What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment designed to stimulate the skin’s healing process and encourage collagen and elastin production. This popular skin rejuvenation procedure is safe for most skin types and can improve skin texture, reduce scarring, and rejuvenate the facial skin.
How Microneedling Works
Microneedling uses a handheld device with ultra-fine needles that gently puncture the top layer of your skin. The depth of these needles can be adjusted depending on your skin’s needs.
Although the punctures are tiny, your body treats them like small wounds, triggering fibroblasts to create new collagen and elastin. This healing response helps smooth out uneven skin texture, reduce pore size, and improve scars.
What to Expect During a Microneedling Treatment
A typical microneedling treatment involves :
Cleansing – Your skin is cleansed to prepare for treatment.
Numbing Cream – A topical numbing cream is applied and takes effect in about 10–20 minutes.
Serum Application – A healing serum is placed on the skin to enhance results.
Microneedling – The microneedling pen is moved across your skin as the needles gently penetrate, delivering the serum deeper into the skin.
Post-Treatment Serum – Another layer of serum is applied to soothe and support healing.
After the procedure, you may notice some redness, similar to a mild sunburn. Areas of tiny pinpoint bleeding and scabs may appear, but they usually fade within a few days.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Thanks to numbing cream, most patients report only minimal discomfort. During treatment, you may feel a light prickling sensation, but the overall experience is usually tolerable. Afterward, expect some pinkness for 1–2 days.
Who is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is suitable for most people and most skin tones. It is especially effective for:
Acne scars
Enlarged pores
Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin texture
However, it’s not recommended if you have eczema, rosacea, very sensitive skin, or if you’re taking blood thinners. Frequent alcohol consumption can also reduce effectiveness due to dehydration.
Can Microneedling Be Done on the Body?
Yes! While the face is the most common area treated, microneedling can also improve skin texture and scars elsewhere on the body.
How Often Should You Get Microneedling?
For the face: Some suggest every 3–6 months is usually enough for maintenance, with annual touch-ups to keep skin smooth and radiant.
For the body: Expect about 4–6 sessions to see results for scars.
Aftercare: How to Protect and Nourish Your Skin
After microneedling, your skin will be more sensitive and requires care:
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen daily.
Avoid retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for a few days.
Use a mild cleanser and a hydrating serum to keep skin soothed.
Avoid exfoliating scrubs or harsh treatments until fully healed.
Why Choose Professional Microneedling?
While at-home rollers exist, professional microneedling delivers far more effective and safe results. A trained specialist can adjust the needle depth and pair the treatment with medical-grade serums for optimal collagen stimulation.
Dr Law has been trained to combine microneedling with nanofat treatments for even greater skin rejuvenation. Nanofat, derived from a small amount of your own fat, is processed into a liquid rich in stem cells. When applied with microneedling, these powerful growth factors penetrate deeply into the skin, enhancing collagen stimulation and boosting healing. This combination can improve skin quality, restore elasticity, and give a more radiant appearance.
This advanced technique is especially effective for:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Sun-damaged skin
Dull or thinning skin
Take Home Message
Microneedling can be a safe and minimally invasive way to improve fine lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, dull or thinning skin, and scars.
Book a consultation with Dr Law to see if microneedling is right for you.
Dr. Jenaleen Law
Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
MED0001775113