What it is
Microneedling (collagen induction therapy) uses a medical device with fine needles to create thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin. This triggers the skin's natural repair response, supporting collagen production and renewal over the following weeks.
Microneedling treatments differ in depth, the number of passes and the device. We use a Dermapen 4, a motorised pen with a single-use sterile cartridge. This is mechanical needling: the stimulus comes from the needles alone, not from radiofrequency energy delivered into the deeper layers. Depth is set area by area, so the skin around the eyes is treated differently from the skin across the cheek.
What it may help with
- Uneven texture and enlarged-looking pores
- Some types of scarring, including certain acne scars
- Fine lines and general skin quality
- Skin that has lost its bounce or freshness
Who it may be suitable for
Most adult skin types, following consultation. Medical microneedling can safely reach depths that home rollers cannot, because it is performed in clinic, with sterile single-use cartridges and a clinician watching how your skin responds throughout.
How your skin heals after injury matters as much as the concern you want treated. Richer skin tones often respond well to needling but are more prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation when depth or frequency is pushed. For these skin tones the approach is a conservative depth, skin preparation beforehand and a longer course.
Who it may not be suitable for
Not suitable over active acne, eczema, infection or cold sores, with certain healing or clotting conditions, or during pregnancy. Recent oral retinoid treatment, a history of keloid scarring and some medications affect timing rather than ruling treatment out. A full screen forms part of the consultation.
What to expect
Numbing cream is applied first and needs time to work. The needling itself feels like a vibrating scratch and takes around half an hour, so allow 45 to 60 minutes in the clinic. Expect your skin to look sunburnt for a day or two, then slightly dry, before improvement builds over the following weeks.
A course is often three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, an interval that follows the skin's repair cycle. Depth is increased between sessions only if your skin tolerated the last one well. Scarring usually needs more sessions than texture does.
Consultation & safety
Depth, technique and course design are tailored to your skin and concern at consultation. Single-use sterile cartridges are used for every treatment.
Microneedling is available at our Bedhampton clinic near Havant, open now and seeing clients from Havant, Portsmouth, Waterlooville and Denmead. It will also be available at our Winchester clinic at 9A Jewry Street from 8 December 2026. Until Winchester opens, every appointment is at Bedhampton, and a course started there can continue in Winchester.
Aftercare
Strict sun protection, gentle skincare and no make-up for 24 hours. Your written aftercare lists what to use and avoid while the skin heals.
Retinoids, exfoliating acids and vitamin C are usually paused for a few days either side of treatment. Avoid heat, saunas and vigorous exercise for 48 hours while the skin settles. Daily SPF is especially important for the fortnight afterwards, because freshly needled skin marks more easily in the sun.
Possible side effects & risks
Expected effects include redness, warmth, dryness and mild swelling. Uncommon risks include breakout flare, infection and pigmentation change in higher-risk skin types, screened and discussed at consultation. Results vary between individuals.
Frequently asked questions
Does microneedling hurt?
With clinical numbing cream, most people find it tolerable: more strange than sore. Comfort is checked throughout.
When will I see results?
Collagen renewal takes time: expect gradual improvement over several weeks, building across a course. Results vary between individuals.
Is this radiofrequency microneedling?
No. We use a Dermapen 4, which is mechanical microneedling: fine needles alone, with no radiofrequency energy delivered into the deeper skin. Radiofrequency microneedling is a different treatment with its own downtime, costs and risks, and we do not offer it.
Can I have microneedling at the Winchester clinic?
Our Winchester clinic at 9A Jewry Street opens on 8 December 2026, and microneedling is available there from that date. Until then, appointments are at our Bedhampton clinic near Havant, which is open now. A course started there can continue in Winchester.
