I had microneedling 5 days ago, I have scabs that don't seem to match the minimal downtime. Is this normal? (Photos)

Thank you for your question and posting pictures.  Your pictures make me think they did more than just microneedling.  Normally after microneedling would have just some pinpoints scabs or some streaking.  No one has perfect skin, but you can probably get significant improvement in your hyperpigmentation.  After a complete consultation in a medical setting, you would probably be a candidate for a several treatment options depending on your skin type, severity of the pigment and how much downtime you can take.  While we offer microneedling and laser procedures, every patient has chosen an energy options over microneedling.   Keep in mind that more intense/deeper treatments require more downtime, but you will need less treatments.  If you choose a short downtime treatment plan, you will need more treatments in the series.  The most gentle would be something like the PicoSure FOCUS treatment with almost no downtime.  It is safe for all skin types, but you would probably need 1 to 4 treatments.  Another option would be an IPL PhotoFacial if you are a Skin Type I-III.  Look for a medical setting with a doctor in house, where they have multiple options.  Best of luck.

It looks to me like maybe IPL or another type of laser may have been used on this area. I have not seen this type of scabbing with just a basic needling pen. Microneedling causes microscopic scabs that cab be felt but usually not seen. Another theory is that maybe they used a Radiofrequency microneedling device and the energy was too high. I would go back to the facility you had it done at and go over with the medical director/practitioner what exactly your treatment consisted of. I would make sure you keep the scabs moist with vaseline and all the healing skin covered with a medical grade SPF of 30 or higher. With proper post treatment care this should heal ok.