How Much Does Microneedling Cost?

Ever wondered how much it costs to have skin like the Kardashians? Luckily with microneedling, you don't have to be a billionaire to achieve beautiful skin results. This procedure is, surprisingly, one of the most economical skin rejuvenating treatments out there. 

So, if you wish to get the treatment but are confused about the costs, let us break it down. In this blog post, we'll discuss in detail about how much microneedling costs.

What are the cost differences of microneedling at a clinic vs. at home? How to evaluate the total cost of your sessions? How does microneedling cost compare with those of other skin treatments?

Keep reading to get answers to these questions!

Microneedling: With a Professional Vs. at Home

Microneedling gets rid of different kinds of scarring and hyperpigmentation, makes the skin elastic and firm, and leaves it glowing and radiant. All this is achieved after a straightforward process with a simple tool. 

One of the reasons why microneedling is all the rage these days is because you can do it yourself at home. Of course, there are differences between both procedures, but they're subtle. Let's discuss both methods before we proceed on to their costs.

- Microneedling at a Clinic

First off, you will have an appointment with your practitioner for consultation. They will discuss with you your skin concerns and what you wish to target with microneedling. They'll also determine if your skin is safe for microneedling, and you don't have acne or other skin conditions.

Once they've cleared that out, you'll have to follow the pre-treatment instructions to prepare for the procedure (such as not putting on tanning lotions, etc...).

When you arrive at the clinic, your practitioner will thoroughly wash your face and apply a numbing cream. Once your skin is numb (after 20 minutes or so), the procedure will begin.

The practitioner will make small and precise punctures in your skin with a device that has 4 - 5 mm long needles. And no, don't worry, you won't feel the needles because of the numbness.

This can be paired with additional treatments such as PRP, etc. Depending on the area of your skin, the session can last between 30 to 60 minutes. After this, your face will be cleaned and washed, and hydrating serum will be applied to it. And that's it. You're good to go from here.

Recovery time can take between two to three days, but you can resume normal activities as soon as the session is over.

- Microneedling at Home

Microneedling at home is a fairly straightforward process, similar to what happens at the clinic. It is done with the help of a small handheld device with many tiny needles on it. You roll it on your skin in different directions, inducing collagen production and blood circulation.

First, you'll have to clean your device properly by disinfecting it. Then, after cleansing your face, you roll it on your face or other body parts in different directions for eight to ten times.

After this, you wash the skin and apply your favorite serums. The whole process takes about 30 minutes or so. Easy, right?

The only difference is that you'll have to repeat this process more often than the sessions in the clinic, and results might take a bit longer to appear. This is because needles in a handheld device are much smaller than the ones at the clinic. Nevertheless, microneedling at home is effective and simple!

Costs of Microneedling Sessions at a Clinic

Let's get down to the facts now. How much does microneedling cost per session?

You'll be paying an estimated $200 - $700 per session at a clinic. Most dermatologists recommend six sessions to treat any skin issues, which makes the total cost go up to $1200 - $4200.

However, this depends on several factors that you should take into consideration.

1- Practitioner Experience

One of the first things that will affect the cost of your session is your practitioner's experience. Microneedling is performed either by a dermatologist or an aesthetician.

However, most states are beginning to list microneedling as a medical procedure rather than a cosmetic one. Hence, it's mostly performed by qualified dermatologists. Always make sure you're seeing a dermatologist who is certified by the American Association of Dermatology.

It's also recommended to see experienced doctors because even though microneedling is a simple procedure, it's slightly invasive and may pose risks when not done correctly. And, experienced and qualified practitioners charge more per session, which greatly affects the total cost.

2- Location

You must factor in the location of your clinic when calculating costs. Where you get your treatment affects the price due to a number of reasons.

In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, costs are generally higher. Plus, the location of your clinic inside the city matters too. For instance, a clinic in Sydney Nord will probably charge you much less than a clinic in Cabramatta.

3- Add Ons

You may choose to pair microneedling with other treatments such as PRP or radiofrequency. However, this will significantly increase the cost of a session. Microneedling with PRP will cost an average of $750/ per session, while microneedling with radiofrequency will require a minimum of $1000.

You will also have to consider the risks of the additional treatments. For example, radiofrequency may cause hyperpigmentation or burns in some people, which can require additional visits to the doctor.

4- Number of Sessions

Your skin concern will determine the number of sessions you need, which, in turn, decides the total cost of microneedling.

For instance, microneedling for scarring requires at least six sessions, while radiance and brightening can be achieved within two to three sessions.

5- Area of Skin

Another important factor is the body part you wish to microneedle - the larger the surface area of skin, the more the cost. Typically, microneedling the face is the most inexpensive option. Other areas, such as the thighs or hips, will cost you more.

Costs of Microneedling at Home

Dermarolling at home is a lot cheaper and more pocket-friendly. Here's what decides your total cost:

- Device

A dermaroller costs anywhere between $20 to $160. It is a relatively affordable device, which can be easily used at home.

If you use a high-quality facial dermaroller every other day, you can use it for a good two months before you have to replace it. Longer needles that are used once a month will have to be replaced after three to four sessions.

- Serums

Applying collagen-boosting serums after microneedling is important, if not necessary. The price tag of your serum will also add to the total cost of your at-home treatment.

- Time

Even though this doesn't add to your costs, the time and effort you put into your skincare routine determine whether you opt for in-office or at-home treatment.

Dermarolling at home might take longer than a session at the clinic because you will have to prepare everything yourself. Also, it might take longer to see results because dermarollers have smaller needles than those used professionally. However, you may opt for this method because it's significantly cheaper.

Microneedling Vs. Microdermabrasion Vs. Laser Skin Resurfacing

There are many similar treatments available that target the same skin concerns as microneedling.

For instance, microdermabrasion is a simple exfoliating process that helps generate new cells in the skin's outer layer. It is not as effective as microneedling but works well enough against dullness and some scars.

Meanwhile, laser skin resurfacing is a more serious deal. It uses ablative lasers that remove outer layers of the skin and non-ablative lasers that give off pulsating lights. The cost depends on the type of laser you choose.

In the table below, we compare the costs and other aspects of microneedling, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing.

What is the Best Option: Microneedling at a Salon or at Home?

Microneedling costs way less when you do it at home, so if you're on a budget, this is the way to go. You also get to do it at a time that's convenient for you rather than booking an appointment.

Keep in mind, though, that it might take you a month or two longer to see results this way. But if you do it right, using dermarollers can be very effective against scarring, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and saggy skin. Multiple studies also prove this.

If you have safety concerns, professional microneedling can give you satisfaction. However, dermarolling at home can be just as safe if you follow the proper procedure and take precautions.

Final Word

Is microneedling effective? Absolutely. Is it affordable? This depends on many factors that we have discussed earlier, but generally, microneedling is a comparatively affordable procedure.

Whether you opt for microneedling at home or at a clinic depends on how much money you're willing to invest and how quickly you want results. However, we do recommend consulting a dermatologist before trying dermarollers to ensure your skin is safe for the procedure.