If you’ve been scrolling through skincare TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen microneedling everywhere. But beyond the social media buzz, this treatment has genuine science backing it up – and when it’s done properly with professional-grade equipment, the results can be transformative. At Little Foray in Thames Ditton, we use the Dermapen 4, which is widely regarded as the gold standard in microneedling technology, to help our Surrey clients achieve radiant, rejuvenated skin.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses a pen-like device fitted with ultra-fine needles to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries in your skin. Before you panic about the word “injuries,” these are microscopic channels that trigger your skin’s natural healing response – essentially tricking it into producing fresh collagen and elastin.
Think of it as giving your skin a controlled workout that forces it to build strength and resilience from within. The Dermapen 4 creates these precise vertical channels without the dragging or tearing that can occur with roller-style devices, making it both safer and more effective.
How does the Dermapen 4 make a difference to your skin?
The Dermapen 4 stands out for several really important reasons:
- Speed and efficiency: The Dermapen 4 operates at up to 1,920 punctures per second, making treatments significantly faster than older devices. What used to take 45 minutes can now be completed in 30 minutes or less.
- Precision control: Adjustable needle depth from 0.25mm to 3.0mm allows our practitioners to target different skin layers precisely, tailoring treatment to your specific concerns and skin thickness.
- Sterile safety: Each treatment uses a new, sterile needle cartridge, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination that can occur with reusable roller devices.
- Minimal trauma: The vertical needle entry creates clean micro-channels without the tearing that can happen with angled penetration, reducing downtime and improving healing.
How long does microneedling treatment take and what should I expect?
Each microneedling session takes approximately 30-45 minutes from start to finish, including the time needed for numbing cream to take effect. You’ll experience mild redness for 24-48 hours afterwards – like you’ve had a gentle workout rather than anything dramatic.
For optimal results, most clients benefit from a course of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, allowing your skin time to rebuild between sessions. You’ll notice an initial glow within just a few days as circulation improves, but the real magic happens over the following 8-12 weeks as fresh collagen develops and your skin texture continues to improve.
What skin conditions can microneedling help?
1. Microneedling for fine lines and wrinkles
Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production deep in the dermis, naturally plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. It’s particularly effective for crow’s feet, forehead lines, and those pesky lines around the mouth.
2. Microneedling for acne scarring
The controlled injury process breaks down old scar tissue while stimulating the production of new, healthy collagen. Over a course of treatments, this can significantly improve both the texture and appearance of acne scarring.
3. Microneedling for enlarged pores
While we can’t actually shrink pores (they don’t have muscles), microneedling can make them appear smaller by thickening the skin around them and improving overall skin texture and elasticity.
4. Microneedling for pigmentation and sun damage
The cellular turnover triggered by microneedling helps fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation by encouraging the shedding of damaged skin cells and promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented cells.
5. Microneedling for stretch marks
Stretch marks are essentially scars caused by rapid skin stretching. Microneedling can help improve their appearance by breaking down the fibrous scar tissue and encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin.
6. Microneedling to improve skin texture and tone
Even if you don’t have specific concerns, microneedling can improve overall skin quality, making it smoother, more radiant, and better able to absorb skincare products.
The Little Foray microneedling experience
So what can you expect when you come to Little Foray for microneedling?
Before your microneedling treatment
We’ll start with a thorough consultation to assess your skin and discuss your goals. Please avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and self-tanning products for 3-5 days before your appointment. Arrive makeup-free if possible.
What happens during a microneedling treatment
After cleansing your skin, we apply a topical numbing cream and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Once you’re comfortable, we’ll use the Dermapen 4 to treat the targeted areas. Most clients describe the sensation as light scratching or mild vibration – definitely tolerable with the numbing cream.
What to expect immediately after microneedling
Your skin will look flushed, similar to a mild sunburn. This is completely normal and shows that your skin’s healing response has been activated. We’ll apply soothing serums and provide aftercare instructions.
