Does Microneedling Hurt? Here’s What to Expect

Microneedling is a popular skin rejuvenation treatment that uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen and improve overall skin health. Many people choose it to address concerns such as scars, fine lines, and uneven texture. Still, it’s natural to wonder what the procedure actually feels like.

At Laser Beauty Works we’ve spent more than 12 years helping patients in Denver transform their skin with microneedling and RF microneedling. Our licensed team uses advanced technology and patient-centered care to ensure your treatment is both comfortable and effective. 

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Now let’s look at what microneedling really feels like, how discomfort is managed, and why patients agree the results are worth it.

Numbing Cream: What It Is and How It Works

Before treatment begins, a topical numbing cream is applied to the skin. This anesthetic reduces sensitivity, so the procedure feels much more comfortable. It typically takes 20–30 minutes to take effect.

The cream works by blocking nerve signals in the skin’s upper layers, which means most patients describe microneedling as only mild pressure or tingling rather than pain. Without this step, the treatment could be more uncomfortable, especially in sensitive areas like the forehead or around the mouth.

What Microneedling Feels Like

During treatment, a microneedling device equipped with fine, sterile needles is passed over the skin, creating controlled micro-injuries in the outer layer. These tiny punctures are not harmful; instead, they trigger the body’s natural healing process and stimulate collagen and elastin production. Over time, this helps the skin become smoother, firmer, and more radiant.

Most patients describe the sensation as:

• Light pressure across the skin.
• A scratching or prickling feeling, similar to fine sandpaper being brushed gently over the face.
• Sometimes, it is compared to the snap of a rubber band, especially in areas with thinner skin.

The level of sensation depends on the area being treated. For example, the forehead, upper lip, and jawline may feel more sensitive due to thinner skin and proximity to bone. In contrast, the cheeks, thighs, or abdomen usually feel much more comfortable.

With the use of prescription-strength numbing cream, the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Many patients report that their anticipation of pain was far greater than the experience, and are pleasantly surprised at how manageable the treatment feels.

RF Microneedling: How It Compares

RF microneedling builds on the same principles of traditional microneedling but incorporates radiofrequency energy that is delivered through the tiny needles directly into the dermis. This dual action not only creates micro-channels that stimulate natural collagen but also delivers controlled heat deep into the skin.

The radiofrequency energy causes thermal remodeling, which tightens existing collagen fibers while encouraging new collagen and elastin production. This makes RF microneedling particularly effective for:

• Skin laxity: Lifts and firms areas like the jawline, cheeks, and under the eyes.
• Deeper wrinkles: Softens lines that topical products alone cannot address.
• Acne and surgical scars: Improves texture by breaking down scar tissue and promoting smoother skin.
• Stretch marks: Targets deeper dermal layers for visible improvement.

Because heat is involved, RF microneedling can feel warmer or slightly more intense than standard microneedling. However, with prescription-strength numbing cream and precision settings customized to your skin type, most patients find it very tolerable.

The benefits extend beyond traditional microneedling: faster skin tightening, more dramatic scar improvement, and results that last longer because of the deeper collagen stimulation.

What Side Effects Are Normal

After microneedling, it’s common to experience short-term effects that resemble a mild sunburn:

• Redness
• Warmth or tingling
• Sensitivity
• Slight swelling

These microneedling side effects usually resolve within 24–48 hours, though deeper treatments may take a few extra days. Makeup and most normal activities can be resumed after the first day, but patients should avoid intense workouts, hot showers, and sun exposure for 48 hours.

Comfort-Focused Care at Laser Beauty Works

At Laser Beauty Works, patient comfort isn’t just a priority; it’s part of our treatment philosophy. We take several steps to ensure your microneedling or RF microneedling session is as easy and stress-free as possible:

• Topical numbing agents: We apply a prescription-strength lidocaine-based cream 20–30 minutes before treatment. This helps block nerve signals in the upper layers of skin, so you feel pressure and vibration rather than pain.
• Gentle, precise technique: Our Certified Laser Specialists and Licensed Medical Aestheticians customize needle depth and speed to match your skin type, sensitivity, and treatment goals, ensuring both safety and comfort.
• Professional-grade devices: We use advanced microneedling technology such as Collagen P.I.N.® and RF microneedling platforms designed for consistent results with minimal trauma to surrounding tissue. These devices allow us to treat areas like the forehead, under-eyes, and around the mouth with accuracy and care.
• Soothing post-care: After treatment, cooling gels and hydrating serums rich in hyaluronic acid are applied to calm the skin and speed recovery.

Patients often share that while they expected discomfort, the procedure felt more like a gentle vibration or light scratching sensation. Redness usually resolves within 24–48 hours, and many are pleasantly surprised by how quickly their skin looks refreshed.

Comfortable Care, Transformative Results

Microneedling is a safe and effective skin rejuvenation treatment that may cause mild, temporary discomfort, but numbing cream and skilled technique make the process easy for most patients. With RF microneedling, results go even further, offering noticeable tightening and long-term collagen renewal. At Laser Beauty Works, we focus on patient comfort while delivering real, lasting improvements in scars, fine lines, and skin tone. 

Ready to learn why so many patients call us the best microneedling near me? Call us today at (720) 315-6677 or Book an Appointment Online to start your journey.

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