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What is Microneedling and Does it Hurt?

We are frequently asked about the benefits of microneedling, a popular skin treatment offered at both STORY locations. 

STORY lead aesthetician, Maja Swierczynska answers some of these questions for you, here, and explains more about why this versatile treatment is one of her personal favourites…

STORY Aesthetic Results - colourful bar

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a collagen induction therapy. This means it’s used to stimulate our bodies into actively producing more collagen to strengthen the skin over time.

The ageing process starts when we are 25 and, from then on, we very slowly start losing collagen and elastin. These are the two key ingredients which hold our skin together, keeping it supple and youthful-looking. 

Microneedling involves using a handheld device to gently pierce the surface of the skin, creating tiny micro-punctures. By causing these minuscule channels we purposely induce inflammation. This inflammation then harnesses the body’s natural healing process and sparks our skin into all kinds of beneficial actions, including…

  • Producing new collagen and elastin fibres. 
  • Increasing blood flow and cell turnover.
  • Giving skin a radiant glow.
  • Tightening the skin.
  • Improving skin texture.
  • Creating a more even skin tone.
  • Minimising pore size.
  • Reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars.
STORY clinics london nottingham microneedling skin treatment

Sounds painful, does it hurt?

We wouldn’t describe microneedling as being painful, however, obviously everyone’s pain thresholds are different. 

It can be mildly uncomfortable and can have a slightly scratchy feel. People mostly describe having microneedling as experiencing a “buzzing” sensation. 

We always prepare your skin with a gentle numbing agent beforehand in order to ensure your maximum comfort.

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Is there any downtime?

We generally advise there will be 1-3 days of downtime following each microneedling session. 

Immediately after treatment your skin will be highly sensitised. This is why during and straight after microneedling are perfect times to anoint the skin with active ingredients. This opportunity allows them to penetrate straight to the deeper levels of your skin so you reap the maximum benefits.

Due to this sensitisation, your face will feel warm and look red after your microneedling appointment. This warmth will soon pass; the redness may take up to three days to subside. 

During this time some people may find their skin feels a little more dry than usual so it’s important to follow your aftercare advice. This involves applying complimentary soothing skincare products, which we’ll give you at your appointment. These products have been specially selected by our cosmetic dermatology experts to ensure you have the most comfortable experience and see the best results from your microneedling.

We recommend not wearing makeup while your face is sensitised due to the risk of infection. Therefore, Fridays are traditionally a popular day for microneedling appointments.

Microneedling results STORY clinics london nottingham microneedling skin treatment
During and 4 days after our custom microneedling treatment with personalised mesotherapy

What results will I see?

Microneedling results can include…

  • Smoother skin.
  • More even skin tone.
  • Improved skin texture and radiance.
  • Fine lines, wrinkles and pores being minimised.
  • Reducing the appearance of scarring, including acne scars.
  • Skin appearing firmer, more youthful and rejuvenated.

Whilst some results will be noticeable within the first week after treatment, others will be at their peak 12 to 32 weeks later. This is because the skin takes 12 to 32 weeks to remodel collagen and elastin fibres. 

To see the best results from microneedling, we recommend booking a course of treatment rather than having a single session as a one-off. Ideally we advise starting with a course of treatments:

  • 3 sessions – 1 every 4 weeks – once a year, if you are aged 30-40.
  • 6 sessions – 1 every 4 weeks – once a year, if you are aged 40-50.

You can further optimise your results by combining these treatments with a bespoke skincare routine, which we can create during your initial skin consultation. Additionally, as mentioned above, we can combine your microneedling treatment with active ingredients through personalised mesotherapy or skin peels. This makes the most of your skin being super receptive to targeted treatments and helps you to achieve your skin goals more efficiently.

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Who is microneedling suitable for?

Our skin experts find microneedling to be an amazing treatment for lots of different people…

  • Anyone who has regular injectable treatments.
  • People looking to reduce scarring.
  • Those concerned about the signs of ageing.
  • Anyone wanting to minimise pore size.
  • Clients looking for a more even skin tone and improved skin texture.

Our Microneedling treatment is unique because we are always combining it with different types of mesotherapy solutions, depending on your skin concerns and your skin type. 

Microneedling treatment is suitable for all skin types. However, it is not suitable if you have active acne or certain inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.

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What device do you use?

At STORY we use SkinPen devices for our microneedling treatments. 

The SkinPen is the only FDA-cleared device for this treatment and creates an incredible 90,000 tiny channels in the skin per minute. 

It also allows us to vary the depth of the treatment depending on the area. For example, we can pierce thinner areas of the skin – such as around the delicate eye area – on a more superficial level. Conversely we can go deeper in more robust areas such as the jawline, chin and when treating acne scarring.

This versatility allows us to provide safe, effective microneedling treatments that are personalised to every contour of your face.

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