Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses very fine needles to make controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which prompts its natural repair response. It is most often chosen for uneven texture, shallow acne scarring and enlarged-looking pores. At ZARA, 304 Edgware Road, London W2, Microneedling (face) costs £120 per session, and a course is usually recommended after consultation.
What microneedling actually does
Microneedling is usually carried out with a pen-style device holding a cartridge of very fine, sterile needles, which is moved across the skin. The needles create thousands of tiny channels at a depth set for each area of the face. The skin treats these as minor wounds and starts its repair process, which includes producing new collagen and elastin over the following weeks.
That is why microneedling is a slow-build treatment. The skin you see the morning after is red and a little tender. The changes people book it for, such as smoother texture and softer-looking scars, develop gradually as the skin remodels over several weeks and across a course of sessions.
What microneedling in London can help with
Microneedling is usually chosen for concerns that sit in the structure of the skin rather than on the surface. A facial can make skin look fresher, but it does not reach the same depth.
- Rolling and boxcar-type acne scars, which often soften over a course
- Uneven, rough or bumpy skin texture
- Pores that look enlarged, especially on the cheeks and nose
- Fine lines and early loss of firmness
- Some types of stretch marks, assessed case by case
Who should wait or choose another treatment
Deep, narrow ice-pick scars and raised scars usually respond less well, and we will say so honestly if microneedling is unlikely to help much. Our aim at consultation is to match the treatment to the problem, not to sell a course.
Microneedling is not suitable at the moment for anyone with:
- Active acne breakouts, cold sores, warts or any skin infection on the face
- Isotretinoin within the last six months
- A tendency to keloid or raised scarring
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Blood clotting disorders, or anticoagulant medication, unless discussed with your doctor
- Uncontrolled diabetes, or conditions and medicines that affect wound healing
How a microneedling session runs
Appointments are booked as 40 minutes, and your first visit always begins with a consultation. If you would like the area numbed beforehand, mention it when you book so we can plan for it.
- We assess your skin, take a medical history and agree what you want to improve.
- The face is thoroughly cleansed and prepared.
- If appropriate, a topical numbing cream is applied and left to work.
- A glide product is applied so the device moves smoothly.
- The device is passed over each area, adjusting depth for thinner and thicker skin.
- The skin is cleaned and calmed, and we explain how to look after it for the next few days.
Microneedling results, courses and timelines
Most people notice that their skin looks smoother and more even a few weeks after a session, as new collagen forms. For acne scarring and texture, a course of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is typical. Progress is gradual, and how much improvement you see varies from person to person.
Changes to the skin's structure can be long-lasting, but skin keeps ageing, so some people book a maintenance session once or twice a year. We will review your progress at each visit and stop recommending sessions when the gains level off.
Recovery, aftercare and side effects
Expect your skin to look flushed, similar to mild sunburn, for one to three days. Pinpoint bleeding during treatment is normal. Tightness, dryness and light flaking often follow between days two and five. Less common side effects include breakouts, swelling, infection and changes in pigmentation, and we will discuss these with you beforehand.
For the first 24 hours, keep the skin clean and avoid make-up, the gym, saunas and swimming. Wait several days before restarting retinoids or exfoliating acids, and use a gentle moisturiser and daily SPF. Avoid tanning and strong sun for at least two weeks while the skin recovers.
Microneedling prices at our Edgware Road clinic
Microneedling (face) costs £120 per session. If we suggest a course, we will explain how many sessions we think you need and what that comes to in total, so there are no surprises. Your final plan and price are confirmed at consultation.
Some people pair microneedling with other skin treatments over a longer plan. A PRP facial or injectable skin boosters may come up in conversation depending on your goals. If your main concern is surface congestion rather than scarring, a HydroFacial cleanse may be the better place to start.
Close to home for St John's Wood, Marble Arch and Paddington
Our clinic at 304 Edgware Road is about 50 metres from Edgware Road's Bakerloo line station, with the Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines a short walk away on Chapel Street. From St John's Wood it is around a mile, and Marble Arch is a straight walk up Edgware Road. Anyone working near Paddington station can reach us in roughly ten minutes on foot.
Recovery is easier to plan when you can book late or at the weekend. We are open 10:30am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays. ZARA is rated 4.8 from over 100 Google reviews. Book by WhatsApp on 07479 973309, by phone on 020 4619 8781 or through our contact page.
Microneedling: your questions answered
Does microneedling hurt?
It feels like a fine scratching or vibrating sensation, stronger over bony areas such as the forehead and jawline. Numbing cream can be used where appropriate, and we can adjust or pause as needed.
How soon can I wear make-up after microneedling?
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours, as the tiny channels in the skin are still open. After that, use clean brushes and fresh products, and stop if anything stings.
When is the best time of year for microneedling?
Autumn and winter are popular because sun exposure is easier to avoid while skin heals. It can be done at any time of year if you are careful with SPF and avoid tanning.
Can microneedling help with old acne scars?
Many people with rolling or shallow scars see a gradual softening over a course. Deep ice-pick scars and raised scars tend to respond less, and we will tell you honestly what is realistic after looking at your skin.
Is home microneedling the same as a clinic treatment?
Home rollers generally use much shorter needles and are harder to keep sterile. Professional treatments typically use sterile single-use needle cartridges and adjustable depths, and at ZARA a medical history check comes before anything begins. We are happy to show you the equipment at consultation.
Should I time microneedling around an event?
Leave at least a week, ideally two, between a session and any important occasion so that redness and flaking have settled. For the full effect of a course, start a few months ahead.
Can I exercise after microneedling?
Avoid the gym, hot yoga and anything that makes you sweat heavily for at least 24 hours, as sweat and heat can irritate freshly treated skin.
