Acne scarring
Supports collagen remodelling and can soften the appearance of selected atrophic acne scars over a course of treatments.
Microneedling · South Kensington
Microneedling for smoother, more resilient skin
A consultation-led treatment that creates precise microchannels in the skin, supporting its natural repair response and the gradual formation of new collagen. Used for acne scarring, enlarged pores, uneven texture, fine lines and selected pigmentation concerns.
Collagen stimulation
Texture refinement
Face and body
Clinician-led
Treatments from £350
Treatment overview
What microneedling does
A sterile, single-use needle cartridge creates controlled micro-injuries at a depth selected for your skin and treatment goal. This initiates a wound-healing response and can improve the appearance of texture, scarring and fine lines over time.
“Dermaroller” is the older general term for skin needling. At Santi, treatment may be performed with a precision pen device, allowing the practitioner to adjust the needle depth across different areas of the face or body.
What microneedling may help improve
Results vary according to the condition being treated, its severity, skin type and the number of sessions completed.
Uneven texture
Helps refine roughness and improve the overall smoothness and uniformity of the skin surface.
Visible pores
Improved dermal support may make enlarged pores appear less prominent, although pores cannot be permanently removed.
Fine lines
Gradual collagen formation can soften fine lines and improve the appearance of early skin ageing.
Selected pigmentation
May support a more even appearance in suitable cases. Reactive or pigment-prone skin requires cautious assessment and treatment planning.
Stretch marks
Body microneedling can improve texture and the appearance of some stretch marks, usually over several sessions.
What happens during treatment
Consultation
We assess your skin, medical history, current products and treatment priorities before deciding whether microneedling is appropriate.
Preparation
The skin is thoroughly cleansed. A topical anaesthetic may be applied depending on the treatment area and planned intensity.
Microneedling
The device is passed systematically across the skin, with needle depth and technique adjusted according to the area.
Recovery plan
A soothing post-treatment product is applied and you leave with clear instructions on cleansing, sun protection and active skincare.
What to expect afterwards
Redness, warmth, mild swelling or tightness are common. The skin can resemble mild sunburn.
Dryness or light flaking may occur. Use only the recommended gentle products and daily broad-spectrum sun protection.
Skin may appear brighter and smoother as it settles. Changes in scarring and collagen develop more gradually over several weeks or months.
Downtime varies with needle depth, treatment area and individual sensitivity. Your practitioner will give advice specific to your procedure.
How many sessions are usually needed?
A single session may improve radiance and texture, but concerns such as acne scarring or stretch marks generally require a course. Many treatment plans involve three to six sessions, commonly spaced around four to six weeks apart, although the appropriate interval is decided individually.
Microneedling variations at Santi
Microneedling with targeted serum
A carefully selected sterile serum may be used according to the treatment protocol and your skin’s needs.
Ask about suitability →PRP microneedling
Platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood can be combined with needling as part of a more intensive rejuvenation plan.
Explore PRP →Skin Lab assessment
For complex concerns, objective skin measurements can help inform treatment choice and track hydration, barrier function and pigmentation.
Explore Skin Lab →
Suitability and safety
When microneedling may need to wait
Microneedling is not appropriate for every skin condition or at every point in a treatment plan. A consultation allows us to assess the skin barrier, inflammation, infection risk, healing history and medications.
Treatment may be postponed with:
- Active acne inflammation or skin infection
- Open wounds, cold sores or significant irritation
- An eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or rosacea flare in the treatment area
- Recent procedures that have not fully healed
Please tell us about:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Blood-thinning medication or bleeding disorders
- A history of keloid or abnormal scarring
- Isotretinoin use, immune suppression or delayed wound healing
Clinical precision without a standardised protocol
Consultation-led
Needle depth, treatment area, session spacing and aftercare are selected for your skin rather than applied as a fixed routine.
Sterile equipment
We use sterile, single-use needle cartridges and follow clinical protocols for skin preparation and aftercare.
Broader treatment options
Where another approach is more appropriate, we can discuss peels, laser, PRP, Skin Lab diagnostics or a staged combination plan.
Pre- and post-treatment care
Preparation and aftercare matter
Successful microneedling does not end when you leave the clinic. The right preparation can reduce unnecessary irritation, while careful aftercare supports healing and helps protect the result.
Before treatment, you may be advised to pause retinoids, exfoliating acids and other irritating active products, avoid excessive sun exposure and arrive with clean skin. Please tell us about prescribed medication, recent procedures, skin conditions or anything that may affect healing.
Afterwards, temporary redness, warmth, tightness and light flaking can occur. Gentle skincare, daily broad-spectrum SPF and avoiding heat, strenuous exercise and strong active products for the advised period will help the skin recover.
Microneedling FAQs
Does microneedling hurt?
Sensation varies by area and treatment depth. A topical anaesthetic may be used to improve comfort. Most clients describe pressure, vibration or a scratching sensation rather than sharp pain.
How much downtime should I expect?
Redness and warmth commonly last 24–48 hours, although deeper treatment can produce longer redness, swelling, dryness or flaking. Recovery is individual.
When can I wear makeup?
Your practitioner will advise based on treatment intensity. As a general precaution, avoid makeup while the skin is freshly treated and use only clean products and tools once the skin has settled.
Can microneedling treat acne scars?
It can improve selected atrophic acne scars by supporting collagen remodelling. Scar type matters, and deeper or tethered scars may require a combination approach.
Is microneedling suitable for darker skin tones?
It may be suitable for a wide range of skin tones because it does not rely on heat in the way many energy-based treatments do. However, pigment-prone skin still requires careful assessment, conservative treatment and diligent aftercare.
Can microneedling be combined with laser or peels?
Yes, but not necessarily in the same appointment. Treatments must be sequenced carefully to protect the skin barrier and reduce unnecessary inflammation.
What should I stop before treatment?
You may be asked to pause retinoids, exfoliating acids or other irritating actives. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from the clinician who prescribed it.
Why should I avoid home dermarolling?
Home devices offer less control over needle depth, sterility and technique. Improper use can cause irritation, infection, tearing or post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Is microneedling right for your skin?
Arrange a consultation at our South Kensington clinic. We will assess your skin, discuss realistic outcomes and explain whether microneedling or another treatment is the better option.