Monarch Master Injectors: Introductory Microneedling & Dermaplaning

Aesthetic medicine lacks national standards for training, leading to a patchwork of programs — from accredited clinical curricula to manufacturer-sponsored weekend courses. Many practitioners enter the field with brief, unaccredited training, which can result in poor technique, inadequate anatomy knowledge, and poor emergency management. This inconsistency means some providers can perform complex procedures safely, while others may cause complications. Both dermaplaning and microneedling face significant competency and practice gaps due to inconsistent training, unclear scope-of-practice rules, and rapid market growth without standardized oversight. Microneedling is a prime example of a procedure where the line between cosmetic and medical practice is defined by needle depth. Devices set below ~0.3 mm are often considered cosmetic and may be performed by estheticians in permissive states, but deeper dermal-level microneedling is generally the practice of medicine restricted to licensed clinicians (NPs, PAs, RNs, physicians) under delegation or medical direction. This creates a market-regulation mismatch: many providers offer “microneedling” under a cosmetic label but perform deeper treatments without the required credentials, risking legal and safety issues. While dermaplaning is often marketed as a simple exfoliation, it can cause microtrauma and, if performed on sensitive skin or with improper technique, may trigger inflammation, infection, or even trigger acne in predisposed patients. Learners will: Describe the anatomy and physiology of the skin as it relates to dermaplaning and microneedling. Identify appropriate patient candidates through consultation, assessment, and contraindication screening. Explain the mechanisms of collagen induction therapy and epidermal exfoliation. Select appropriate devices, cartridges, needle depths based on patient presentation. Demonstrate proper infection prevention, aseptic technique, and procedural safety. Perform dermaplaning using proper blade selection, angulation, skin tension, and stroke technique. Perform microneedling using appropriate treatment parameters while recognizing expected clinical endpoints. Compare the post-treatment erythema. Develop individualized treatment plans and provide appropriate post-procedure instructions. Successfully demonstrate procedural competency through a faculty-observed hands-on skills assessment.