At-home microneedling tools do not compare to professional devices in terms of safety or effectiveness. In-office microneedling treatments are performed with medical devices that are regulated by the FDA. The FDA has cleared certain professional microneedling devices to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, facial wrinkles, and other common skin conditions.
Meanwhile, the FDA has not authorized any microneedling medical devices for over-the-counter sale. The tools that can be purchased for at-home use, such as dermal rollers, have shorter and blunter needles. These needles can cause side effects such as bruising, inflammation, and scarring, especially when used incorrectly. They are also not likely to be long enough to stimulate significant collagen remodeling or create a noticeable improvement in skin concerns.
For these reasons, microneedling or collagen induction treatments should only be performed by an experienced healthcare provider. Professional microneedling services provide the most reliable benefits and can be complemented with add-ons such as PRP.