As you may already be aware, Microneedling and its variations have gained immense popularity in the UK and worldwide as a minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure. This innovative skincare treatment is celebrated for its ability to rejuvenate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

If you're considering Microneedling in the UK, it's essential to understand what to expect before, during, and after the treatment to make the most of this fantastic procedure. That’s why the skin specialists at our beauty & aesthetics clinic in Essex have put together this summarised guide to give you full awareness of what your treatment could look like from start to finish.

Before your Microneedling treatment

Consultation with a skin specialist

The journey to radiant skin should always begin with a thorough consultation. This is a crucial step in the process, allowing you to discuss your skincare concerns and goals with a licensed medical practitioner. They will assess your skin, discuss the procedure's details, and ensure you are a suitable candidate for microneedling.

You will also be provided an opportunity to ask any questions and develop a treatment plan that is unique to your skin and its needs.

Pre-treatment preparation

Prior to your treatment, you are advised to discontinue certain skincare products, such as retinoids, for a specific period. This ensures your skin is in the best condition for the procedure and will avoid any complications with the device performing your treatment.

Be prepared to arrive at the clinic with a clean face, free of makeup or skincare products. Most microneedling sessions involve numbing cream to minimise discomfort during the procedure.

During your Microneedling treatment

Arriving at the clinic

The day has finally arrived for your eagerly awaited treatment! You should arrive around 5-10 minutes before your scheduled Microneedling appointment to allow your practitioner to complete your treatment on time without impacting other sessions.

When you enter the clinic, you will be greeted by your practitioner, made to feel comfortable, offered a drink and shown to the treatment room. Once in the treatment room, your practitioner will provide you with a full summary of what will be happening during treatment and allow you to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. Then, when everyone is ready to begin, your Microneedling treatment will commence.

Cleansing the treated area

Before the treatment takes place, your skin will be thoroughly cleaned by your practitioner to remove any surface-level dirt or residue that could impact the treatment. Your practitioner will then apply numbing cream at your request if necessary.

Microneedling is not considered painful, however, there can be some minor discomfort as the fine needles of the device pass across the treated areas repetitively.

Delivering the Microneedling Treatment

Microneedling involves using a device with tiny, fine needles that create micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate collagen production and promote skin rejuvenation. The procedure typically lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area.

You may experience a mild tingling or discomfort during the procedure, but the numbing cream should help alleviate this. Many people find microneedling tolerable and relatively painless.

For more in-depth information about this amazing treatment, have a read of our Complete Guide to Microneedling.

Post-treatment enhancing serums

After your microneedling is complete, your practitioner will apply specialised serums that feature hyaluronic acid, to enhance the treatment's effects and results.

After your microneedling treatment

Expected side effects

As with almost all aesthetic procedures, some side effects are due to be expected.

Side effects from Microneedling, specifically with the SkinPen, are often minor, temporary, and contained to the area treated. Side effects to be aware of for this treatment include short-term redness, light swelling, and in some cases skin flaking, however, this will only last for a few days.

Downtime for Microneedling

You’ll be pleased to know that downtime for this treatment is very short, and will only take around 24-48 hours to be fully recovered. Downtime for SkinPen does not require you to take any time off from work, and you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately after your treatment.

Following recommended aftercare

Aftercare advice is included with every treatment, and your practitioner will be able to advise on the best way to ensure comfort post-treatment. For a summarised guide on what you can do to maximise results following your treatment, check out our Aftercare Guide for Microneedling.

Your practitioner will also provide guidance on the skincare products to use or avoid in the days following the treatment. It's crucial to follow these recommendations to ensure that your results flourish.

When to expect results

On average, it takes 6 to 8 weeks for our patients to see their results in full. Noticeable results often become apparent after a few weeks as collagen production increases and skin rejuvenation occurs. Multiple sessions may be recommended to achieve the best results. These are typically spaced several weeks apart.

As with the number of sessions you need, everyone is different, and results can vary from person to person. Our practitioners will be able to advise you and answer any concerns you may have about your results following your treatment.

Maintenance and Follow-up Appointments

Unfortunately, Microneedling is not a one-time solution, and it's crucial to establish a skincare routine to maintain your results. Your practitioner will advise you on the best post-treatment practices to ensure your skin remains radiant and youthful.

We recommend booking and attending follow-up appointments scheduled with your practitioner. These appointments will allow them to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

For most people, we recommend 3-6 sessions of SkinPen to see their optimum result. For those with younger skin, 1 or 2 treatments may be enough to achieve the rejuvenated results that you desire. Everyone is different, and as the treatment depends on your body’s unique ability to regenerate cells, the number of treatments required varies per person.

Book a consultation to discuss your skin goals in detail with a Microneedling Treatment Specialist

Overall, Microneedling is a versatile and effective cosmetic procedure that can address various skin concerns. Choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner is crucial to ensure your safety and achieve the best results. With proper pre-treatment preparation, the procedure itself, and post-treatment care, microneedling can be a game-changer for your skin.

At our clinic in Essex, we use the patented SkinPen Microneedling device. This leading skin remodelling device creates temporary microchannels in your skin to activate your body’s natural skin-healing power to increase collagen and elastin. Perfect for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, scarring and pigmentation issues.

If your questions weren’t answered or you would like to discuss your future Microneedling treatment, contact our team to take the first step to softer, more vibrant, and youthful skin.

We hope to see you soon!