Skin Needling

Quick Facts  

  • Skin needling is used for acne scarring, surgical scars, wrinkles, skin tightness/texture
  • Anaesthetic is injected into the skin prior to the procedure. The procedure may also be done with or without intravenous sedation.
  • The skin roller is then passed over the treatment area multiple times
  • Skin needling can be used to improve the above skin conditions with less risk of skin pigment changes, especially with olive/darker skin types that commonly occur with laser treatment
  • The recovery time is usually 7-10 days
  • Usually 2-5 sessions are required for the optimal results
  • Home skin needling kits are a less aggressive option for daily use

What is skin needling?

Skin needling is a procedure that involves puncturing the skin multiple times with small needles attached to a cylindrical roller to induce collagen growth and improve;

Acne scars

Traumatic/surgical scars

Wrinkles

Skin tightness

Skin texture

The procedure has been performed for many years, with a variety of different methods being used.

The method used at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute utilises a cylindrical roller with micro-needles that are rolled over the skin after adequate local anaesthesia to numb the skin. This method was popularised by Dr. Desmond Fernandez, a well-known and regarded South African plastic surgeon, and is faster and more effective than other methods of skin needling.

How does skin needling work?

The needles cause thousands of micro-injuries to the skin when rolled over the skin. This induces the skin to begin a process of wound healing that is followed by the production of new collagen. The production of new collagen continues for up to 12 months after the procedure. Depressed acne scars, wrinkles, skin texture and tightness are all improved as a result.

 


How is skin needling performed?

At The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we use skin rollers with 3mm needles, which are the longest needles available for skin needling. This provides the most effective results. There are a variety of skin needling procedures offered by various clinics of varying degrees of intensity. However, our skin needling treatments tend to be on the more aggressive side of the spectrum of those offered, and therefore achieve better results with fewer treatments.

Our treatments begin by the application of local anaesthetic cream to the treated area for one hour. Local anaesthetic injections are then administered to numb the treated areas. After these local anaesthetic injections are given, there is no sensation from the actual skin needling. It is also possible to use inhaled anaesthetic gas or some light anaesthetic/intravenous sedation in conjunction with the above to help reduce any discomfort.
The skin roller is rolled over the skin multiple times to induce thousands of microscopic injuries to the skin. This is the longest part of the procedure, and takes up to 2 hours for a full face.
After skin needling, it is possible to add topical retinoids other medical grade skin care to the skin to further enhance the effects of skin needling and collagen production. A dressing is then applied to the skin, as there can be some weeping of the skin post skin needling. This is removed after 24 hours.

What are the side effects of treatment?

Generally, you will experience some redness of the skin for up to one week after the procedure and time off work may be needed at this time.  There is also a large amount of swelling that can persist for a few days. For about 24 hours post skin needling, there may be some weeping/oozing of the skin. A dressing is applied for 24 hours to help with this. If you are prone to cold sores, the healing area may become infected if you have a cold sore breakout during this period. Bacterial infection is also possible but very unlikely. As the skin is not removed, scarring is extremely rare. Some people develop milia (small white dots) on the skin as it heals. These can be removed easily.  Also temporary acne-breakouts may occur after treatment.

What areas can be treated?

The face, hands, neck, back and chest can be treated with skin needling, but most commonly the face is treated only.

Case study

This female presents to The Victorian Cosmetic Institute with concerns about her acne scarring. She had a total of 3 skin needling sessions over the period of approximately one year. The after photo shows a picture of her skin approximately 6 months after the last skin needling treatment. As can be seen, there is a dramatic improvement in skin texture and a reduction of the acne scarring.

Skin Needling Case Study - Before

Skin Needling Case Study - After

Skin needling patient diary

This is the diary of a patient who presented for skin needling using the Environ 3mm skin needling rollers. She had sedation for the procedure as well as local anaesthetic injected to numb the skin. The procedure took a total of two hours.

Day 0-1

Still very drowsy post procedure and the swelling became apparent. One eyelid started to develop a bit of swelling also. 

(NB: Dressings are removed after 24 hours.)


 

Day 2-3

Lots and lots of swelling, seemed to be gathering even more in the eyelids. The skin was extremely sensitive and felt as if bruised underneath. Itchiness started. Break out of acne in the lower half of my face more.


Day 4

Still quite itchy and also now a tingling feeling like pins and needles under the skin at intermittent times. Swelling has almost gone. Acne still there.

Day 5-9 

All swelling has gone, still redness and the skin especially around my mouth and the chin is dryer than the rest. Most of pimples are gone.


Day 12 

The skin is now completely healed and sensitivity is back to normal, only marginal redness remains and the breakout has completely cleared up. Very happy with the results already.


Am I a suitable candidate for skin needling?

Skin needling is particularly suited to those with acne scarring, fine lines, and for people looking to improve skin texture and tightness. It can be used on all skin types from light to dark skins. As opposed to lasers treatment of skin, there is less chance of pigmentation problems after treatment. It is not suitable for people who have open cuts, wounds, sun-burnt skin, and those who are pregnant or lactating. 

Can I do skin needling at home?

The skin needling treatment offered at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute with the 3mm skin rollers is strictly an in-clinic procedure. However, we do offer skin rollers with 0.2mm needles that can be used on a daily basis at home. There is no downtime associated with their use, and any redness experienced post treatment is usually very transient. Although, not as aggressive as the in-clinic version, these rollers are still effective when used regularly. They also are useful when used just prior to the application of skin care products such as topical retinoids (vitamin A). The needles create very small holes in the skin to help the penetration of skin care products and therefore their effectiveness.

To purchase the home skin rollers from our online store, click here.


What is the difference between skin needling and Fraxel laser or fractional carbon dioxide laser?

The Fraxel and fractional carbon dioxide lasers are lasers that have a 'fractionated' delivery of laser energy to the skin. In other words, the whole skin surface is not treated. Individual columns of laser energy are fired into the skin, each penetrating up to 2mm. This stimulates collagen production and helps with problems such as as acne scarring, wrinkles and pigmentation. With darker skin types especially, there is a chance that these laser treatments can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are areas of skin that have become darker than the surrounding skin due to the laser. 

Skin needling in comparison, uses multiple fine needles to penetrate the skin via a roller. This causes thousands of small injuries to the skin which each penetrate slightly deeper than laser (down to around 3mm). Therefore, it tends to be more useful for acne scarring and wrinkles as it can get down to the base of the problem. There is less risk of pigmentation problems after skin needling, and it is a safe treatment even in olive or darker skin types.

 

How much does skin needling cost?

Area

Price (per session including GST)

Full face

3950


Cheeks


3250

Forehead

2950


Chin / around mouth

2500


 
The number of treatments will depend on the response, but generally speaking, you may need 1 to 5 treatments. Most people will require around 3 treatments for optimal results.

 

Why should I choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as my provider of skin needling?

The doctors at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute will carefully assess the condition of your skin and your suitability for the procedure. We take ample time to prepare your skin for the procedure to make it as comfortable as possible. We use only the highest quality skin rollers to ensure the results are maximised.
The first step is simply contacting us for your initial skin needling  consultation, where we will discuss with you what is a realistic and achievable outcome, and what to expect from your treatment.
 
Making that first phone call about any cosmetic procedure can be a confronting task - many of our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form. We can then contact you and gain an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate. as easy as clicking either of the buttons below and completing the provided form.
Otherwise, you can phone us directly on (03) 8850 0655 (Templestowe) or (03) 9707 0888 (Berwick).