Microneedling treatment
With Hyaluronic Acid
Classic microneedling paired with deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid.
- Treatment time
- Around 60 minutes including numbing
- Results
- Brighter in a week; collagen changes over 4–6 weeks
- Longevity
- Long-lasting after a course; maintain every 3–4 months
- Downtime
- 24–48 hours of redness
About With Hyaluronic Acid
Microneedling uses a pen with very fine, sterile needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin. The skin treats these as tiny injuries and responds by producing new collagen and elastin — which is why the treatment improves texture, scarring, pores and fine lines over the following weeks.
During treatment a hyaluronic acid serum is worked into the channels, hydrating the skin deeply while it repairs. It's a natural, drug-free way to renew the skin and suits most skin types and tones.
Key Benefits
- 01Stimulates collagen and elastin for smoother, firmer skin
- 02Improves acne scarring, enlarged pores and uneven texture
- 03Softens fine lines and boosts radiance
- 04Deep hydration from the hyaluronic acid serum
- 05Suitable for most skin types and tones
- 06Builds results over a course with minimal downtime
Is this treatment right for me?
Microneedling suits people with acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores, dullness or early fine lines who'd like a natural, gradual improvement. It isn't done over active acne, infection or inflamed skin, so John may ask you to settle a flare first.
You may be suitable if…
- You have acne scars, uneven texture or enlarged pores
- Your skin looks dull or is showing early lines
- You'd prefer a drug-free treatment that works with your skin
- You have no active acne, infection or eczema in the area
Your consultation will consider…
- Skin type, tone and any tendency to pigmentation or keloid scarring
- Active acne, cold sores, eczema or recent isotretinoin use
- The needle depth appropriate for your concern
- A realistic course — usually three to six sessions
What to expect
Before treatment
John assesses your skin and history and confirms the plan. For a week beforehand avoid retinol, acids and other active skincare on the area, and avoid sun exposure, waxing or hair removal. Arrive with a clean face if you can.
During treatment
The skin is cleansed and a numbing cream applied for around 20–30 minutes. John then passes the microneedling pen over each area in overlapping strokes, adjusting the needle depth for the concern — deeper for scarring, shallower for texture and glow — while applying hyaluronic acid serum. A full face takes around 30 minutes of needling; the whole appointment is about an hour.
After treatment
The skin will look red and feel warm, like sunburn, for the rest of the day. A soothing serum and SPF are applied before you leave. Redness fades to pink within a day or two and may be followed by light flaking as the skin renews.
Watch
Results & longevity
Skin often looks brighter and feels smoother within a week as the surface renews. The deeper changes — softer scarring, tighter pores, firmer texture — develop over four to six weeks as new collagen forms, and keep improving with each session. A course of three to six sessions four to six weeks apart gives the best results for scarring and texture; for glow and maintenance, a session every three to four months keeps skin at its best. Results from a course are long-lasting, though ongoing skin care and sun protection matter.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Microneedling gives a controlled 'sunburn' response. The skin is red and warm for the rest of the day, pink for a day or two, and may feel tight or flake lightly as it renews. Most people are comfortable in public within 24–48 hours.
Side effects
Redness, warmth, tightness, mild swelling and light flaking are expected and short-lived. Pinpoint bleeding during treatment is normal. Uncommon effects include a breakout in the days afterwards, temporary darkening in people prone to pigmentation (which is why SPF matters), or a mild infection if aftercare isn't followed. Cold sores can be triggered around the mouth in people who get them.
Aftercare
Keep the skin clean and simple for 48 hours: gentle cleanser, the serum John recommends, and a bland moisturiser. No make-up for 24 hours, no active skincare (retinol, acids, vitamin C) for five to seven days, and daily SPF 50 for at least two weeks. Avoid exercise, saunas, swimming and direct sun for 48 hours, and don't pick any flaking.
Please contact the clinic if redness or swelling worsens after 48 hours, you develop pus-filled spots, or you see any darkening of the skin.
- Downtime
- 24–48 hours of redness
- Redness
- Marked on the day, pink for 1–2 days
- Swelling
- Mild, first day
- Bruising
- Uncommon
- Normal activities
- Next day; no exercise, saunas or swimming for 48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
With numbing cream it feels like light sandpaper or a vibrating scratch — uncomfortable in places but not painful. The skin feels warm afterwards, like sunburn.
How many sessions do I need?
For scarring or texture, usually three to six sessions four to six weeks apart. For glow and prevention, one session every three to four months.
How long will I be red?
Red on the day, pink for one to two days. Most people are comfortable in public the next day and can wear make-up after 24 hours.
Does it help acne scars?
Yes — it's one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for indented acne scarring, with gradual improvement over a course.
Is it safe for darker skin?
Yes. Unlike many laser treatments, microneedling suits all skin tones; John adjusts depth and stresses strict SPF to avoid temporary darkening.
Can I exercise afterwards?
Not for 48 hours — sweat, heat and gym environments irritate freshly needled skin.
What's the difference between this and the exosome version?
The hyaluronic acid version hydrates and supports repair. The exosome and PDRN version adds regenerative signalling molecules for a stronger effect on ageing, scarring and damaged skin.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.