Author: The Livewell Team
Medically reviewed by Courtney Vesely, FNP-C, MSN, RN – Last reviewed: October, 2026
Most people start with about three microneedling sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. The right number depends on your skin concern: acne scarring and deeper texture changes often call for a longer series than a general skin refresh. Some people notice a difference after one, and your provider sets your plan at your consultation.
Why Microneedling Is Done in a Series
Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. Your body responds by starting its natural healing process, including collagen and elastin production. That process takes time. Each session starts a healing cycle, and your skin needs weeks to rebuild before the next one. Improvement builds gradually across the series, which is why a single session usually does not give the full effect on deeper concerns.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that more than one microneedling procedure may be needed to get results.
How Many Sessions by Concern
These are starting points, not promises. Your provider will adjust the plan to your skin.
| Concern | Typical starting plan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fine lines and early wrinkles | A series of 3, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart | Livewell’s standard recommendation. |
| Uneven texture and enlarged pores | A series of 3, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart | Skin often looks smoother as the series progresses. |
| Dull or uneven tone, dark marks left by acne | A series of 3, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart | May be paired with other treatments, such as a chemical peel. |
| Acne scarring | Set by your provider after a scar assessment | Deeper scars often need a longer series. Your provider will assess scar type and depth first. |
| Mild skin laxity | A series of 3, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart | Results build gradually. |
| Maintenance | Set by your provider | Many people return from time to time to keep results going. Your provider will recommend a schedule. |
Livewell’s standard recommendation is a series of 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, and some patients see meaningful improvement after a single session.
How Far Apart Should Sessions Be?
At Livewell, sessions are typically spaced four to six weeks apart. That gap gives your skin time to heal and rebuild collagen before the next treatment. Coming back sooner is not recommended, because skin that has not finished healing can become irritated. Your provider will check your skin before each session.
Mayo Clinic Health System also describes spacing sessions four to six weeks apart so the skin can heal.
When Will I See Results?
Most people have redness and sensitivity for a day or two after a session. Skin quality changes build over the weeks that follow. Because collagen takes time to form, the full effect of a series usually shows weeks after your last session, not right away. Results vary from person to person.
What If I Only Do One Session?
Some people notice a difference after a single session, especially in how their skin looks and feels. For deeper concerns such as acne scarring or lines, one session usually does not tell the whole story. If a series does not fit your budget or schedule, tell your provider. They can help you decide what to prioritize.
Do I Need Maintenance Sessions?
Microneedling supports your skin’s own repair process, but skin keeps changing with age, sun and daily wear. Many people schedule maintenance sessions after their first series to keep results going. Your provider will recommend how often based on your skin and goals.
Does Adding PRP, PRF or Microglow Change the Number of Sessions?
Livewell offers microneedling on its own and with enhancements such as PRP and PRF, BENEV exosomes and Microglow. Enhancements are chosen to support healing and your skin goals. They are not a shortcut, and no one can promise that an enhancement will reduce the number of sessions you need. Ask your provider what an enhancement adds for your skin and what it costs.
Who Should Wait or Skip Microneedling
Microneedling is not right for everyone. Your provider may recommend waiting, or a different treatment, if you have an active skin infection or open lesions, an active cold sore, an eczema or psoriasis flare in the treatment area, a recent sunburn, or a history of keloid scars. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take blood thinners, or have recently taken isotretinoin. If you have active acne, ask your provider whether to treat now or wait.
Microneedling in Rapid City at LiveWell
Microneedling at LiveWell Medical Aesthetics is performed by Courtney Vesely, FNP-C, MSN, RN, and our licensed team. Courtney is a Family Nurse Practitioner who leads the practice. LiveWell offers standard microneedling and enhanced protocols for different skin goals.
LiveWell serves Rapid City and the Black Hills region, including Spearfish, Sturgis, Deadwood and Box Elder. If you are traveling in, ask us about scheduling around your trip. Call or text 605-545-9020 to book a consultation, or learn more about microneedling at LiveWell. You can also contact us online.
FAQs about Microneedling Sessions
How many microneedling sessions do I need for acne scars?
Acne scarring usually takes a longer series than a general skin refresh, and the number depends on the type and depth of your scars. Your provider will assess your scars at a consultation and give you a range.
Is one microneedling session enough?
One session can change how your skin looks and feels, but deeper concerns usually need a series. Livewell recommends about three sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, for best results.
How long should I wait between microneedling sessions?
Livewell recommends four to six weeks between sessions, so your skin can heal and rebuild collagen. Your provider will tell you when your skin is ready for the next one.
Can you do microneedling too often?
Yes. Treating skin again before it has finished healing can cause irritation and slow your progress. That is why sessions are spaced weeks apart and why your provider checks your skin before each one.
When will I see results from microneedling?
You may notice smoother, brighter-looking skin within days to weeks, with the fuller effect building over the weeks after your last session. Results vary from person to person.
How much downtime is there after microneedling?
Most people have redness and sensitivity for a day or two. Your provider will give you aftercare instructions, including sun protection, to follow while your skin heals.
Do I need maintenance sessions after my first series?
Many people schedule periodic sessions to keep results going. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your skin and goals.
