Microneedling Depth Guide by Treatment Area
· Dr. Pen

Safe & Effective Needle Depth Settings for Different Facial Zones

Correct depth selection is critical for both results and safety. Different areas of the face have different skin thickness, sensitivity, and healing speed.


Quick Depth Reference (Face Overview)

Area Recommended Depth Sensitivity Notes
Forehead 0.25 – 0.75 mm Medium Thin skin, avoid over-treatment
Glabella (between brows) 0.5 – 1.0 mm Medium-High Wrinkles are deeper here
Under Eyes 0.25 – 0.5 mm Very High Extremely delicate area
Cheeks 0.5 – 1.5 mm Medium Best area for collagen stimulation
Nasolabial folds 0.75 – 1.5 mm High Deeper wrinkles
Jawline 0.75 – 1.5 mm Medium Firming & lifting zone
Chin 0.5 – 1.0 mm Medium Texture & acne scars
Neck 0.25 – 0.75 mm High Always use conservative depth

Detailed Treatment Area Guide

Forehead (Fine Lines & Texture)

Recommended depth: 0.25 – 0.75 mm

  • Thin skin with fast response
  • Focus on horizontal lines
  • Avoid aggressive settings

✔ Improves fine lines
✔ Smooths skin texture
⚠ Overuse may cause irritation


Glabella (Frown Lines / “11 Lines”)

Recommended depth: 0.5 – 1.0 mm

  • Muscle-driven deep lines
  • Requires moderate stimulation
  • Work slowly and evenly

✔ Reduces deep expression lines
✔ Improves firmness


Under Eye Area

Recommended depth: 0.25 – 0.5 mm

  • Most sensitive facial zone
  • Minimal depth required
  • Use gentle pressure only

✔ Improves fine creases
✔ Enhances skin brightness
⚠ Never exceed 0.5 mm


Cheeks (Acne Scars / Pores / Rejuvenation)

Recommended depth: 0.5 – 1.5 mm

  • Best area for collagen induction
  • Tolerates deeper treatment
  • Can be treated in sections

✔ Improves acne scars
✔ Reduces pores
✔ Boosts overall firmness


Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines)

Recommended depth: 0.75 – 1.5 mm

  • One of the deepest facial wrinkles
  • Requires controlled pressure
  • Often combined with cheek treatment

✔ Softens deep folds
✔ Improves facial contour


Jawline (Lifting & Tightening)

Recommended depth: 0.75 – 1.5 mm

  • Stronger skin structure
  • Responds well to stimulation
  • Focus on lifting effect

✔ Defines jawline
✔ Improves skin firmness


Chin (Texture & Breakouts)

Recommended depth: 0.5 – 1.0 mm

  • Moderate thickness
  • Good for acne-prone skin
  • Avoid overworking active breakouts

✔ Improves texture
✔ Reduces post-acne marks


Neck (Anti-Aging Area)

Recommended depth: 0.25 – 0.75 mm

  • Very thin and sensitive
  • Slower healing process
  • Always use conservative settings

✔ Reduces neck lines
✔ Improves elasticity
⚠ Avoid deep penetration


Professional Treatment Rules

1. Always start lower

Begin with the lowest effective depth and increase gradually.

2. Sensitive areas = shallow depth

Under eyes and neck should always stay minimal.

3. Deep areas = controlled zones

Cheeks and nasolabial folds tolerate deeper settings.

4. Never use one depth for the entire face

Customize per zone for best results.


Recommended Strategy (Salon Use)

  • Anti-aging treatment: 0.5 – 1.0 mm overall + deeper cheek zones
  • Acne scar protocol: 1.0 – 1.5 mm cheeks + 0.5 mm surrounding areas
  • Sensitive skin protocol: 0.25 – 0.5 mm full face
  • Lifting treatment: jawline + cheeks at 0.75 – 1.25 mm