How Micro-Needling Works

During a microneedling session, ultrafine needles create a series of controlled microchannels in the skin. This creates micro-injuries that activate the skin’s natural repair processes, which encourage increased cellular activity and collagen production.

Micro-needling is commonly used to support improvements in skin texture and tone, pore appearance and scarring (including acne scarring).

Post-surgical scars and acne scars sometimes require deeper needle penetration (up to approx. 3 mm). They must be performed by appropriately qualified doctors or registered nurses in accordance with Australian health practitioner regulations.

What Microneedling Treats

Microneedling can help support various skin concerns, such as:

• Uneven skin texture or tone
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Visible or in large pores
• Acne scarring and other textural scars
• General skin dullness and ageing

Skin needling can produce noticeable changes not long after treatment; however, the extent and longevity of results vary. For patients wanting longer-term skin remodelling, skin needling is typically most effective when incorporated into a broader, personalised treatment plan that includes supportive therapies and appropriate at-home skin care.

Medical-Grade Micro-Needling Vs At-Home Micro-Needling Devices

There are several at-home micro-needling devices marketed in Australia for skin rejuvenation. Although they appear similar to professional models, there are significant differences between at-home skin needling devices and medical-grade micro-needling devices used in a clinical setting by registered doctors and nurses.

Needle depth: A critical difference is the needle’s depth. While at-home devices typically penetrate 0.5 to 1 mm, medical-grade microneedling devices can penetrate up to 3 mm, allowing for a significantly deeper, more effective treatment.

It must be understood that to achieve a significant benefit to the skin, the needle must reach the dermis. The dermis is the second layer of the skin and sits between 0.5 and 1.5 mm below the skin’s surface. It is responsible for the production of collagen and elastin. To stimulate a reasonable wound-healing response and support structural skin changes (improved scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and the appearance of pores), treatments must reach this dermal layer.

In contrast, at-home devices cannot consistently and safely reach this depth. Therefore, they are unlikely to produce the level of collagen stimulation needed for long-term or significant skin change.

Adjunct therapies: Another critical difference between at-home and in-clinic micro-needling devices is the ability to use adjunct therapies not available for home use. For example, Low-Level Laser Therapy and Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy are often used after microneedling to help reduce inflammation, support cell viability and encourage new cell growth. Such modalities play an essential role in maximising treatment outcomes while also supporting a healthier, more controlled healing response.

Medical-grade topical treatments: Targeted, medical-grade topical treatments are applied during and after professional microneedling.  They support collagen production, cellular health and skin recovery. They are specifically formulated for use on compromised or treated skin and selected based on treatment depth and individual skin needs.

Micro-needling For The Neck And Decolletage

After a clinical assessment, microneedling can be used to support improved skin quality and texture in the neck and decolletage areas.

The skin is thinner in these areas and may display early signs of textural change and ageing. We approach skin needling treatment in these areas conservatively, carefully adjusting the depth and technique based on individual characteristics, skin thickness and sensitivity.

Micro-Needling For Post-Surgical Scars

Microneedling can also help treat scars. However, the surgical site must be fully healed and clinically appropriate to treat. The needle penetration depths are adjusted to work through the base and margins of scar tissue to support improvements in scar appearance and texture. The approach, needle depth and session frequency vary based on the type of scar, its location and the individual’s healing response.

Micro-Needling For Hand Rejuvenation

Hands can display skin thinning and early changes in texture. Micro-needling can be performed on the hands using appropriate, modified settings to support improvements in skin texture and quality.

Micro-Needling Treatment Response & Review

While we are confident that skin needling typically reveals visible skin changes after every treatment session, if no visible improvement is seen after the first session, we don’t recommend proceeding with further sessions. This is because the effectiveness of skin needling should be evident at every stage. Continued skin remodelling should be supported through ongoing treatments when delivered as part of a personalised, structured plan.

Supporting Micro-Needling Outcomes

Micro-needling is often included in a comprehensive skin treatment plan. It can be combined with supportive modalities, such as medical-grade skincare and light-based therapies, to help maintain cellular activity after treatment.

LED therapy, or low-level laser treatments, is sometimes recommended in the days following microneedling, then again at one- and two-week intervals. This helps support recovery and cellular regeneration.

Dry Micro-Needling

Dry micro-needling involves treating the area without any topical lubricant. This allows for a more direct mechanical interaction between the needles and skin. Acne scarring or in large pores are often targeted in this way, where precise tissue stimulation and contraction are required.

Dry micro-needling can be used to:

• Decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Stimulate collagen and elastin (through mechanical stimulation)
• Encourage localised skin contraction
• Support the reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores
• Help reduce tethered scar tissue
• Address acne scarring by working through scar margins and bases

Dry micro-needling is also a non-thermal treatment option suitable for a wide variety of skin types, including pigment-prone or sensitive skin (subject to assessment). Compared to other heat-based resurfacing treatments, it also has reduced downtime. And, as this technique does not rely on thermal energy, it can be suitable for those with sensitive skin, pigmentation concerns or melasma (chloasma).

