Do you believe in miracles? If not, get ready to become a believer.
Microneedling is more than just a beauty treatment, it’s a game changer. This innovative technique has the power to reverse the signs of ageing, making your skin look younger and more vibrant.
Want to know how? Let’s dive into the science behind this modern-day miracle.
Since its introduction in 1995, microneedling has become widely used in Dermatology and aesthetics medicine for treating scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles, as well as for skin rejuvenation, tightening, scar remodelling, and hair growth [5][6][11].
Due to its low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, it is often preferred over laser treatments, particularly for individuals with darker skin types [6].
At Dr Lauren’s Medical Aesthetics Clinic we are proud to offer the best microneedling treatment as part of our comprehensive range of skincare treatments which produces transformative results with accessible and affordable care.
The Science Behind the Magic
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by something unfamiliar, so let’s break down the science behind microneedling to help you fully understand what to expect. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure involving the delivery of fine needles into the skin through stamping, needle rollers, or electric-powered pens [5][7][8].
This minimally invasive procedure harnesses the body’s natural healing mechanisms by using fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the wound-healing process and promoting the production of new collagen and elastin fibres [4][8][9]. The natural wound-healing response occurs in three phases:
1. Inflammation
When platelets and neutrophils release growth factors that activate collagen production [7].
2. Proliferation
During which new skin cells and blood vessels form [3].
3. Remodelling
When collagen is deposited and organized, leading to firmer, smoother, and more even-toned skin [3][10].
Exploring Treatment Areas and Techniques
The benefit of microneedling is that it effectively addresses a range of skin concerns, such as:
- Signs of Aging: By boosting collagen production, microneedling smooths and firms the skin, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, while also minimising enlarged pores [1][4][7].
- Scarring and Stretch Marks: The treatment stimulates scar remodelling for acne, surgical, and burn scars, as well as promotes collagen production to reduce the visibility of stretch marks [2][6][1].
- Pigmentation Issues: Microneedling helps regulate melanin production to improve hyperpigmentation and sun damage [4][8].
- Hair Loss: Microneedling promotes hair growth by stimulating blood flow on the scalp, especially when combined with PRP or minoxidil [2][7]. Microneedling offers several treatment options, each with unique benefits:
- Dermarollers are handheld tools with fine needles that create micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production [8].
- Xcellaris Pro Twist is a motorised device with adjustable needle lengths, providing more precise treatments, especially for conditions like acne scars [3][8].
- Radiofrequency microneedling combines traditional microneedling with heat energy to boost deeper collagen production and improve skin tightening [8][9].
While at-home dermarollers can enhance skincare absorption, they carry the risk of improper use causing skin damage and only penetrate the skin at 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, whereas professional devices reach depths of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, making them more effective for treating scars and wrinkles [2][3].
Crafting Your Perfect Treatment Plan
We recognise the significance of your commitment and investment in your skin, which is why we offer exceptional microneedling treatments tailored to meet your skin’s unique needs where each treatment is designed with precision to enhance your natural beauty.
We are committed to guiding you through the entire process of creating your personalised treatment plan, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Before your microneedling treatment, several important pre-procedure considerations must be addressed to ensure safety and efficacy. We begin with a consultation to explain the steps of the procedure, expected outcomes, potential side effects, and any complications [7].
It is essential to stop taking specific medications before the treatment, including oral isotretinoin (15 days prior), aspirin and NSAIDs (5–10 days prior), as well as topical retinoids and hydroquinone (7 days prior).
Additionally, we ask you to provide a comprehensive medical history, including details about any medications and allergies [7][9].
The number of treatments required depends on your skin condition and treatment goals.
- Generally, 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart are recommended for optimal results [1][3][8].
- For mild skin rejuvenation, 1-2 treatments may be sufficient [8].
- While deeper issues such as acne scars or stretch marks may require up to 4-6 treatments [8].
- To maintain results, additional treatments every 3-6 months are often suggested, especially for anti-ageing purposes [9].
