avoid confusion with aesthetician microneedling, many physicians performing the deeper treatment with or withour Platelet rich plasma is called Collagen Induction Treatment.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

Good question! As the other poster mentioned it does vary by state. However, the better answer to your question is that you should have it done by a cosmetic trained board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. A cosmetician may know how to work the machine after training but any treatment on the face shouldn't be a cookbook.  Treatment plans should vary depending on how the patients body initially responds to the therapy. All the best.

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hi. I am not sure if a cosmetician can perform Microneedling, however a aesthetician can. The aesthetician depth of Microneedling is much less aggressive than the depth a doctor, nurse, or physicians assistant can perform. In our office Microneedling with the esthetician goes 0.5 mm deep and is ideal for rejuvenation of the skin. Microneedling with a doctor, nurse, or physicians assistant is considered medical grade which is ideal for scar revision and more aggressive collagen building at a depth of 2.5 - 4mm. But as other wrote always check your state laws. Brest of luck with your treatment!

Kim Nichols, MD · Answer

This is a very important question! To start, who can perform the treatment varies by state laws. For instance, in Connecticut, microneedling is defined as a medical treatment (since needles puncture the skin) and only NPs, PAs, DOs, and MDs can perform this service. So find out the laws in your state regarding who can perform microneedling.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Microneedling should be physician supervised, but can be delegated to a subordinate.  The rules vary by state.  Microneedling should only be performed in a medical setting.  The needles open your skin barrier and make you susceptible to infection without proper care.  Best of luck.

Can micro-needling be done by a cosmetician or only by a MD?

Answers (5)

Answer: Check your state laws!

Answer: Check your state laws!

Answer: Rules Vary by State

Answer: Rules Vary by State

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Microneedling

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can micro-needling be done by a cosmetician or only by a MD?

Answers (5)

Answer: Check your state laws!

Answer: Check your state laws!

Answer: Rules Vary by State

Answer: Rules Vary by State

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Microneedling

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.