Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns via collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment may help those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks.

It’s also used in certain anti-aging procedures, such as eyelid surgery and sunspots. Microneedling isn’t effective for hair loss, despite the possible role of collagen in hair growth.

You may be an ideal candidate for this procedure if you’re in good health and have certain skin concerns that haven’t responded to home treatments or other types of dermatologic procedures, such as peels.

This may also be a final step before considering cosmetic surgery for anti-aging and other concerns. Learn more about microneedling and talk to your dermatologist to see if this is the right option for your skin.

Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. The idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.

This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture. It’s normal for the skin to lose collagen via age or injury. By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, there may be more collagen to help make the skin firmer, too.

During the procedure, your doctor makes small pricks under the skin with a pen-like tool. The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure. Your doctor will move the tool evenly across your skin so that the new skin that rejuvenates will be even, too.

Before getting started, your doctor will use a topical anesthetic to reduce the chances of pain. This is done about an hour before your treatment. Emory University says the actual microneedling process takes approximately 30 minutes.

Your doctor may then apply a serum or calming treatment. In total, you can expect to be at the office for a couple of hours at least.

Microneedling is most often used on your face to target:

• acne scars
• age spots (also called “sun spots”)
• fine lines and wrinkles
• large pores
• other types of scars
• reduced skin elasticity
• uneven skin tone

In addition to facial concerns, microneedling is sometimes used to treat stretch marks in other areas of the body. One study found that microneedling was effective for stretch marks on the thighs and abdominal area when combined with fillers.

Scarring on other body parts may also be treated with this procedure. However, microneedling is primarily used on the face.