What is Micro-needling and How Does it Work for Skin Rejuvenation and Acne Scaring?

What is Microneedling and What Does it Do?

Microneedling is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure that uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This process helps to reduce wrinkles, acne scars, and other signs of ageing by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and tone. It can also be used to treat stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and other skin issues.

The Benefits of Microneedling & How It Works on the Skin

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny needles to induce collagen production. It has been used for decades to treat various skin conditions, including acne scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles. In recent years, it has gained notoriety as a treatment for stretch marks, cellulite, and scars of all kinds.

The "needles" used in microneedling are typically solid or hollow medical-grade metal tubes that come in different lengths and diameters. The needles are attached to a handpiece or pen-like device that allows them to be moved across the skin at a speed of about 1mm per second. The skin is not cut into; rather, the needles create thousands of microscopic punctures through which the body's natural healing processes can take place.

The process is highly customizable depending on the problem being treated. For example, when treating acne scars or stretch marks, some clinicians will opt for deeper penetration by using longer needles (around 0.5mm) with slower speeds (about 0.1mm per second), while others might use shorter needles (around 0.25mm) and faster speeds (2-4mm per second).

Microneedling Preparation & Aftercare to Get the Best Results

The microneedling process depends on many factors: ensuring you’ve chosen a medical-grade procedure that has been approved for use, choosing the best location on your face (or other areas), doing it often enough and with enough pressure, making sure your body has the right nutrients for proper wound healing, and following up with the right skincare products after each session.

Before you begin the process, I recommend booking a discovery call to discuss your skin concerns and general health status. This is to assist in deciding the best approach based on your skin type and any health conditions you may have. You may also be recommended additional steps to get ready for treatment, such as an audit of your current skincare regimen, a general health blood test, and questions around skin barrier health.

Immediately after a session you should expect some redness, similar to a sunburn. This usually subsides within 48hrs, but greatly reduces by the next day. The skin may become a little dry at around day 4 or 5. No cosmetics or active skincare should be used over the next 24hrs and great care must be taken to avoid direct sun exposure. Individualised recommendations are given on the day of the session.

Who would benefit from skin needling?

The ideal candidate for microneedling is someone who has normal to oily skin, facial scars from acne or trauma, fine lines and wrinkles between the eyes and mouth, uneven pigmentation due to sun damage or old acne scars, and stretch marks or cellulite. Microneedling can also be used alongside other treatments such as LED, chemical peels, or laser for acne scarring on the face.

Although there are many reasons why you might consider microneedling as an option for skin rejuvenation and scar reduction, it's important to make sure that it's right for you before considering treatment. It's not recommended for people who have active infections anywhere on their bodies (including cold sores), as it can cause an infection in those areas where it has been applied. Skin tissue must be intact in order to receive skin needling.

How much does it cost and how many sessions are needed?

A one-off session with me costs $300, which includes face, neck, and décolletage and a post skin needling cooling mask. To see the best results, a minimum of 3-4 sessions are needed. Depending on the type and severity of scaring, 6 or more sessions may be needed. If you’re interested in a package, which I highly recommend, then get in touch for special pricing.