Microneedling

Medical-grade collagen induction for texture, scarring and skin quality.

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Microneedling

Duration

60 min

From

£250/session

£250–£380 for face, neck and décolletage combinations.

Treatment Summary

Medical-grade microneedling — typically using SkinPen or equivalent CE-marked devices — creates controlled vertical microchannels in the skin. These channels trigger a wound-healing response that drives collagen and elastin production, improving texture, fine lines, pore size, scarring and overall skin quality. A typical course is 3–4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.

Also known as: collagen induction therapy · SkinPen · CIT · skin needling · medical microneedling

Key Benefits

Genuine Collagen Response

Vertical microchannels trigger fibroblast activation and new collagen and elastin over weeks.

Effective for Acne Scars

One of the best-evidenced treatments for atrophic acne scarring across skin types.

Suits All Fitzpatrick Types

Mechanical, not light-based — appropriate for darker skin tones where some lasers are not.

Combines with PRP and Exosomes

Microchannels improve absorption of regenerative serums applied during and after treatment.

What microneedling is

Microneedling — properly called collagen induction therapy — is the controlled creation of vertical microchannels in the skin using a medical-grade device with single-use sterile needle cartridges. These microchannels trigger the body's wound-healing response: fibroblasts activate, new collagen (types I and III) is laid down, and the skin remodels itself over the following 8–12 weeks.

We use SkinPen or an equivalent CE-marked device. Home rollers and unbranded 'pens' are not the same treatment.

What it treats well

Microneedling is one of the most versatile and best-evidenced collagen-induction tools we have. It is particularly useful for:

  • Atrophic acne scars — rolling and boxcar scars respond particularly well over a course
  • Texture and pore size
  • Fine lines and early laxity
  • Stretch marks and surgical scars in suitable cases
  • Skin quality across all Fitzpatrick types, including skin tones where many lasers are unsafe

It is also one of the few collagen-induction treatments suitable for darker skin without elevated post-inflammatory pigmentation risk, because the mechanism is mechanical rather than energy-based.

How depth is chosen

We tailor needle depth to the indication: superficial passes (0.5 mm) for general skin quality and around the eyes, deeper passes (1.5–2.0 mm) for atrophic acne scarring and stretch marks. Treating one face often involves several depths in different zones — bonier areas tolerate less, scarred areas need more.

What happens on the day

After a thorough cleanse and 30–45 minutes of topical anaesthetic, the microneedling device is passed across the treatment area in a controlled, overlapping pattern. The treatment itself takes 20–30 minutes. We finish with a calming hyaluronic acid or growth factor serum, mineral SPF and detailed aftercare.

Combination with PRP

Combining microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the most evidence-supported uses of PRP. The platelet-derived growth factors are absorbed through the microchannels and amplify the regenerative response — particularly useful for acne scars and clients seeking faster collagen response. We discuss whether the combination is worth the additional cost based on your concern.

Recovery

Skin looks pink and feels tight for 24–48 hours, often with light flaking by day 3–4. Mineral SPF from day one is non-negotiable. Most clients return to work the next day with mineral make-up if needed; some prefer a Friday treatment for weekend recovery.

Results timeline

Initial 'glow' is visible within a few days as the skin heals. The collagen response builds over 4–8 weeks per session. Full results from a course are usually assessed at 8–12 weeks after the final session.

Course and maintenance

Most clients have a course of 3–4 sessions, four weeks apart, with maintenance one or two sessions per year. Acne-scarring courses are usually 4–6 sessions, sometimes layered with peels or PRP. We plan the course at consultation rather than upselling session by session.

What to Expect

  1. 1

    Skin Assessment

    We confirm microneedling suits your concern and check for contraindications such as active acne or recent isotretinoin use.

  2. 2

    Cleanse and Numb

    Skin is thoroughly cleansed and topical anaesthetic is applied for 30–45 minutes.

  3. 3

    Microneedling Pass

    The device is passed across the skin at a depth tailored to area and concern (commonly 0.5–2.0 mm).

  4. 4

    Calming Serums and SPF

    We finish with a hyaluronic acid or growth factor serum, mineral SPF and aftercare instructions.

Suitability

Aesthetic care is highly individual. The points below are general guidance — final suitability for microneedling is always confirmed in your consultation.

Often suitable for

  • Atrophic acne scars (rolling and boxcar in particular)
  • Open pores and uneven texture
  • Fine lines and early skin laxity
  • Dullness and tired skin quality
  • All Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker tones

May not be suitable if

  • Active acne, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea flare in the treatment area
  • Active herpes simplex outbreak or untreated infection
  • Use of oral isotretinoin in the previous 6 months
  • History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Aftercare

Caring for your results

A few simple steps in the first 24–48 hours help your results settle as expected.

  • Skin will look pink/sunburnt for 24–48 hours; mild flaking by day 3–4
  • Use only the post-procedure skincare we recommend for 5 days
  • Avoid retinoids, acids and exfoliants for 5–7 days
  • Avoid make-up for 24 hours; mineral SPF every day from day one
  • Avoid direct sun and saunas for 1 week; rigorous SPF for 4 weeks

Treatment Areas

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Décolletage
  • Hands

Medical-grade microneedling devices such as SkinPen are FDA-cleared and CE-marked for collagen induction therapy. Peer-reviewed evidence supports efficacy for atrophic acne scarring, photoageing and texture, and the mechanical mechanism makes it well-tolerated across Fitzpatrick I–VI when delivered with appropriate technique. Combination with PRP is also well-evidenced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microneedling the same as derma-rolling at home?
No. Home derma-rollers use very short, often dull needles and cannot deliver controlled depth or sterility. Medical-grade microneedling uses a single-use sterile cartridge, vertical needles that retract into the device, and depths chosen for the indication. The clinical effect — and the safety profile — is not comparable.

How many sessions do I need?
Typically 3–4 sessions for general skin quality, spaced 4 weeks apart. Acne scarring usually needs 4–6 sessions, sometimes more for deeper scars. Maintenance is one or two sessions per year.

Is it painful?
Topical anaesthetic for 30–45 minutes makes the treatment well tolerated. Most clients describe it as a vibrating, scratchy sensation rather than pain. Bonier areas (forehead, jawline) and the upper lip can feel sharper.

How long is the downtime?
24–48 hours of pink, sunburn-like skin, often with mild dryness or flaking on days 3–4. You can return to work the next day with mineral make-up if needed; some clients prefer a Friday treatment to recover over the weekend.

Can it be combined with PRP?
Yes — and this combination is one of the most evidence-supported uses of PRP. Platelet-rich plasma applied during and immediately after microneedling is absorbed through the microchannels and amplifies the regenerative response. We discuss whether the combination is worth the additional cost based on your concern.

Is microneedling safe in darker skin?
Yes — it is one of the safer collagen-induction options across all Fitzpatrick types because it is mechanical rather than energy-based. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk is low when technique and aftercare (especially SPF) are followed. Some lasers carry higher risk in Fitzpatrick IV–VI; microneedling generally does not.

Can I do microneedling if I have active acne?
Not over actively inflamed lesions. We treat the rest of the face around them, or wait until the acne is controlled. Recent oral isotretinoin (within 6 months) is a contraindication and we will defer.

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