Microneedling

Microneedling involves using very short and extremely thin but densely packed needles, arranged in a neat pattern, to pierce the skin and create shallow micro wounds. The needle lengths can range from anything from 0.25mm to 3mm.

Shallower needles are great for improving product absorption into the upper layers of skin so that you have the appearance of healthy, revitalised skin. Longer needles can do anything from reduce scarring (in particular, the type of uneven and bumpy scarring you get from acne) and hyperpigmentation to removing wrinkles and stimulating collagen so that the skin feels plumper, firmer, and more radiant.

Microneedling can also be done on the body to tackle stretch marks, and on the hands to refresh and revive them.

On Black skin the shallower the needle the better. It can often be more beneficial to have more microneedling sessions using shorter needles than to have fewer sessions using longer needles which can injure the skin resulting in wounding and hyperpigmentation.

Most clinics will use electronic mechanical devices, but it’s also common to see derma-rollers which are manually operated.

EXPECT TO PAY

£150 - £300 per session

1 hour

Treatment Time

Longevity

Several months

Anaesthesia

Numbing cream

Downtime

2-4 days

Microneedling FAQs

  • Microneedling works by stimulating collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin. This helps to plump and smooths any textural concerns.

    It is also beneficial for hyperpigmentation because it helps to break up dark marks on the skin.

    • Stimulating collagen to smooth the skin

    • Stimulating elastin to make the skin firmer and bouncier

    • Helping to even out the complexion

  • Although micro-needling is a very fast treatment, it can be a little uncomfortable and feel like the skin is being scratched.

    Some skin professionals provide numbing cream to help take the edge of any discomfort.

  • Skin can often look flushed or red. Deeper skin tones tend to look darker.

    There can also be some swelling which reduced after 48 hours.

    If a chemical peel has been included in the overall treatment, you can also expect some temporary dryness and tightness of the skin.

  • Provided appropriate skin preparation has taken place and the procedure is carried out by a qualified and insured skin professional, micro-needling is safe for Black skin.

  • The micro-needling procedures itself doesn’t take very long, no more than ten minutes in total.

    However, many skin professionals include micro-needling as part of longer facial treatment or combine it with other treatments such as chemical peels.

  • It takes a few weeks to start seeing results but you will notice the skin is revitalised - smoother, firmer ad more even.

    Textured scarring would also be reduced.

  • Microneedling really is the procedure that keeps on giving. The results last months as there is residual effect on collagen stimulation.

  • You will never get the same results as an in-clinic procedure and there are concerns about safety, cleanliness and possible spread of infection.

  • Prices vary according to location and microneedling session costs will vary depending on the skin professional expertise and experience, the device used and the total combined procedure.

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