Non-Surgical · Skin
Microneedling in London
Doctor-led collagen induction therapy — controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin to rebuild itself. Real results, no synthetic additives.
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Hello!
Medically reviewed by Dr Hassan SoueidConsultant Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon
Overview
What is microneedling?
Microneedling — also called collagen induction therapy — uses a precision pen with very fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. The skin's natural healing response stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving texture, scarring, fine lines and pigmentation over a series of treatments.
At Kensington Cosmetic Clinic microneedling is performed by medical practitioners using professional-grade pens (not derma rollers) with controlled depth settings — typically 0.5–2.5 mm depending on the indication. We do not use the cheap consumer rollers sold for home use; depth and sterility matter.
Microneedling is often combined with topical actives — vitamin C, peptides, or PRP — applied immediately after the channels are created to enhance penetration. We discuss the right combination for your skin at consultation.
Microneedling rebuilds the skin from within. Results are gradual, real, and last because they come from your own collagen.
How it works
Inside microneedling
A diagram of the procedure. Hover any pulsing marker to see how each anatomical layer is treated by Dr Hassan.
Hover or tap any highlighted region
Illustration is anatomical only — the procedure is tailored individually at consultation.
Treated Areas
What microneedling can address
Microneedling treats a range of texture and quality concerns — though it is more refinement than transformation. Best results come from a series of 3–6 treatments.
Texture
Acne scarring
One of the strongest indications — particularly for rolling and boxcar acne scars. Best results require 4–6 sessions over 6–12 months, often combined with topical actives.
Surgical and trauma scars
Stretches and softens scar tissue. Begin treatments at least 6 months post-injury; earlier treatment risks worsening the scar.
Stretch marks
Older white stretch marks improve with deeper microneedling combined with topical retinoids. Newer red stretch marks respond more quickly than mature white ones.
Fine Lines & Pigmentation
Fine lines and crepiness
Around the eyes, mouth and neck. Refinement rather than dramatic change — most patients see clear improvement at 3 sessions, optimal at 6.
Sun damage and pigmentation
Improves uneven tone via collagen remodelling and (when combined with topical brighteners) reduced melanin distribution.
Enlarged pores
Pore size is reduced by improving the supporting collagen around the follicle openings.
Body & Combinations
Body microneedling
Stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs and breasts. Sessions are longer; results take longer to appear than facial treatments.
Microneedling with PRP
Combined treatment — also known as the 'vampire facial'. PRP applied immediately after microneedling channels are created enhances results in scarring and rejuvenation.
RF microneedling (Morpheus8 / similar)
A more advanced device that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for deeper collagen remodelling and tightening. Discussed where indicated.
Candidate
Who is microneedling for?
- Has texture concerns: acne scarring, fine lines, pore size, sun damage, stretch marks
- Is in good general health, not pregnant
- Has no active acne, eczema or skin infection in the treatment area
- Has realistic expectations — refinement over a series of treatments, not transformation in one session
- Can commit to 24–48 hours of redness and 7 days of recovery between sessions
Benefits at KCC
The KCC Clinic difference
- All treatments performed by medical practitioners — never beauty therapists or non-medics
- Professional medical-grade microneedling pens with controlled depth (0.5–2.5 mm)
- Single-use sterile cartridges — no reused needles
- Combined with PRP, vitamin C or peptides where indicated, included in the treatment plan
- Photography at each session for accurate longitudinal review
- Discreet Kensington location with private parking and concierge support
Investment
Pricing on consultation
Every patient is different — the area, technique and number of stages shape the plan. We share full pricing during your private consultation, after Dr Hassan or your treating clinician has reviewed your goals in person.
Before
How to prepare
- Avoid retinol and exfoliating actives for 1 week before treatment
- Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks before — treatments on tanned skin risk pigmentation
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before — reduces bleeding and bruising
- Arrive without makeup; the treatment area will be cleansed and numbed before treatment
- Allow 48 hours before any major social event or photography for redness to settle
The Treatment
What happens on the day
Consultation & numbing
Skin assessment and treatment plan agreed. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied for 30 minutes before the procedure for comfort.
