What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a regenerative cosmetic procedure that treats a number of skin concerns by stimulating the skin to rebuild itself. It is minimally invasive and involves pricking the skin with lots of tiny sterile needles to increase collagen and elastin production, reduce the size of large pores and fine lines, treat scars and stretchmarks, balance pigment issues, and settle some types of acne and rosacea. 

It’s been around for thousands of years in different cultures and now has 30 years of excellent scientific evidence behind it!

What are the benefits of microneedling?

Micro-needling is a minimally invasive treatment that triggers your body’s natural healing response, which brings many benefits. It can be used to:

• Improve skin quality & moisture
• Reduce fine lines & wrinkles
• Reduce enlarged pores
• Treat Acne & Rosacea 
• Fade scars from acne or other injuries 
• Fade stretch marks and cellulite
• Improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation
• Milia
• Reduce hair loss and stimulate new hair growth

How does microneedling work?

At our London-based clinic, we use a handheld microneedling device that can rapidly deliver more than 2000 micro-punctures to the skin using tiny sterile needles at varying depths depending on your goals and skin concerns. 

The resulting micro-injuries to the skin initiate an immune response and a cascade of healing signals for the skin to repair and rebuild itself, without damaging the outer layers of the skin. 

Fibroblasts are stimulated to produce collagen and elastin, making the skin more plump. Growth factors balance the functional processes, reducing hyperpigmented patches and dilated capillaries.

These results can be amplified with more targeted healing by using these micro-channels created during the microneedling process to deposit active serums, specially selected for your skin concerns, to reach the deeper layers of your skin.

How long does it take to work?

Microneedling results depend on the reason for treatment, the extent of scarring or depth of wrinkles, and the number of sessions that have been completed. Many patients will have exceptional results after one session. And the effects can be maximised by combining serums into your treatment. To maximise and maintain the results achieved by microneedling, regular treatments are required. The number of treatments needed to achieve your desired results will be discussed at your consultation.

Does microneedling hurt?

The nature of microneedles means that the process of microneedling is relatively pain-free. You may experience a slight scratching sensation but many patients find it barely noticeable. However, it is possible for some to find the microneedling process uncomfortable.

Depending on the depth of microneedling treatment that you choose, a local anaesthetic cream can be applied to the treated area to minimise discomfort throughout the process.

Is Microneedling safe?

Microneedling is considered to be a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is very well tolerated in patients. As with any aesthetic treatment, there are a number of side effects that generally resolve soon after the procedure. These include temporary redness of the treated area, itching and a small amount of bleeding around the puncture sites.

The best way to ensure that your microneedling procedure is performed in the safest way possible is to have the treatment administered by a qualified nurse, dentist or doctor.

Should microneedling be carried out at home?

You can use dermarollers at home but this presents a range of problems. Firstly, the equipment available for home use involves needles that are both shorter and blunter than those in specialist equipment. This makes for a less effective, more painful experience overall with an increased risk of infection due to poor sterilisation and storage.

What to expect

1) Consultation

At consultation, we will discuss your main skin concerns and the treatment options available, including common side effects and possible complications. It also provides an opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about microneedling and decide on which procedure is most appropriate for achieving your goals.

If you are safe to have the treatment, we will sign a consent form and proceed.

2) Treatment

At treatment, a microneedling pen is gently brushed across the surface of your skin in a sweeping motion. This takes approximately xx minutes.

3) Book your next appointment

The date for your next treatment in your course will depend on what skin concern we are treating. 

What are alternative treatments to microneedling?

Other treatments with a similar regenerative approach to skin results include: 

– HArmony-CA

– Polynucleotides

– Skin boosters

– Resurfacing facial