Microneedling exploits one of the skin's most fundamental properties: its ability to repair controlled damage with new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. The principle is as simple as it is effective, but the results are anything but simple.
The wound-healing cascade
When the skin is injured, even microscopically, it initiates a three-phase repair response: inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. In normal wound healing, this process produces a scar. In controlled microneedling, the injuries are micro-scale, precisely calibrated, and distributed uniformly across the treatment area, producing the proliferative and remodelling phases (new collagen, elastin and HA) without the inflammatory scarring response of larger wounds.
The needles used in clinical microneedling range from 0.5mm to 2.5mm depending on the treatment depth required. Each needle creates a micro-channel approximately the width of a human hair. Across a full facial treatment, thousands of these channels are created, each one initiating the repair cascade that produces new structural proteins in the treated skin.
What microneedling treats
- Acne scarring: the most evidence-supported application. Microneedling physically breaks down the fibrotic tissue of established acne scars while simultaneously stimulating new, properly organised collagen to replace it. A course of 4–6 sessions produces significant improvement in ice-pick, rolling and boxcar scars.
- Fine lines and early laxity: the new collagen produced following microneedling is organised in a more regular, functional matrix than the disorganised fibres that accumulate with ageing. The result is firmer, more resilient skin.
- Enlarged pores: pore size is determined by the elasticity of the surrounding skin. As microneedling improves dermal elasticity, pore size visibly reduces.
- Stretch marks: the same fibrotic remodelling mechanism that improves acne scars applies to stretch marks, though more sessions are typically required for significant change.
- Skin texture and tone: irregular texture, dullness and uneven pigmentation all improve as cell turnover accelerates and the quality of the dermal matrix improves.
The micro-channel advantage: topical delivery
One of the most underappreciated aspects of microneedling is what happens to the micro-channels after the treatment. The skin's barrier function, which normally prevents the absorption of most topically applied substances, is temporarily bypassed. Serums applied immediately following microneedling penetrate to the dermis rather than sitting on the surface.
This makes the choice of post-needling topical critical. Applying a mesotherapy cocktail, hyaluronic acid serum or, most powerfully, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) in the minutes following microneedling dramatically increases the impact of both treatments. The micro-channels deliver the active ingredients exactly where the wound-healing cascade needs them.
Microneedling combined with PRP: the 'Vampire Facial'
The combination of microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), sometimes called the 'vampire facial', is one of the most powerful skin regeneration protocols available outside of a clinical hospital setting. The principle is straightforward: PRP, derived from a small sample of the client's own blood, contains a concentrated supply of growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-β, EGF, IGF-1) that accelerate and amplify the wound-healing cascade. Applied to the skin immediately following microneedling, these growth factors flood into the dermis through the open micro-channels, dramatically enhancing the collagen response beyond what either treatment achieves in isolation.
"The combination of microneedling and PRP produces results that represent a significant step up from either treatment alone. We use it for clients who need meaningful improvement in skin quality and acne scarring."
What to expect: the session and downtime
A topical anaesthetic cream is applied 30–45 minutes before treatment, giving the numbing agent time to fully penetrate. The actual microneedling procedure takes 20–30 minutes. The skin is red immediately after, a 'sunburn' appearance that indicates the inflammatory phase of the healing response has been initiated.
Redness typically resolves within 24–72 hours. During this period, only gentle cleansing and SPF should be applied, no active ingredients, no retinol, no acids. The skin is in repair mode; supporting it means not interfering with the process.
Improvement develops over 4–6 weeks as the new collagen matures. For acne scarring and significant texture concerns, a course of 3–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart is recommended.
At Aesthetics Medispa: Microneedling is offered as a standalone treatment, combined with mesotherapy serum application, and combined with PRP for maximum collagen response. The appropriate option is determined at consultation based on your specific skin concerns and goals.
Treatments that work. Results you can see.
Every treatment at Aesthetics Medispa begins with a thorough consultation, understanding your skin, your health and your goals before anything is recommended.