Woman, 24, Left with 'Huge Scar' After Microneedling: 'It's Never Going Fully Away'

Mar. 15, 2025

Melia Nielsen.Photo:Kennedy News and Media

Kennedy News and Media

A woman who underwent microneedling to help with her acne scarring said the procedure left her “bleeding” — and with a “huge scar” on her cheek.

Melia Nielsen, 24, started going to a skincare clinic in November 2023 “for chemical peels and stuff to clear acne,” she told Kennedy News and Media via theDaily Mail.

“We were moving on to microneedling to help get rid of the scarring,” she explained of the process, which usestiny needlesto pierce the skin.Devoteesinclude stars likeKourtney KardashianandNaomi Campbell, and it is believed to encourage the growth of collagen and elastin.

Melia Nielsen before microneedling procedure.Kennedy News and Media

“At the time, [the clinician] never said anything about it but I was actually bleeding. She only said five or six days later over a message that she’d noticed that I was bleeding quite a bit," Nielsen said, per the outlet. “Because I was bleeding she was cleaning the area with, I don’t know if it was a toner or something, but it burned that brand new, raw skin.”

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Per the outlet, she reached out to the clinician, who asked Nielsen if she’d changed her medications at home because “nothing different was used” on her face.

Melia Nielsen after microneedling procedure.Kennedy News and Media

And now, she’s been left with a permanent scar, which, according to theCleveland Clinic, can be one of the risks of microneedling in addition to bruising and skin infection.

“Even now if I rub my finger over it now it’s a completely different texture to the rest of my face. It’s never fully going away,” Nielsen said, urging people to “make sure to thoroughly research, have consultations and choose your skincare wisely.” She added, “I’ve first hand seen how things can go wrong. I wouldn’t ever want to risk going through that again.”

source: people.com