Pre-Treatment Considerations

Several brief treatment factors must be considered before commencing micro-needling to help ensure appropriate treatment planning, patient safety, and optimal skin response.

• Pre-treatment skincare preparations might be discussed and recommended during your initial consultation.
• Certain medications, such as isotretinoin (Roaccutane), are contraindicated. Typically, skin needling is not performed while patients are on these medications.
• Individuals who are under the care of a medical specialist or taking prescription medications that could affect healing or skin response may require medical clearance.
• Some topical skincare products may need to be discontinued at least two weeks before treatment, depending on their formulation, treatment intent and frequency of use. Examples include Vitamin A derivatives and hydroquinone.
• Open wounds, sunburn, breaks in the skin or active skin infections could require skin needling to be postponed until the skin has fully settled.

Your Initial Consultation & Skin Assessment

Before starting with micro-needling, all patients must have an initial consultation. During this time, we will review your lifestyle factors, medical history, current skincare products and treatments and treatment goals to determine whether micro-needling is appropriate for you.

We will also create a personalised treatment plan, recommend supportive therapies and skincare, as well as provide education on skin anatomy, explain how micro-needling works and how you can support your skin health after treatment.

Your Treatment Day

On the day of your treatment, we’ll first prepare the skin and apply a topical anaesthetic to help reduce any discomfort. This anaesthetic remains on the skin for approximately 60 minutes.

Before commencing treatment, your cosmetic nurse will review the procedure and explain each step. During skin needling, the device may make a mild sound. Your nurse will monitor your comfort throughout the treatment.

After treatment, we will apply medical-grade skincare products specifically formulated for compromised skin. These formulations are amino acid-based and support collagen synthesis and skin healing. Sometimes, low concentrations of actives, such as vitamin C or vitamin A, are included to help with recovery while minimising irritation.

Post-Treatment Care And Recovery

Following your micro-needing treatment, you must adhere to the appropriate aftercare. This supports skin healing, optimises treatment outcomes, helps minimise the risk of complications and reduces irritation.

• Avoid liquid makeup for the first 24 hours; you may use mineral makeup once redness has settled.
• Temporary sensitivity and redness are to be expected; for comfort, you may apply a cool compress.
• Gently cleanse the skin using lukewarm water and a recommended post-treatment cleanser.
• Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your treated skin, as multiple micro-channels to the dermis will be temporarily present.
• Do not disturb or pick the skin, even if you experience a breakout during the renewal process.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 plus sunscreen once redness has settled, and stay out of the sun.
• Avoid intense exercise, steam rooms, hot tubs, saunas and alcohol for the first 24 hours.
• Depending on professional guidance and your skin’s response, you may start gentle exfoliation.
• Keep your treated skin well moisturised using your recommended medical-grade skincare. During the initial healing phase, apply the products multiple times a day.

Frequency Of Treatments

Most patients should notice visible skin changes after their first treatment. If no change is seen, we do not recommend further sessions.

Provided that improvements are seen, we often prescribe a series of three to four treatments at least four weeks apart. Depending on your skin goals, microneedling may be recommended periodically as a maintenance treatment.

Reducing Discomfort

Generally, micro-needling is well-tolerated by most people. To reduce any discomfort, we apply a topical anaesthetic, which is usually adequate for most. However, during your treatment, you will notice some discomfort, as fine needles are used.

Potential Side-Effects

Swelling, temporary redness or mild bruising are typical and expected. Less common side effects include flaking, dryness, prolonged irritation or pigment changes. Rare complications include inflammatory nodules, infection or granulomatous reactions.

If symptoms worsen rather than improve, or if signs of infection or systemic response occur, please contact the clinic.

Cost of Micro-needling

As micro-needling is a procedure tailored to the individual, pricing is not fixed until you’ve had your initial consultation and assessment. Individual tailoring ensures that your treatment is safe, appropriate and aligned with your skin requirements. Your tailored plan will be given to you at the end of your consultation, and it includes an outline of recommended sessions and associated costs so you can make a fully informed decision before proceeding.

Factors that influence the cost of your treatments include your skin concern, treatment area, depth required and whether you’ll have additional supportive therapies incorporated into your plan.

Sometimes, micro-needling may be performed as a standalone treatment without any adjunct therapies. At other times, we may recommend a broader skin treatment plan that includes supportive therapies, such as medical-grade therapy and LED treatment.

What is skin needling/micro-needling?

Skin needling (micro-needling) is a minimally invasive treatment where very fine needles puncture the skin in a controlled manner. This process stimulates the skin’s natural repair process, increasing collagen production and cellular activity to help improve skin tone, texture and overall quality.

What’s the difference between skin needling and microneedling?

