People Are Using Derma Rollers on Their Lips—Genius or Crazy?
Written by: Aither
l
Published on June 3, 2025
l
Time to read 8 min
Have you heard of someone using a derma roller on lips? If not, you might be surprised that this beauty tool, once used primarily to reduce scars, is now being used to plump lips.
Many Reddit users, and even entrepreneur Michelle Phan, have shared how they use a microneedling device to plump their lips. Does this sound crazy, or is it a genius move?
How Do Stretch Marks Occur?
Microneedling at-home devices, like the Aither derma roller, were originally intended for facial skin. These devices feature 540 needles (depending on the size of the roller head), with needle lengths ranging from 0.25 mm to 2 mm.
The needles create tiny punctures in the skin to trigger collagen production to address issues such as acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. Some even use them to stimulate beard growth. But with people constantly experimenting, it's no surprise we're now seeing derma roller lip before-and-after videos trending on TikTok.
So, should you try using your Aither derma roller on your lips?
Derma Roller on Lips Experience
In an interview with Into the Gloss, Michelle Phan, an American YouTube personality and entrepreneur, shared how she gets fuller lips.
“if you want to make them bigger, I don’t really recommend fillers. Do whatever makes you happy, but I would rather do something that has a longer, subtle shelf life than jumping on a trend that everyone is doing. I’ve been doing micro-needling with a dermaroller that I get from Switzerland.”
Shocking, right? But Phan isn’t the only one curious about using a derma roller for lips. Many people have shared their experiences on Reddit after trying derma rolling on their lips.
One Reddit user said, “I do this twice a week since two years or so. They always go back to what they used to be. But I don't push til it bleeds. Just a bit to irritate them so they swell. No permanent build up and no scar tissue.”
Another user shared, “I do my lips at 0.25-0.5. It leaves them nice and plump. If you are prone to cold sores it could cause an outbreak. I haven’t noticed any anti aging benefits but I have also have not tried going deep enough to really stimulate collagen.”
Derma Roller Lips Experimentation
In an article published on Byrdie titled “I Tried Michelle Phan's Terrifying Trick for Plumper Lips,” the author recounts her experience experimenting with derma rolling her lips using Michelle Phan’s method.
She explains that for the treatment to be effective, the surface of the lips needs to be as flat and firm as possible. To achieve this, she smiled widely and pressed her lips tightly against her teeth. Then, she began rolling the device back and forth in both horizontal and vertical motions, applying as much pressure as she could tolerate.
“Yes, it was painful. Yes, there was a tiny bit of blood, though, miraculously, no tears,” she wrote. She also noted that switching to a derma roller with smaller needles reduced both the pain and the chance of bleeding.
After a few minutes of rolling, she applied a lip-plumping gloss and carried on with her day. While the results aren’t permanent, they are noticeable.
Can I Use Derma Roller on Lips?
The derma roller for lip plumping appears to work for some users, but should you do it?
The skin on and around our lips is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of our body. Lips contain about ten fewer cellular layers compared to facial skin. Because of this, microneedling can penetrate deeper into the lip area, delivering more noticeable results than it would elsewhere.
In short, the benefits of derma roller on lips we see from at-home microneedling are amplified when used on the lips.
If you’re considering trying this technique, use a microneedling tool designed for the sensitive lip area. Devices such as the Aither derma roller 0.25mm, for example, have shorter needles. Aither is a strong option for those looking to explore lip microneedling safely and effectively.
How Microneedling Boosts Lip Fullness
When you microneedle your lips, you create tiny micro-injuries on the surface of the skin. These controlled micro-wounds trigger the skin’s natural healing response by activating skin cells and prompting white blood cells to begin the repair process. As a result, the skin starts producing new tissue that’s rich in collagen. This makes your lips appear fuller and become plumper from the inside out.
To enhance the effects, applying a lip-plumping product immediately after microneedling can deliver even more noticeable results. The micro-channels created during treatment allow active ingredients to penetrate more deeply into the skin, improving absorption. Products containing hyaluronic acid can draw in moisture and amplify the plumping effect while also supporting hydration and lip health.
Microneedling also accelerates skin renewal by stimulating the production of fresh, healthy tissue each time you use it. For best results, treat not just the lips themselves but also the surrounding area, where fine lines, commonly known as feathering, can develop. Combining microneedling with a hydrating serum benefits the entire mouth area. Well-hydrated skin appears smoother, and fine lines become less noticeable.
How to Microneedle Lips
Using a lip scrub before derma rolling is recommended, as it allows the needles to deliver treatment beneath the skin’s surface. Properly prepping the lips, just as one would prepare the face or body before microneedling, helps remove dead skin cells and creates a smooth base for treatment. Exfoliating prior to rolling allows for better absorption of products applied afterward, such as a lip serum or hyaluronic acid.
A commonly recommended pre-treatment product is an oil-free, deeply hydrating serum formulated with various molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate. This type of blend is known to soothe and calm stressed skin following cosmetic procedures.
When a specialized product isn't available, a lip-plumping gloss can serve as a suitable alternative. A tingling lip treatment, used on its own, can enhance the appearance of fullness and moisture. After applying the gloss, the derma roller can be used to begin the microneedling process for lips.
Microneedling Tips:
Roll Aither microneedling device | Roll it in four directions across each area of the lips and surrounding skin. For thorough coverage, roll vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. |
Frequency | Microneedle targeted areas 2–3 times per week, or as needed. |
Pressure | No need to apply pressure |
Maintain performance and hygiene | Store the Aither tool in a clean, dry place, and sterilize the needles after each use with isopropyl alcohol. |
After treatment | Applying a lip serum or treatment immediately after rolling helps ingredients absorb more deeply. |
Side Effects and Precaution
Microneedling the lips, while generally safe when done properly, can come with a few side effects. The most common side effects to be aware of are:
1. Mild redness or swelling is normal immediately after microneedling and subsides within a few hours to a day.
2. Lips may feel slightly tingly or more sensitive post-treatment similar to a mild sunburn.
3. Temporary dryness or flaking as the skin renews itself. It's important to keep lips hydrated with a nourishing serum or balm.
4. Longer needles (over 0.5mm) may cause pinpoint bleeding. This should stop quickly and is harmless if the tool is clean and used correctly.
5. Some people may experience slight bruising if pressure is applied too forcefully or if the skin is delicate.
People with active cold sores, lip infections, eczema, rosacea, or blood clotting disorder should avoid microneedling.
Lip Microneedling vs. Traditional Enhancement Treatments
When compared to conventional options like lip fillers or injectables, lip microneedling offers distinct benefits, without the drawbacks:
• More cost-effective: Rather than paying for repeated in-office treatments, the Aither Microneedling Tool requires only a one-time investment. It’s an affordable at-home option that can be used regularly. Just like a razor, it should be replaced every 3–4 months to maintain optimal performance.
• No downtime or appointments needed: Say goodbye to scheduling consultations and follow-ups. At-home microneedling fits into your routine effortlessly.
• Personalized control: In a clinic, results depend on the professional performing the treatment. With an at-home microneedling device, you're in charge. Decide how often to treat, how long each session lasts, and how subtle or enhanced you want your lips to look.
• Ultra-convenient: Microneedling takes just a few minutes, about 60 seconds per area. Try squeezing a full in-office treatment into that time.
Microneedle Your Lips Safely with Aither
Achieve naturally fuller-looking lips with the power of microneedling. Using a derma roller for lips makes plumping easy, effective, and totally doable at home—no appointments, no needles, no fuss. Let our Aither Derma Roller do the work for you. Add to cart and start your lip transformation today.