How does microneedling work?

A microneedling pen moves fine needles across prepared skin at a clinician-selected depth. The channels are small, but they signal the skin to begin a repair process. New collagen and supporting tissue can gradually soften the look of atrophic scars, acne scars, fine lines, and some texture irregularities. The treatment does not fill a scar instantly or erase every mark; visible change develops as the skin remodels.

Depth, needle pattern, and treatment area matter. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat beneath the surface, while fractional laser treatment uses light to create a different pattern of controlled injury.

A clinician should check active acne, infection, eczema, abnormal scarring, medicines, and recent sun exposure before treatment. Afterward, use the recommended gentle cleanser and barrier-supporting moisturiser, avoid picking or vigorous rubbing, and protect the area from sunlight. Makeup and active skincare products may need to wait until the skin barrier has recovered. Redness, warmth, tightness, and mild swelling can occur for a short period.

Contact the treating clinic for increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, blistering, or swelling that is worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty or rapid facial swelling. A darkening or lightening change that persists should also be assessed.

What depth and device suit my skin and scar type, what aftercare is required, and could my history of pigmentation or raised scars change the plan?