We will guide you regarding suitable treatment times, it is best to avoid bright sunlight for 3 weeks after treatment. It is not suitable if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Micro-needling at Thames Skin Clinic is very safe when performed by our fully qualified and experienced practitioners. We follow strict medical protocols and use sterile, single-use medical-grade devices like the Dermapen DMP8.

Most clients find the treatment comfortable. A local anaesthetic is applied for 30 minutes before micro-needling to minimise discomfort. You may feel slight pressure or a prickling sensation during the procedure. Most patients describe it as a light scratching or tingling. Afterwards, your skin may feel warm and specially selected products will be massaged into your skin to enhance your treatment results. We provide full aftercare advice and apply a premium SPF to the skin for added protection.

Micro-needling is a low-risk treatment when performed correctly. To ensure your safety, please provide a full and updated medical history. Rare side effects may include minor redness or swelling, which usually resolves quickly.

Micro-needling typically has minimal downtime. You may experience redness, mild swelling, or inflammation for 12–24 hours after treatment. Your practitioner will apply a premium SPF and provide aftercare instructions to protect and support your skin’s healing.

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that encourages the skin to repair itself. It works by using very fine needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in the skin without damaging the surface. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing response, which leads to increased collagen and elastin production in the deeper layer of the skin. As the skin heals, it becomes smoother, firmer and more even in tone. The treatment is most commonly carried out on the face but can also be used on other areas of the body.

Microneedling can improve a wide range of skin concerns linked to ageing and surface damage. It helps soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin structure and elasticity. It is widely used to reduce acne scarring and other types of scars, as well as stretch marks on areas such as the stomach or thighs. The treatment can also help minimise enlarged pores, smooth uneven skin texture and improve patchy or uneven pigmentation.

Yes, microneedling can help with certain types of hair loss, particularly pattern hair loss in both men and women and some patchy forms of hair thinning. The treatment works by creating tiny controlled punctures in the scalp, which kick-starts the body’s natural repair response. This process increases blood flow, boosts growth factors in the treated area and wakes up stem cells around the hair follicles. This can improve thickness and help fine, weakened hairs grow back stronger. Microneedling does not usually create brand new follicles, but it can improve the quality and strength of existing hair and reduce miniaturisation, which is a key part of common hair loss.

At Thames Skin Clinic, we offer different levels of microneedling for hair loss, the simplest is plain microneedling. The next step up is Exosome microneedling courses and home care, which includes shampoos, conditioners and targeted leave in solutions. In addition PRP can be used to stimulate hair growth combined with microneedling.

Most patients require 3-6 microneedling sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results, though this varies based on your skin concerns and goals. You may notice an initial ‘glow’ immediately after treatment. Initial visible improvements appear around weeks 2-4, with finer lines looking softer and pores appearing smaller. The most dramatic results develop 3-6 months after your final session as collagen remodeling continues. For acne scars, you may need 4-8 sessions, while fine lines typically require 3-4 sessions. Results from microneedling typically last 6-12 months, with maintenance treatments recommended every 6-12 months to sustain benefits. The timeline accelerates with each session as collagen builds upon previous treatments.

First your medical history will be taken followed by an examination of your skin concerns. You can discuss whether micro-needling treatment is suitable for you and address your expectations from treatment. When the treatment has been fully explained you will be required to sign a consent form and a photograph will be taken for your confidential records.

Following cleansing your skin local anaesthetic is applied for 30 minutes.

During your microneedling treatment we use award winning growth factor Calecim professional treatment (or a bespoke targeted serum) to accelerate your treatment results and healing.

After your microneedling treatment we apply a soothing cooling mask and a complimentary Dermalux LED phototherapy to further assist rejuvenation and reduce redness as well as assist in some of the treatment concerns such as anti ageing and acne.

Treatment is a safe and effective way of tightening and hydrating your skin, improving skin texture and treating scarring as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

Your comfort levels and expectations are important factors which are considered in your consultation.

Micro-needling treatment can be used on the following areas

• Face
• Neck
• Decolletage
• Hands
• Abdomen
• Stretch marks
• Skin tightening
• Cellulite
• For other treatment areas please discuss with Dr Anna Hemming

Treatment is offered as a 4-6 session course

Our Thames Therapists will be able to discuss the options most suitable for your skin concerns following examination.

Side effects are minimal if any. Your skin will be red and sore. Microneedling site tenderness and mild bruising may occur. This is normal and will subside, usually within a few days (3-7).

It should not to be used if pregnant or breast feeding as we have no research to prove it is safe for your foetus or child.

Care must be taken if diagnosed with neurological or bleeding disorders, currently suffering with a skin infection or allergy or taking particular medication. Your specialist will be able to advise you further.

Please discuss any current medication with the doctor, especially if you are taking aspirin on Ibuprofen. Medication may need to be stopped before treatment.

Post treatment aftercare

• There may be some tenderness, redness that feels like sunburn, swelling and bruising around the microneedling area. This is normal and will subside, usually within a few days (3-7).
• If swelling or pain persists or you are concerned, please contact the clinic as soon as possible.
• Use a cryoglobe (available in clinic) or cold pack to reduce swelling and /or redness.
• Do not massage or manipulate the treated area.
• Apply a SPF 30+ sun screen. Recommended ZO skin health SPF 30 + primer, or ZO Skin Health Sheer SPF50.
• Stay hydrated

Things to avoid

• Avoid any further cosmetic procedures for 2 days after treatment.
• Avoid wearing make up for 12 hours post treatment
• Avoid extreme temperatures (hot and cold) for a minimum of 7 days after treatment (no saunas, steam rooms, sun beds or sun exposure).
• Avoid touching treatment area without first cleaning hands (can use Clinisept+ available in clinic)
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Avoid Swimming for 48 hours
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment

Ensure you have booked your next treatment 3-6 weeks after the first and a follow up 1 month after your last treatment.

If you have any concerns following treatment please contact Dr Hemming immediately.