Microneedling
Microneedling uses a device with very fine, sterile needles to make tiny channels in the skin, which prompts it to repair itself and build new collagen. At our Al Qusais, Dubai clinic, our aesthetic physician and skin therapists offer standard and RF (radiofrequency) microneedling, planned around your skin concern and skin type.
What can microneedling treat?
It is mainly used to improve skin texture, gradually, over a course of sessions. Common reasons:
- Acne scars (rolling, boxcar and ice-pick); deeper scars usually suit RF microneedling
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines, including around the eyes
- Rough or uneven texture
- Stretch marks
- Mild loosening of the skin on the face and neck (RF microneedling)
It is not done over active acne breakouts or a skin infection, and some medical conditions mean waiting; this is checked at your assessment. For dark spots, see pigmentation treatment.
Standard or RF microneedling: which one?
RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat through the needle tips, reaching deeper layers of the skin. It is usually chosen for deeper scars, larger pores and early laxity.
| Standard microneedling | RF microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| Suited to | General texture, fine scarring, early skin-quality concerns | Deeper acne scars, enlarged pores, mild laxity |
| How it works | Fine needles only | Fine needles plus radiofrequency heat |
| Usual redness | About a day | Two to three days |
What happens at the session?
- Numbing cream is applied 30–40 minutes before treatment.
- The device is passed over the area, with the needle depth set for each zone.
- A growth-factor or hyaluronic acid serum may be applied through the fresh channels.
- You are given aftercare advice before you leave.
Once the numbing cream has worked, most people feel pressure and warmth rather than sharp pain.
How many sessions, and when will I see results?
Usually three to six sessions, about four weeks apart. Changes build up gradually, and the fullest improvement is often seen around three months after the last session, as the new collagen matures. Results vary from person to person. The price depends on the type and number of sessions and is given at your consultation, after your skin has been assessed.
How do I prepare and look after my skin?
- Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids 3–5 days before, and avoid sun and tanning in the days before.
- Come with clean skin, without make-up if possible.
- For 5–7 days afterwards, use a gentle cleanser, a simple moisturiser and SPF 50+ every day.
- Restart retinoids and acids only when your clinician says so.
- Avoid saunas, intense heat and hard exercise for 24–48 hours.
Some people have a HydraFacial to prepare the skin before a microneedling course.
Risks and what to expect
What to expect
Microneedling (standard or RF) is usually done as a course of three to six sessions about four weeks apart. Skin is red for one to three days. Changes build up gradually over several months.
Possible side effects and risks
- Redness, swelling, dryness and flaking for a few days
- Pinpoint bleeding or bruising
- Infection or an acne flare-up
- Temporary darkening of the skin (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Rarely, scarring
Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. At your consultation your clinician will explain the risks that apply to you, and the alternatives, before you decide.
Who will treat you
Microneedling — Frequently Asked Questions
RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat through the needle tips, so it works on deeper layers of the skin. It is usually chosen for deeper acne scars, enlarged pores and mild laxity; standard microneedling suits general texture and finer scarring.
Usually three to six, about four weeks apart. Deeper or long-standing scars may need a longer course, often with RF microneedling. Improvement builds gradually and is often clearest around three months after the last session; results vary.
Numbing cream is applied 30–40 minutes beforehand, so most people feel pressure and warmth rather than sharp pain. Tell your clinician if any area feels uncomfortable during the session.
Redness like mild sunburn usually lasts about a day after standard microneedling and two to three days after RF. Most people return to normal activities quickly, with gentle skincare and daily sunscreen for 5–7 days.
It can. The new collagen built up over a course of sessions can make enlarged pores look smaller. The change is gradual and is usually noticeable after three or more sessions.
Yes. A clinic device uses a sterile needle cartridge at a depth set for each area, used by a trained clinician; a home roller cannot control depth or sterility in the same way.
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Interested in Microneedling?
Meet the clinician, get a clear plan with the price, and decide in your own time. We are in Al Qusais, Dubai, open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.
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