SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen microneedling is an advanced, minimally invasive skin treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling improves skin texture and tone and effectively addresses concerns including acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven texture. At Montrose London in Belgravia, every SkinPen microneedling treatment is tailored to your skin by an experienced practitioner.
An Overview
Objective
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More about this treatment
SkinPen is a medical-grade microneedling device that uses fine needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin’s surface. This controlled micro-injury triggers the body’s natural healing response, promoting collagen and elastin production and encouraging the skin to remodel itself over the following weeks and months. Because the needle depth can be adjusted, each microneedling treatment is customised to your skin and the concern being addressed, and SkinPen can be combined with complementary treatments where appropriate.
Microneedling is particularly effective for acne scarring, including atrophic (indented) acne scars, where stimulating collagen helps to gradually smooth and refine the skin. It is also used to soften fine lines and wrinkles, refine enlarged pores, improve uneven texture and tone, and support overall skin quality. Because it relies on mechanical micro-injury rather than heat or light, SkinPen microneedling is suitable for a wide range of skin types, including darker skin tones, with a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation than some laser-based treatments. Suitability is always confirmed individually before treatment.
Microneedling works gradually and cumulatively, which is why it is delivered as a course rather than a single session. Most patients begin with three initial treatments spaced several weeks apart, followed by annual maintenance to preserve results. With minimal downtime of one to three days, SkinPen microneedling offers an effective, well-tolerated route to healthier, smoother, more refined skin.
What results are typically achieved
SkinPen microneedling delivers gradual but visible improvements in skin tone, texture and overall quality. Results build over the weeks and months following treatment as new collagen forms, and are most noticeable across a course of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Typical improvements include:
- Smoother, more refined skin texture
- Softened fine lines and improved firmness
- Reduced visibility of acne scars and other scarring
- Refined enlarged pores
- A more even skin tone and healthier overall appearance
Outcomes vary depending on the concern being treated, the number of sessions and individual skin response. Your practitioner will discuss realistic expectations and an appropriate treatment plan at your consultation.
Preparing for your treatment
Prior to arrival at Montrose4 weeks prior: Avoid any aggressive treatments such as ablative laser or chemical peels.
2 weeks prior: Avoid abrasive treatments including laser, other microneedling treatments, prolonged or recent UV
exposure, aggressive facials, and irritant topical products (acids, retinol, vitamin C, or mechanical scrubs).
Your practitioner will remove any makeup, discuss your concerns, review your medical history, and photograph the treatment area.
A numbing cream is applied to the treatment area for around 45 minutes to ensure comfort. The SkinPen device is then used to create controlled micro-injuries in the targeted areas. You may feel a mild tingling or warmth during the procedure.
Post Treatment Advice
- From 24 hours post-procedure: Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area, use a hat where possible, and apply broad-spectrum physical SPF 50 with 5-star UVA protection.
- 24-48 hours: Keep the area dry and clean, wash with lukewarm water and allow it to air dry (avoid towels). Do not apply makeup to the treated area.
- 48 hours: Avoid saunas, hot baths, jacuzzis, exercise or sweat-inducing activities, and avoid sunlight.
- 48 hours: Avoid touching or massaging the treated areas.
- 14 days: Do not apply retinoids or vitamin C.
Questions you may have
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This prompts the body to produce new collagen and elastin as it heals, improving texture, firmness and the appearance of scars. At Montrose, microneedling is performed using the medical-grade SkinPen device.
Microneedling suits people looking to improve skin tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores or skin laxity, as well as those wanting to boost collagen for a healthier, more youthful appearance. The treatment is versatile and tailored to a wide range of skin concerns and skin types. Suitability is confirmed at your consultation.
Microneedling is not suitable for anyone with an active skin infection, an inflammatory skin condition, or open wounds in the treatment area. It is also not recommended during pregnancy, or for those with a history of skin cancer or photosensitivity disorders. If you have severe active acne or are undergoing certain acne treatments, speak to a dermatologist first. Always discuss your medical history with your practitioner.
Yes. Acne scarring is one of the strongest indications for microneedling. By stimulating collagen production, microneedling helps to gradually fill and smooth indented, atrophic acne scars and improve overall skin texture. Results build over a course of treatments, and for deeper scarring your practitioner may recommend combining microneedling with other treatments.
Microneedling produces gradual, long-lasting improvements as new collagen forms. Results continue to develop over the weeks and months after treatment and are maintained with an ongoing plan – typically a course of initial sessions followed by annual maintenance. Because the skin continues to age naturally, periodic top-up treatments help preserve results over time.
Most people start with three initial sessions spaced several weeks apart, followed by annual maintenance. The exact number depends on your skin and the concern being treated, and your practitioner will recommend a plan at your consultation.
Both can improve acne scarring. Laser resurfacing is often considered the more powerful option for deeper scarring, while microneedling is a gentler treatment with less downtime and a lower risk of pigmentation issues in darker skin tones. The best choice depends on your skin and scar type, which your practitioner will assess at your consultation.
Microneedling can help improve the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen and encouraging the skin to remodel, which can soften their texture and colour over a course of treatments. Because it does not rely on light or heat, it carries a lower risk of skin discolouration than some laser-based options. Results vary and are discussed at consultation.
Common side effects include temporary redness, mild swelling and a sensation similar to mild sunburn, and the skin may flake or peel briefly. These typically settle within a few days. Following your aftercare protocol – particularly sun protection – helps minimise side effects and supports healing. Report any unusual symptoms to your practitioner promptly.
Yes. Good aftercare protects your results: avoid sun exposure and use broad-spectrum SPF 50, keep the area clean, avoid makeup and heat (saunas, hot baths, exercise) for the recommended periods, and pause retinoids and vitamin C for 14 days. Your practitioner will provide a full aftercare protocol after your treatment.
SkinPen microneedling starts from £395 per session, with the appointment lasting up to 90 minutes including numbing time. As microneedling works best as a course, your practitioner will discuss an appropriate plan and any package options at your consultation.
What to expect
- A comprehensive treatment plan leveraging the expertise of your practitioner and the range of services offered by Montrose London.
- Follow-up visits to monitor the progress of treatment as needed.