Treatment
The medical-grade pen is passed across the treatment area in a series of controlled passes. Total in-clinic time including numbing is around 60 minutes; the active treatment is 15–25 minutes. Topical actives or PRP applied immediately afterwards.
- Sensation — tingling and pressure, occasionally a sharper sensation in bony areas — well-tolerated with topical numbing.
- Depth — 0.5 mm for fine lines, up to 2.5 mm for deep scarring — selected per area within the same session.
- Redness — skin will look sun-burnt for 24–48 hours; mild swelling for the first day.
Step by Step
Your patient journey
Microneedling is a series treatment — three to six sessions, four to six weeks apart, with annual maintenance after.
01 · The Consultation
Skin assessment + plan
Skin type confirmed (Fitzpatrick I–VI), specific indications mapped, treatment depth selected per area. Photography for longitudinal review. Discussion of whether to combine with PRP, peels or topical actives.
02 · Preparation
Pre-treatment skincare
Stop retinol and exfoliating actives one week before. Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before. Arrive with clean skin — anaesthetic cream applied for 30 minutes before treatment.
03 · The Treatment
Controlled micro-channels
Medical-grade pen with single-use sterile cartridges, 0.5–2.5 mm depth depending on indication. 15–25 minutes of active treatment. Topical actives or PRP applied immediately afterwards to enhance absorption.
04 · Recovery & Schedule
A series, then maintenance
24–48 hours of redness. Mild peeling for 3–7 days. SPF 50 daily. Sessions 4–6 weeks apart. First visible improvement at week four to six; meaningful change after three sessions; near-maximal after six.
After
Recovery & aftercare
- No makeup or active skincare for 24 hours after treatment
- Use only the gentle cleanser and recovery serum we provide for the first 48 hours
- Avoid direct sun for 2 weeks; SPF 50 daily
- Avoid exercise, sauna, steam rooms and very hot showers for 48 hours
- Skin may feel tight, slightly itchy or peel mildly for 3–7 days — this is normal
- Allow 4–6 weeks between treatments for collagen remodelling
Results
When will I see the result?
- Day 1–7 — initial tightening, mild peeling
- Week 4–6 — first visible collagen-driven improvement
- After 3 sessions — clear, photographable improvement in texture and tone
- After 6 sessions — close to maximal improvement, particularly for scarring
- Maintenance — typically 1–2 sessions per year after the initial series
Before & After
Real KCC patient outcome
Documented outcome from a microneedling-led rejuvenation course at Kensington Cosmetic Clinic.
Perioral texture and fine lines — series of medical microneedling sessions.
All photographs are real Kensington Cosmetic Clinic patients, taken with written consent. Individual results vary; outcomes depend on indication, skin type and treatment plan.
Questions
Microneedling in London FAQs
How many treatments will I need?+
Most indications need 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Acne scarring typically benefits from 4–6 sessions; fine lines and texture often see good results from 3. Annual maintenance is recommended after the initial series.
Is microneedling painful?+
Most patients describe it as tolerable rather than painful — a tingling, scratching sensation. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied for 30 minutes beforehand which significantly reduces discomfort. Bony areas (forehead, jawline) are slightly more sensitive than fleshy areas.
How is this different from a derma roller at home?+
Professional microneedling pens use single-use sterile cartridges with controlled vertical insertion at adjustable depths. Consumer rollers drag needles across the skin at uncontrolled angles, often re-using non-sterile needles. Home rollers can cause more harm than benefit; we do not recommend them.
Can microneedling be combined with PRP (vampire facial)?+
Yes — and we often do, particularly for scarring and rejuvenation indications. PRP is processed from a small blood draw and applied immediately after microneedling channels are created, enhancing absorption and results. Discussed at consultation.
Is there downtime?+
24–48 hours of redness and mild swelling, sometimes light peeling for a few days. Most patients return to work the next day with light makeup if they prefer; full social activity is comfortable from day 2–3.
Private enquiry
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