Dr Ophelia assesses your skin to establish what is actually going on. For scarring, this means identifying the type of scar and whether microneedling is likely to help. For pigmentation, it means confirming whether the marks are post-inflammatory pigmentation, melasma or another condition.

Standardised images may be taken to monitor progress. The depth, treatment areas, number of sessions and whether PRP, polynucleotides or a booster should be combined are planned at this stage.

The skin is cleansed and topical anaesthetic is applied, usually for around 20–30 minutes. Proper numbing is important for comfort and should not be rushed.

A sterile single-use cartridge and fresh barrier sleeve are fitted. A gliding serum is applied, and the SkinPen device is worked across the treatment area in a systematic pattern. Treatment depth is adjusted according to the area and skin concern.

Most patients describe the sensation as vibrating or scratchy rather than painful. A full face usually takes around 30 minutes of needling time.

If PRP, polynucleotides or a skin booster forms part of your plan, it may be applied or injected at this stage.

Your skin is left clean, and you will be given written aftercare instructions. Sun protection is essential after treatment, and make-up should usually be avoided for the first 24 hours.

You will be given written aftercare instructions. For the laser component, this includes sun protection and avoiding heat or irritants for a short period. Sun protection is especially important after any pigment treatment.

A standard course is usually three sessions spaced four weeks apart. Repeat imaging may be used to assess whether further sessions are justified.

Topical anaesthetic is applied for around 20–30 minutes before treatment. Most patients describe the treatment as a vibrating or scratchy sensation rather than pain. Bonier areas such as the forehead and jawline can feel more sensitive than the cheeks.

Expect redness similar to moderate sunburn for 24–48 hours, sometimes with mild swelling and tightness. Most people are comfortable in public the following day and back to normal by day two or three. Some flaking may occur later in the week.

Three sessions spaced four weeks apart is the standard course for general skin quality, fine lines, pores and tone. Significant acne scarring may need more sessions, sometimes six or more.

Collagen remodelling takes time. Treating sooner does not accelerate the process and may treat skin that is still recovering. Four-week spacing allows the skin to begin repairing before the next session.

Skin may look brighter within one to two weeks, but collagen-related changes develop more slowly. Improvement usually develops from around four to six weeks after each session and may continue for up to six months after the course.

Yes. SkinPen Precision was the first microneedling device to receive FDA clearance and uses a sterile single-use cartridge with a lockout preventing reuse. Consistency of needle depth and safety controls are important differences.

Microneedling can be suitable for skin of colour because it works mechanically rather than using heat or light. However, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is still a risk if the treatment is too aggressive. Conservative settings and experienced technique are important.

Microneedling is not usually a first-line treatment for melasma and may make it worse in some cases. Melasma is a relapsing pigmentary condition that requires proper diagnosis and medical management.

No. Microneedling over active inflammatory acne can spread infection and increase the risk of pigmentation. Active acne should be treated first, and scarring can be addressed once the skin is settled.

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is prepared from a sample of your own blood and contains platelets and growth factors. When combined with microneedling, it can support the skin’s repair response in suitable patients.

Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments used as a biostimulator. They can improve hydration, elasticity and skin quality over a course of treatments and may be useful for thin, crepey or poor-quality skin.

Home devices do not perform the same function as medical microneedling. The main concerns are infection, uneven technique and treating skin that should have been diagnosed first. Scarring and pigmentation should be assessed before needling.

Your skin is assessed, diagnosed and planned by Dr Ophelia Veraitch. Treatment is carried out by a member of her clinical team working to that plan, including senior beauty therapist Holly Robertson, who has used SkinPen for four years.

Pores cannot be permanently shrunk, but their appearance can improve. As collagen improves and the skin around the pores becomes firmer, pores may look smaller.