Microneedling really took off in the mid-90s, but innovation in the area continues to make it a hot topic today. With new technology, the minimally invasive procedure can improve the appearance of scars, boost collagen, and encourage hair growth. Keep reading this quick guide to microneedling to find out everything you need to know. 

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a procedure that uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. With a handheld device, the tiny needles make small wounds that encourage your body to produce collagen. The wounds then heal, helping skin to look younger, rejuvenated, and smoother. 

Microneedling: Quick Overview

How Does Microneedling Work?

One microneedling session takes around 30 minutes to perform. During a treatment session, your surgeon will use a handheld device called a SkinPen. The fine needles pierce the skin and stimulate new collagen production. The punctures are more like pinpricks. They only enter the skin at surface level and are not deep at all. 

Depending on what you’re looking to achieve, your treatment schedule may look a little different. A general rule of thumb is that you can get microneedling treatment safely 4-6 weeks apart. For most patients, you would have 2-3 treatment sessions, with each one 4-6 weeks apart. To maintain results, you may opt to have regular treatments every 8 weeks. Whereas, for specific skin issues such as acne scars or stretch marks, you could get up to 10 treatment sessions at 6-week intervals. 

SkinPen Precision Microneedling 

SkinPen Precision is a leading skin device that creates microscopic holes in your skin. The device uses 14 smooth, tiny needles in the tip to boost collagen production, reduce fine lines, scars, and wrinkles, and smooth skin. The precision needles are super sharp to avoid tearing caused by blunt or hooked needles. What makes the SkinPen Precision device different is that it uses an ultrasonically sealed base to prevent cross-contamination.  

The device is used to kickstart your body’s own production of collagen without using any heat, chemicals, or invasive injections. It’s a safe and effective treatment that has proven results. Numbing cream will be applied during the procedure for maximum comfort. 

What Conditions Can You Treat with Microneedling?

The revolutionary treatment can improve and enhance skin quality. It can help treat a range of skin conditions like: 

  • Acne 
  • Scars
  • Sun damage
  • Stretch marks 
  • Fine lines and wrinkles 
  • Large pores
  • Dark spots

What are the Benefits of Microneedling?

The great thing about microneedling is that it’s a non-surgical treatment that’s usually less expensive than laser treatments. It also tends to work better for people with darker skin tones than laser treatments. 

You can expect fairly immediate results following your treatment. In general, you would have multiple treatments spaced apart. Over time the results should improve after all the treatments. With significant breakthroughs in technology, the treatment is now more advanced and effective. Microneedling can rejuvenate your skin and treat a range of conditions.  

While the results are pretty immediate, the main draw is the long-term benefits. When wound healing kicks in, it results in elastic and collagen growth. This can kickstart new layers of skin at a cellular level. In the long-term, you can expect an improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and boost the overall texture of the skin. 

What Can You Expect After Microneedling?

Microneedling is one of the top treatments for skin rejuvenation. After your treatment, you can expect some redness, and your tight may feel dry and tight. There may some peeling or shredding. You should pause your usual skincare routine until you are fully healed. Also, you should avoid direct sun exposure for at least a month. To maintain your investment in your skin, you should protect your skin from direct sunlight going forward. 

How Much Downtime is Required After Microneedling?

In general, it takes about 24 hours to heal. But, it may take up to two to three days, depending on the extent of your treatment. 

Who is Microneedling Suitable For?

Microneedling can make you look more youthful and plump. It’s suitable for a range of skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, and stretch marks. The treatment is suitable for all skin types, 

The treatment is not suitable for anyone with an active skin condition, such as acne. It’s also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have very sensitive skin, you are more likely to have a reaction or have a prolonged period of redness after treatment. 

Microneedling for facial rejuvenation, the Harley Clinic

When Do You See the Final Result?

Most patients need between 3 to 6 treatment sessions to see the final results. In younger people, you can see the result in as little 1 or 2 sessions. You can see the initial skin tightening and pore reduction immediately but will need to wait between 4-6 weeks after your first round before you see any anti-ageing effects. 

Are the Results Permanent?

The results last for 4-6 weeks after the final result has come through. In general, you can have follow-up treatments in 8-12 weeks after your first round of treatment. You may notice that your results last longer, and in this case, you may not need to come in for another treatment so quickly. 

What are the Potential Risks and Complications of Microneedling?

Microneedling is considered a safe and effective treatment. There should be zero to minimal pain. Most of the risks and complications associated with microneedling are to do with skin irritation including:

  • Redness
  • Bruising 
  • Swelling 
  • Discomfort 
  • Drying 
  • Flaking skin 

Although rare, more serious side effects include infection, skin pigment changes and a reaction to topical treatment. 

If you have scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, microneedling is a non-surgical treatment that can give your skin a massive boost. The minimally invasive procedure is hugely popular and requires little to no downtime. Microneedling can treat a myriad of conditions and skin concerns to deliver a deeply hydrating glow. 

To book a consultation today, please call 0203 582 4947 or email [email protected].