Microneedling has gone from a niche dermatology procedure to one of the most talked-about skin treatments in the U.S. Walk into any med spa or clinic today, and chances are you’ll hear someone asking about its ability to smooth scars, soften wrinkles, or give skin a healthier glow.
With that growing popularity, another question keeps coming up: can you use HSA for microneedling? Can you use FSA?
It’s a smart question, especially when you consider the results people are seeing. In one clinical study, 93.8% of patients noticed visible wrinkle improvement after 30 days, and 87.5% said they were satisfied with their treatment.
Those kinds of outcomes are exciting, but they also leave most patients wondering whether the microneedling cost can be offset with funds they’ve already set aside for healthcare.
In this article, we’ll explore how HSA and FSA coverage works, when microneedling might count as a qualified expense, and what your options are if it doesn’t.
The short answer: it depends. You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) for microneedling, but only if it’s considered medically necessary under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines.
The IRS allows HSA funds to be used for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of a disease. That means the procedure needs to serve a medical purpose, not just a cosmetic one.
Using your HSA can save you money, since the dollars you spend are tax-free. But it’s important to remember that using HSA funds for non-qualified expenses can result in tax penalties, so you’ll want to confirm eligibility before booking your treatment.
Microneedling can sometimes be reimbursed with HSA funds if it’s part of a medical treatment plan. Examples include:
In each scenario, a doctor’s recommendation and a Letter of Medical Necessity are critical to prove that treatment is more than just cosmetic.
On the other hand, HSA funds generally cannot be used for:
These situations fall under cosmetic procedures, which the IRS does not consider eligible medical expenses. If HSA funds are used here, you could face tax penalties in addition to paying back the expense.
The rules for FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) are very similar to HSAs: microneedling is typically not covered if it’s only cosmetic, but it may qualify if performed for medical reasons.
Like HSAs, FSAs require documentation such as a Letter of Medical Necessity to justify reimbursement.
The difference is how FSAs work:
If you’re considering microneedling and want to use your FSA, you’ll need to confirm eligibility with your plan administrator before scheduling.
Cosmetic treatments like wrinkle reduction won’t be approved, but medically necessary procedures, such as treating acne scars, may be reimbursable.
When paying for microneedling with your HSA or FSA, the deciding factor is whether the procedure is considered cosmetic or medically necessary. The IRS sets the criteria for what qualifies, and your plan administrator applies those rules to your claim.
According to IRS Publication 502, you can only use tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs and FSAs for medical expenses that are meant to “diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent” a condition or disease.
Treatments that are purely cosmetic, meaning they’re done to improve appearance but don’t address a medical issue, are specifically excluded.
That means if microneedling is performed to reduce wrinkles, even out skin tone, or generally refresh your complexion, it won’t qualify. But if your provider documents that it’s being used to treat a medical concern, there’s a chance you could use your HSA or FSA.
To get reimbursed for microneedling through an HSA or FSA, you’ll usually need:
Without proper documentation, there’s a good chance your claim will be denied.
Even if your HSA or FSA won’t cover microneedling, you still have options to make the treatment more affordable. Many practices understand that cosmetic procedures can be a financial commitment and provide flexible ways to pay.
Some microneedling clinics offer in-house payment plans that let you spread out the cost of microneedling. This way, you can invest in your skin health over time without the stress of a large upfront payment.
Others may partner with third-party financing companies that provide low-interest or promotional financing for medical and cosmetic treatments.
Additionally, you can check whether your provider offers membership programs or package deals, for example, buying multiple sessions at once at a discounted rate. Since microneedling often works best in a series, these packages can provide both convenience and savings.
So, can you use your HSA or FSA for microneedling? The answer ultimately depends on the purpose. If you’re pursuing microneedling for cosmetic reasons, like reducing fine lines, evening out skin tone, or achieving a smoother complexion, it’s usually not covered.
But in cases where microneedling is medically necessary, such as treating acne scars or certain types of scarring, you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds with the proper documentation.
Because rules can vary, it’s always best to seek consultation with both your healthcare provider and your plan administrator before scheduling your microneedling treatment. That way, you’ll know what to expect and can avoid surprise costs.
At InjectCo, we help patients explore safe, effective treatment options while keeping budget considerations in mind. Schedule a free virtual consultation today to learn more about microneedling, payment options, and whether this treatment is the right fit for your skin goals.
You can only use your HSA for microneedling if it’s considered medically necessary. Cosmetic procedures, like wrinkle reduction or general skin rejuvenation, usually don’t qualify.
Microneedling may be medically necessary if it’s recommended by a licensed provider to treat conditions such as acne scars or traumatic scars. In these cases, documentation from your doctor is often required.
Qualified medical expenses must mitigate, treat, diagnose, or prevent a medical condition. Cosmetic-only treatments, like microneedling for smoother skin, are not included.
No. HSA funds can’t be used for purely cosmetic treatments. To qualify, you need proof that the treatment addresses a specific medical condition.
Yes, most HSA or FSA providers will require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor to approve reimbursement. This letter explains why the procedure is medically needed.
RF microneedling, which uses radiofrequency energy to target deeper layers of skin, is generally not covered unless it’s prescribed for a medical reason, such as scar treatment, with proper documentation.
Before scheduling, check with both your provider and your HSA/FSA administrator to confirm if your treatment could be eligible. This helps avoid denied claims later.
