How does skin needling work?
Skin needling uses ultra-fine sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin’s dermal layers. This stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibres as part of the body’s natural healing response, which may improve the appearance of fine lines, scarring, enlarged pores, pigmentation, and uneven texture over time.
How does skin needling work for acne scars?
Acne scars (particularly rolling and boxcar scars) involve disrupted collagen architecture beneath the skin surface. Skin needling creates controlled micro-injuries in and around the scar tissue, which triggers a wound-healing response. As part of that response, the body produces new collagen fibres, which may gradually remodel the scar and improve its texture and appearance over a series of treatments.
The process is incremental rather than immediate. Collagen remodelling takes time so most patients require multiple sessions to see meaningful improvement. Results vary depending on the scar type, depth, and how long the scarring has been present. Your practitioner will assess your scars at consultation and give you a realistic picture of what to expect. Skin needling is not recommended over areas of active acne, as this increases the risk of spreading infection.
Can skin needling tighten skin?
Skin needling may produce some improvement in skin firmness over a series of treatments, as the collagen stimulated by the treatment contributes to the skin’s structural support. However, its effect on laxity is modest and most appropriate for patients with early or mild changes in skin firmness rather than more established sagging or structural concerns.
For patients whose primary concern is skin tightening or laxity, radiofrequency microneedling may be a better option, as it delivers heat to the deeper dermis which drives a more intensive remodelling response.
What Should You Avoid After Microneedling?
In the 24-48 hours following treatment, we generally recommend to avoid the following:
- Sun exposure – the skin is more sensitive after treatment and direct sun can increase the risk of pigmentation. Use SPF 50+ on the treated area as advised by your practitioner.
- Makeup – you may be advised to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours to allow the micro-channels in the skin to close.
- Exercise and heat – sweat and elevated skin temperature can irritate the treated area in the immediate post-treatment period. Skip the gym, sauna, and steam room for 24-48 hours.
- Swimming – chlorinated and open water are best avoided for 48 hours following treatment.
- Active skincare ingredients – retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C should be paused for several days post-treatment. Your practitioner will advise when it is appropriate to reintroduce these into your routine.
- Touching or scratching the treated area – the skin will be sensitive and unnecessary contact can increase irritation risk.
- Additional skin treatments – avoid further facial treatments, peels, or laser in the weeks following skin needling unless specifically advised by your practitioner.
Your practitioner will provide a written aftercare guide tailored to your treatment before you leave the clinic. If you are unsure about a specific product or activity, contact the clinic directly.
Which skin concerns may benefit from skin needling?
Skin needling may be relevant for:
- Fine lines and early wrinkling
- Acne scarring,
- Uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Pigmentation and sun damage
- Stretch marks
- Under-eye concerns
- Post-surgical scarring
Whether it is the right approach for your specific concern depends on your skin type, the nature of the concern, and your medical history. Your practitioner will assess this at consultation and create a plan that suits your goals and situation.
Is skin needling suitable for sensitive skin types?
Skin needling can be appropriate for patients with sensitive skin, though the treatment parameters – needle depth, tip type, and the number of passes – will be adjusted to suit your skin’s tolerance.
Because skin needling does not involve heat, it avoids one of the more common triggers for sensitivity reactions associated with energy-based devices. Patients with active skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or a current flare of any kind are generally not suitable candidates until skin has settled. Your practitioner will assess your skin at consultation and advise whether skin needling is appropriate, and at what intensity, given your specific skin type and history.
How much does a full face skin needling session cost in Australia?
At Contour Clinics, a full face skin needling session is $395. Full face RF microneedling is $975 with a dermal therapist and $1500 with a doctor, reflecting the additional time and clinical insight involved. Pricing may vary depending on the area or areas being treated, the tip configuration used and whether any add-ons are included in your plan. The full pricing breakdown is available on our prices page. Your consultation is complimentary, and your practitioner will give you a clear cost estimate as part of your written treatment plan.