Maximising microneedling results with good aftercare
Here’s our tips on follow-up care for microneedling:
First 24 hours:
- Keep skin clean and avoid touching the treated area
- No makeup for at least 12 hours
- Avoid exercise, saunas, and excessive heat
- Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser if needed
First week:
- Continue with gentle skincare only
- No active ingredients (retinoids, acids, vitamin C)
- Daily SPF is essential
- Avoid picking at any flaking skin
Ongoing care:
- Resume normal skincare routine after one week
- Continue daily sun protection
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support healing
Can you combine microneedling with other treatments?
Microneedling works beautifully as part of a comprehensive skincare approach. At Little Foray, we often combine it with:
- Chemical peels: For enhanced exfoliation and renewal
- LED light therapy: To boost healing and reduce inflammation
- Professional-grade serums: Applied immediately after treatment for deeper penetration
- DMK treatments: For a complete skin transformation protocol
Microneedling – frequently asked questions
1. Is microneedling safe for all skin types?
Yes, microneedling is generally safe for all skin types and tones because it doesn’t involve heat or remove pigment. However, we’ll assess your individual skin during consultation to ensure it’s appropriate for you.
2. Does microneedling hurt?
With proper numbing cream, most clients find the treatment quite comfortable. You might feel some sensation over bony areas like the forehead, but it shouldn’t be painful.
3. How soon will I see results from microneedling?
Most people notice an immediate glow due to increased circulation. However, significant improvements in texture, scarring, and fine lines typically become apparent after 4-6 weeks as new collagen forms.
4. Can I have microneedling if I have active acne?
We can treat around active breakouts, but we’ll avoid areas with inflamed acne to prevent spreading bacteria. Once active breakouts settle, microneedling is excellent for treating the resulting scarring.
5. How does professional microneedling compare to at-home devices?
Professional devices like the Dermapen 4 can safely penetrate much deeper (up to 3mm versus 0.25mm for home devices) and work with sterile, single-use cartridges. The results are significantly more dramatic and longer-lasting.
6. What should I avoid before treatment?
Stop using retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and any exfoliating treatments for 3-5 days beforehand. Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least one week prior.
7. Can I wear makeup after treatment?
Wait at least 12 hours before applying makeup to allow the micro-channels to close. When you do resume makeup, use clean brushes and gentle, non-comedogenic products.
8. How much does microneedling cost?
Treatment costs vary depending on the areas treated and any add-on therapies. During your consultation, we’ll provide transparent pricing and discuss package options if you’re planning a course of treatments.
9. Who should avoid microneedling?
While microneedling is suitable for most people, you may not be a candidate if you have:
- Active skin infections or cold sores
- Severe or cystic acne
- Blood clotting disorders or are taking blood thinners
- Keloid scarring tendency
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have used Accutane within the past 6 months
Why choose Little Foray for microneedling in Thames Ditton?
At Little Foray, our expert skin technicians are specifically trained in Dermapen 4 techniques and comprehensive skin assessment, ensuring you receive expert treatment tailored to your individual needs. We invest in only the latest Dermapen 4 technology with sterile, single-use cartridges for every treatment, prioritising both your safety and optimal results.
We provide a completely personalised approach – every treatment is carefully tailored to your specific skin concerns and goals rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution. We believe in comprehensive care, which means we can combine your microneedling treatment with complementary therapies like LED light therapy or professional serums to maximise your results.
But our commitment doesn’t end when you leave the clinic. We provide detailed aftercare guidance and remain available to answer any questions throughout your healing process, so you always feel completely supported at every step of your skin transformation journey.
Ready to transform your skin with microneedling?
If you’re curious about what microneedling could do for your skin, there’s really only one way to find out.
At Little Foray, we see clients from across Surrey who’ve tried everything else and are ready for treatments that actually deliver results. Our team will walk you through the entire process, answer all your questions (even the ones you think might be silly), and create a treatment plan that makes sense for your skin and your life.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Book your complimentary skin consultation and let’s have a proper chat about your skin goals. Who knows – this could be exactly what your skin’s been waiting for.