Skin Needling

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

Here at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as an alternative to laser treatment we also offer skin needling in order to combat acne scars, traumatic/ surgical scars, wrinkles, skin texture and tightness.

So what exactly is skin needling?

Skin needling is a procedure which involves puncturing the skin multiple times with small needles attached to a cylindrical roller to induce collagen growth and improve the appearance of depressed scars and wrinkles. When rolled over the skin the needles cause thousands of micro-injuries to the skin, this then causes the skin to begin a process of wound healing whereby new collagen is produced. The production of new collagen continues for up to 12 months after the procedure has been performed.

At The Victorian Cosmetic Institute we use skin rollers with 3mm needles, which are the longest needles available for skin needling and are known to provide the best results. Our more aggressive strategy of skin needling means better results are achieved through fewer treatments.

What does skin needling involve?

Our treatments begin with the application of local anaesthetic cream to the treated area for one hour.  Local anaesthetic injections are then administered, allowing for no sensation to be felt from the actual skin needling. The cylindrical roller is rolled over the skin multiple times to induce the thousands of microscopic injuries to the skin, this is the longest part of the procedure. For a full face this process takes up to 2 hours.

Once the skin needling has taken place, topical retinoids or other medical grade skin care can be added to skin to further enhance the effects of skin needling and collagen production. A dressing is then applied to the skin as during the first 24 hours post treatment weeping or oozing of the skin can occur.

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.

As the skin is not removed in this procedure scarring is extremely rare. Some people develop milia (small white dots) on the skin as it heals. These however can be easily removed. Temporary acne-breakouts may also occur after treatment.

The face, hands, neck, back and chest can all be treated with skin needling. Skin needling is suitable for all skin types and opposed to lasers treatment of skin, there is also less chance of pigmentation problems after skin needling has been performed.

If you are interested in this procedure or any others we offer here at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute don’t hesitate to contact us and make an appointment today!