Granulomatous Reactions From Microneedling: A Systematic Review of the Literature

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #needles #cosmetic-techniques #granuloma-foreign-body #rejuvenation

Granulomatous Reactions From Microneedling: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Friedmann et al., 2025 | Dermatol Surg | Systematic Review

Citation

Friedmann Daniel P, Mehta Eshani, ... Harris Ryan. Granulomatous Reactions From Microneedling: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Dermatol Surg. 2025-Mar-01;51(3):263-266. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000004450

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Microneedling is a common minimally invasive procedure for skin rejuvenation. Granulomatous reactions after microneedling have been rarely reported. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature for granulomatous reactions from microneedling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases was performed for articles describing granulomatous reactions to microneedling. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were selected for inclusion after full-text review, which described 15 patients (26-74 years old) with non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation postmicroneedling. Motorized microneedling pen use and topical Vitamin C application were implicated in a majority of cases. Although delayed-type hypersensitivity was commonly proposed as the underlying etiology, patch testing or further workup was rarely performed. Improvement or clearance occurred inconsistently with myriad treatment options, including topical steroids, oral antibiotics, and systemic anti-inflammatory medications. CONCLUSION: Granulomatous reactions to microneedling and microneedling-mediated transepidermal drug delivery can rarely occur and may be treatment-resistant.

Key Findings

Thirteen studies were selected for inclusion after full-text review, which described 15 patients (26-74 years old) with non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation postmicroneedling. Motorized microneedling pen use and topical Vitamin C application were implicated in a majority of cases. Although delayed-type hypersensitivity was commonly proposed as the underlying etiology, patch testing or further workup was rarely performed. Improvement or clearance occurred inconsistently with myriad treatmen

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 15
Age Range 26-74 years
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Needles
  • Cosmetic Techniques
  • Granuloma, Foreign-Body
  • Rejuvenation
  • Adult
  • Granuloma
  • Aged
  • Percutaneous Collagen Induction

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09