There is no difference. Skin needling and micro-needling are both terms for the same treatment. They both refer to controlled needle-based stimulation of the skin to support collagen production and skin renewal.

What skin concerns does micro-needling address?

Micro-needling can be used to help with concerns such as acne scarring, post-surgical scarring, uneven skin tone and texture, enlarged pores, stretchmarks and general skin rejuvenation. Suitability for the procedure depends on individual skin characteristics, treatment goals and medical history — all of which are assessed during the initial consultation.

Who performs micro-needling?

An appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered cosmetic nurse will perform the micro-needling procedure. If treatments such as acne scars or post-surgical scars (which require deeper needle penetration) are required, they will only be performed by cosmetic nurses with the appropriate clinical qualifications.

Is micro-needling a medical procedure?

Micro-needling is classified as a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. When performed at greater depths for scar management, however, it requires clinical expertise and must be carried out by a registered health practitioner in accordance with AHPRA regulations.

During treatment, how deep do the needles go?

The depth of the needles depends on the concern being addressed and the treatment area. Acne scarring or post-surgical scars may need depths of up to around 3 mm, while superficial treatments use shallower depths. Your treatment depth will be discussed during your consultation.

What about active acne?

Micro-needling is not performed over active, inflammatory acne. If there are active breakouts, your nurse will assess whether treatment should be postponed or modified to reduce the risk of infection or irritation.

What is dry microneedling?

Dry micro-needling does not use a topical lubricating agent. This method allows for more direct mechanical interaction between the skin tissue and needles, and can be used for targeted concerns such as acne scarring or enlarged pores.

Is dry micro-needling safe for pigment-prone or sensitive skin?

Dry micro-needling may be suitable for pigment-prone or sensitive skin (following appropriate assessment), as it does not rely on heat-based energy. Suitability for dry micro-needling will be determined during your initial consultation.

Does micro-needling hurt?

Patients experience some sensation during micro-needling as tiny needles are involved; however, the treatment is well tolerated by most. We apply a topical anaesthetic to the skin, which is left on for approximately 60 minutes before treatment to minimise discomfort.

What happens on the treatment day?

First, we’ll apply a topical local anaesthetic to the treatment area and allow ample time for it to take effect. Your treating cosmetic nurse will review the procedure and then commence treatment. Afterwards, medical-grade skincare will be applied, and you’ll be given post-treatment instructions.

How long does it take to heal after micro-needling?

Sensitivity and redness typically settle within 24 to 72 hours. Flaking or mild dryness can persist for several days. The length of your healing time depends on the treatment depth and your skin response.

Do at-home treatment devices yield results similar to in-clinic treatments?

No. While home devices can provide mild, superficial skin stimulation, they are unlikely to produce the same levels of structural skin change or collagen stimulation as medical-grade micro-needling.

Why does treatment depth matter?

Your dermis is responsible for collagen production and is located between 0.5 and 1.5 mm below the skin. To trigger a significant healing response and address concerns such as scarring, enlarged pores, or fine lines, treatment must reach this layer. Safe, controlled penetration into this layer can be achieved through medical-grade microneedling.

What is the cost of micro-needling?

All micro-needling treatment plans are personalised. Therefore, treatment cost can only be given after your initial consultation and skin assessment. Factors influencing the cost include the treatment area and whether we recommend any adjunct therapies, such as Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy or other supportive treatments.

Does micro-needling cause skin peeling?

Some people experience dryness or mild skin flaking as part of the normal skin renewal process. These symptoms usually resolve within a week, provided appropriate aftercare is followed.

How soon can I wear makeup after micro-needling?

Avoid liquid makeup for the first 24 hours. You may apply mineral makeup once the redness has settled (as advised by your treating cosmetic nurse).

Does micro-needling require any downtime?

There is minimal downtime involved with micro-needling. Mild swelling, sensitivity or debris redness are to be expected and usually settle within a few days. Deeper treatments may require slightly longer downtime.

How many treatments will I need?

If a skin response is observed after the first treatment, we commonly recommend a series of three to four treatments spaced at least four weeks apart.

Will this treatment cause breakouts?

Some people might experience temporary breakouts after treatment as skin cells shed and renew. Typically, this response is short-lived and part of the normal healing process.

Why do I need sun protection after micro-needling?

Micro-needling temporarily increases skin sensitivity. Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen will help protect the skin, reduce the risk of pigmentation changes and support proper healing.

Can I combine micro-needling with other treatments?

Yes, micro-needling is often combined with other treatments as part of a broader treatment plan. For example, it is often combined with treatments such as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Light-Emitting Diode (LED) therapy and medical-grade skincare to support skin recovery and longer-term skin remodelling.

Is skin needling suitable for all skin types?

Skin needling is typically suitable for a wide range of skin types, including pigment-prone or sensitive skin, provided an appropriate assessment has been performed.