Treatments typically last 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the area being treated and the depth of the needles used [2]. After your consultation, here’s what to expect during your treatment:
| Preparation and Skin Assessment | We’ll start by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove impurities, ensuring it’s ready for microneedling, followed by a final check to confirm the treatment area and discuss any specific concerns you may have [7][9]. |
| Topical Anaesthesia | To keep you comfortable, we will apply a topical anaesthetic cream to the treatment area, and you’ll need to wait about 30-45 minutes for it to numb your skin and minimize discomfort during the procedure [2][10]. |
| Microneedling Treatment | Once your skin is numb, we will use a microneedling device to create small, controlled injuries in the skin by moving the device evenly across the treatment area, adjusting the needle depth based on your specific skin concerns for the best outcome [9][11]. |
| Post-Treatment Application | After microneedling, we may apply a soothing serum or growth factor treatment to enhance your results and help with healing, which will calm your skin and provide additional nourishment right after the procedure [9]. |
| Aftercare Instructions | Once the treatment is done, we’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions to promote effective healing, including tips on what to avoid and recommendations for gentle skincare [7][9]. |
| Follow-Up | We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to check your results and discuss any further treatments if needed, with improvements typically visible within a few weeks as collagen production continues [9]. |
Finishing Touches and Aftercare
Afterwards, the treated area may appear red and flushed, with mild swelling or irritation lasting 1-3 days, but cold compresses and soothing serums can help manage that [4][9].
We advise you to avoid sun exposure, strenuous exercise, makeup, and harsh skincare products for the first 48 hours [2][7].
You will start to see visible improvements typically within 6-8 weeks as new collagen forms, leading to smoother, firmer skin, reduced scars, and a brighter complexion [1][3][10].
If you were to combine microneedling with treatments like PRP or radiofrequency, it can enhance results and prolong benefits [9].
Microneedling provides a safer, more affordable, and less invasive alternative to laser therapy, chemical peels, and dermabrasion, delivering similar results with minimal downtime and fewer side effects, making it ideal for a broad range of skin types [9][1].
While it is generally safe for most people, consulting a qualified professional ensures the best results and reduces the risk of complications [9].
For those looking to maintain long-term improvements, follow-up treatments every 6-12 months are recommended [9].
If you’re searching for the best microneedling treatment near you, look no further as we provide expert care with exceptional results, and personalised treatments that won’t break your bank. We look forward to sharing some of this magic with you soon!
Bibliography
- bcam.ac.uk. (n.d.). Microneedling. [online] Available at:
https://bcam.ac.uk/patients/treatments/microneedling.aspx - Cherney, K. (2023). Microneedling: Collagen Induction Therapy. [online] Healthline. Available at:
https://www.healthline.com/health/microneedling - Dermalogica UK . (n.d.). Microneedling: Everything you need to know. [online] Available at:
https://www.dermalogica.co.uk/blogs/skinspiration/microneedling-everything-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOooMSney7hAeAs7M7naKw4JBkv_ZVq00AnEWg6urQEyWoHdn9Nyx. - Harley Street Dermatology Clinic. (n.d.). Microneedling. [online] Available at:
https://www.theharleystreetdermatologyclinic.co.uk/treatments/skin-rejuvenation/microneedling-2/ - Jaiswal, S. and Jawade, S. (2024). Microneedling in Dermatology: A Comprehensive Review of Applications, Techniques, and Outcomes. Cureus. doi:
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.70033 - Juhasz, M.L.W. and Cohen, J. (2020). Microneedling for the Treatment of Scars: An Update for Clinicians. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 13, pp.997–1003. doi:
https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s267192 - Nair, P.A. and Tandel, J. (2021). Microneedling: A means of collagen induction therapy. Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, 25(2), pp.49–53. doi:
https://doi.org/10.4103/jdds.jdds_126_20 - Ray Cochrane. (2021). Microneedling: What it is, Benefits and Side Effects. [online] Available at:
https://www.raycochrane.co.uk/benefits-of-skin-needling-treatments/ - Villani, A., Carmela Annunziata, M., Antonietta Luciano, M. and Fabbrocini, G. (2020). Skin needling for the treatment of acne scarring: A comprehensive review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(9), pp.2174–2181. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13577 - Wimpole Aesthetics. (n.d.). Collagen Induction Therapy. [online] Available at:
https://wimpoleaesthetics.co.uk/collagen-induction-therapy/.rsph.o - Wu, S.Z., Muddasani, S. and Alam, M. (2020). A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Microneedling in the Treatment of Melasma. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, pp.1636–1641. doi:
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