How often should you get skin needling?
For an initial treatment series, sessions are typically spaced four to six weeks apart to allow the skin adequate time to complete its healing response between appointments. Three sessions is a common starting recommendation for most concerns, though your practitioner will advise based on your individual assessment. Once an initial series is complete, most patients move to a maintenance schedule of one session every six to twelve months, depending on the concern being managed and how the skin has responded. Your practitioner will discuss the most appropriate interval for your skin at consultation.
What is the difference between skin needling, Potenza and Morpheus8?
Skin needling uses mechanical stimulation only – no heat or energy. It’s well suited to texture, pigmentation, and scarring across a wide range of skin types. RF microneedling – both Potenza and Morpheus8 – adds radiofrequency energy and is more suitable for patients with more established concerns or laxity. Potenza and Morpheus8 are brand names of RF needling devices we use at Contour Clinics.
For face treatments, Potenza and Morpheus8 produce comparable results. Morpheus8 offers body handpieces for treating laxity on the stomach, arms, and above the knees. Your practitioner will discuss which option is most appropriate for your concerns at consultation.
Can skin needling cause breakouts?
Some patients notice a temporary increase in breakouts or congestion in the days following treatment, particularly those with skin that is prone to congestion or mild acne. This is a short-lived response as the skin clears through the stimulated renewal process, and generally resolves within a week. It is distinct from an infection. If breakouts are persistent, more widespread than expected, or accompanied by significant swelling or discomfort, contact the clinic directly. Your practitioner will advise you on what to watch for as part of your aftercare guidance before you leave.
Can you have skin needling while pregnant?
Skin needling is generally not recommended during pregnancy. The topical anaesthetic applied before treatment is among the considerations, as some anaesthetic preparations are not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is also standard practice to take a conservative approach to any elective cosmetic treatment during this period.
If you are pregnant and thinking ahead, a consultation is still worthwhile – your practitioner can assess your skin, discuss your concerns, and help you plan a treatment program for after your pregnancy. Contour Clinics welcomes patients at any stage of planning. If you are breastfeeding or planning a family and have questions about timing, the team is happy to discuss this with you before you book.
Is skin needling suitable for acne scarring?
Skin needling is one of the more commonly used approaches for acne scarring. By creating controlled micro-injuries, it aims to stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration in the scar tissue, which may improve the appearance and texture of scars over a series of treatments. It is not recommended over areas of active acne, as this increases infection risk. Results vary depending on scar type and depth. Your practitioner will assess timing and suitability at consultation.
Does skin needling work for pigmentation and melasma?
Skin needling may be useful for certain types of pigmentation, including melasma, because it does not involve heat. Many energy-based treatments can worsen melasma, making skin needling a more cautious option for patients with this concern. Results vary, and your practitioner will assess the type and depth of your pigmentation before recommending an approach.
Does skin needling work for rosacea or broken capillaries?
No, skin needling is not appropriate for rosacea or broken capillaries and is unlikely to improve either concern. Needling over active rosacea may cause excessive bruising and bleeding, and risks worsening the condition. Rosacea and broken capillaries are better addressed with laser or light-based therapies. See our rosacea and redness page for more information.
Who is not suitable for skin needling?
Skin needling is generally not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have active skin infections or a rash in the treatment area, or are currently unwell. Patients with active rosacea, active acne in the treatment area, or certain skin conditions should discuss timing with their practitioner before booking. Contour Clinics is unable to treat patients under the age of 18. Your practitioner will review your medical history and confirm suitability at consultation.
What can I expect after skin needling treatment?
Most patients experience mild redness and surface sensitivity for one to two days following treatment, similar in appearance to mild sunburn. This is a normal response and generally resolves quickly. You will be advised to avoid direct sun exposure and to use SPF 50+ sunscreen on the treated area. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the following day. Your practitioner will provide written aftercare guidance before you leave.
