Dermatologist-led · Specialists in skin of colour
Microneedling
Collagen-induction treatment that refines scarring, texture and tone, performed with the precision melanin-rich skin deserves.
Understanding microneedling
Your skin's own renewal, carefully guided
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses ultra-fine needles to create thousands of tiny, controlled micro-channels in the skin. These prompt your skin's natural healing response, stimulating fresh collagen and elastin.
Over a course of treatments, this renewal helps to soften acne scarring, refine pores and texture, and leave your skin firmer, smoother and more even in tone.
We use the SkinPen device, adjusting the needle depth area by area to suit your skin and your goals.
What microneedling can help with
Smoother, firmer, more even skin
- Acne scarring
- Post-acne marks & redness
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven or rough texture
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Loss of firmness
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dull, tired-looking skin
- Overall skin quality
Why specialist care matters
In darker skin, the signs of over-treatment are subtle.
Microneedling relies on reading the skin's response as you treat. Redness, the usual guide, is far less visible in skin of colour, and over-treatment can leave dark marks that take months to fade. Our clinicians are specially trained to recognise the subtler signs, so every session stays within what your skin can comfortably take.
The essentials
Microneedling at a glance
Areas treated
Mostly the face and neck. Not suitable for the lips or intimate areas.
Number of treatments
Usually 3–6 sessions, but this varies between individuals and their skin requirements.
Procedure time
30–45 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
Discomfort level
Minimal to mild, with numbing cream applied beforehand.
Downtime
Usually 24–72 hours of redness, which settles on its own.
Results
Some change after 2–3 sessions, with full results at the end of your course.
Real results
Case studies
Client profile
Calming redness and refining scarring
She had a history of cystic acne and had previously completed a course of isotretinoin, but was still experiencing breakouts, congestion, acne scarring and post-inflammatory redness. We spent six weeks preparing her skin with a gentle skincare routine, then began a combined plan of microneedling, polynucleotides and chemical peels.
- Age28
- SexFemale
- HeritageIndian
- Skin typeFitzpatrick IV
- Treatment3 microneedling sessions with polynucleotides, 9 microneedling sessions and 3 chemical peels
Her skin is smoother, firmer and more even, with a marked improvement in scarring and redness. She continues with maintenance treatments to keep her skin at its best.
Client profile
Clearer, smoother skin after years of acne
She had struggled with acne since her teenage years and had tried many different treatments before coming to us. Her skin was resilient and tolerant, but she was using a lot of active ingredients, so we first simplified her routine with gentle skincare to prepare her skin. We then started her on tretinoin for six months, alongside a course of three microneedling sessions.
- Age30
- SexFemale
- HeritageIndian
- Skin typeFitzpatrick IV
- Treatment6 months of tretinoin with 3 microneedling sessions
Her breakouts have settled and her dark marks have faded considerably, leaving a more even tone. Her skin texture is smoother and her scarring has visibly softened.
© Dr Mélanin. Images shared with our clients' consent. Individual results vary.
Watch & learn
Videos
Everything you need to know about microneedling
Why microneedling technique matters
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
Please reach out to us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
01What are the benefits of microneedling?
Microneedling stimulates your skin's own collagen and elastin. Over a course of treatments, this can smooth texture, soften fine lines, improve acne scarring and enlarged pores, fade pigmentation, and leave your skin firmer and brighter.
02Is microneedling safe for skin of colour?
Yes. Microneedling is one of the safest resurfacing treatments for darker skin tones when it is performed by a trained practitioner who tailors the treatment to your skin tone and recognises the subtler signs of over-treatment in melanin-rich skin.
Skin preparation, the right needle depth and careful aftercare all help to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
03Is microneedling painful?
Most clients find it very manageable. We apply a numbing cream beforehand, and you may feel a mild stinging or scratching sensation during treatment, particularly over bonier areas.
04What happens during a microneedling treatment?
We apply numbing cream for 20–30 minutes, then cleanse your skin thoroughly before treating each area with the SkinPen device. Throughout, we monitor how your skin is responding and adjust as needed.
Most treatments take 30–60 minutes in total, depending on the number of areas treated. We will talk you through your aftercare before you leave.
05What will my skin look like afterwards?
Immediately after treatment, it is normal to see redness and some pinpoint bleeding, similar to a mild sunburn. This usually settles within a few hours to a couple of days, and most clients are back to their usual routine within 24–72 hours.
06Are there any side effects?
Microneedling is very well tolerated, but like all treatments it carries some risks. Common, expected effects are temporary and include redness, mild swelling, pinpoint bleeding, dryness or flaking, light crusting, a few temporary breakouts and, occasionally, temporary pigmentation changes.
Because every client is unique, this list may not be exhaustive. We will discuss your individual risks in detail at your consultation.
07How many treatments will I need?
Most clients need at least 2–3 sessions to see a visible change, and 3–4 sessions for a noticeable result. Treatments are usually spaced about two skin cycles apart, giving your skin time to rebuild between sessions. Your plan will be tailored to your concerns and how your skin responds.
08When will I see results?
Microneedling improves the quality of your own skin over time, so results build gradually and are usually visible after 3–4 sessions. It improves texture, tone and firmness, but it does not replace lost volume. For deeper scarring or more complex concerns, we often combine it with other treatments for the best result.
09What is the investment for microneedling?
Please contact us via email to receive our pricing list. We ask all our clients to book a consultation with our doctors before starting any treatment. We carefully prepare a bespoke plan for every client, and some treatments may not be suitable for everyone.
Disclaimer
Your results, side effects, treatment plan, downtime and recovery may vary, as all our clients are unique. The information on this page is based on the average client experience. If you would like more detail about how your experience may differ, please book an in-person consultation.