Skin needling, also called micro-needling or collagen induction therapy, uses a handheld device fitted with fine single-use needles. The appointment takes about an hour. The needling itself accounts for roughly 25 minutes of that.
The clinician cleanses the face, applies a topical anaesthetic and leaves it on for around 25 minutes. That waiting time is when you go through the procedure and the aftercare. A serum goes on, then the device is passed over the skin, creating very small punctures in the surface. Needle depth is set by the clinician and changes with the area being worked on and with the person.
Whether any of this suits your skin is settled at consultation, not from a page like this one. We make no claims here about what the procedure will do for you, and the clinic does not offer it as a treatment for a skin condition.
How it feels
Sensation differs. The description we hear most often is a vibration, more noticeable over bone: the hairline, the jaw, the bridge of the nose. The anaesthetic goes on beforehand. Say something during the appointment if you are uncomfortable, and the clinician can adjust or stop.
Some appointments finish with LED light therapy, which is visible light at different wavelengths, with goggles on throughout. Whether it is included, and what it is being used for, is the clinician’s call.
Afterwards
Redness straight after the appointment is normal and settles at different rates. Dryness in the days following is common too. You will be given written aftercare instructions. Follow them.
How many appointments, and how far apart, is worked out at consultation.
What can go wrong
Redness and dryness are the usual course. Less commonly, the skin can react in ways that need attention: infection, a lasting change in skin colour in the treated area, or scarring. These are uncommon, but they are the reason the aftercare instructions matter and the reason suitability is assessed before anything is booked.
Contact the clinic if redness worsens instead of settling, if the area becomes hot, painful or starts to weep, or if you develop a fever. See a doctor if you cannot reach us.
Your clinician will go through the risks with you at consultation, in relation to your own skin. Ask questions there rather than relying on a general page.
Who it may not suit
Tell the clinician before an appointment is booked if any of these apply to you:
- a skin condition in the area to be worked on, including active acne, infection or inflammation
- a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- any medical condition, or you are under medical care
- any medication that affects the skin or bleeding
- you are pregnant or might be
If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
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Jane Wales is located at Longevity Clinics Caringbah , Sydney.
