Abstract: A safety needle assembly for skin puncturing. A plurality of needles driven by a reciprocating drive shaft extend and retract through an opening in one end of the assembly. Eleven or twelve needles are configured so as to minimize potential surface tension and reduce stress applied to the skin. The opening may be rounded or scalloped to reduce friction on the skin. An elastomeric or mechanical spring is used to assist in retracting the needles. Various alignment tabs and features are used to ensure proper alignment of the drive shaft within the assembly, and alignment of the needle assembly when attached to a handpiece during use. Safety tabs on the needle assembly prevent reuse. A protective sleeve may be used to cover the exterior of the needle assembly.