Microneedling Pre-treatment Information for patients

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive controlled process of repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles in order to encourage the body to start a natural wound healing response.

The body begins to remodel and repair the injured scar tissue.

The body will produce organised healthy dermal tissue including collagen and elastin.

What is Microneedling used for?

Microneedling can be used to improve the texture of the scar and can tighten loose scar tissue ultimately aiming to improve the appearance of scars.

Microneedling has also been seen to even out the altered pigment in scars, although everyone’s scars respond differently.

Please note: The procedure may not achieve the desired outcome of improved texture, tightening of loose skin, or change in colour. The procedure will not make the scar disappear.

What will it feel like?

Although numbing cream is applied to minimise pain, the treatment can still be uncomfortable.

You may experience a burning sensation or discomfort when the scar is pricked repeatedly by the Microneedling pen.

Some patients liken the sensation to a graze, sunburn or having a tattoo.

What should I do before my appointment?

Microneedling treatment cannot be carried out on suntanned skin. 7 days prior to microneedling you should avoid fake tan, sunbathing or sun exposure without protection or sun block.

What will happen at my appointment?

Microneedling is a day-case procedure undertaken by trained scar therapists within the outpatient therapy service.

On the day of your appointment please do not wear makeup on the treatment area.

An assessment of your scars will be completed and you will need to complete a pre-treatment checklist.

An anaesthetic cream will be applied to the scar and left for approximately 60 minutes prior to the microneedling treatment.

Once the anaesthetic cream has taken effect the treatment itself can take up to 20minutes.

How often will I have microneedling treatment?

4-6 sessions of microneedling are normally required and the treatments will be a minimum of 6 weeks apart.

It may take up to 3months or more than one treatment to notice an improvement.

If you are receiving other treatments e.g. laser therapy or LPG the down-time between treatments may vary.

What are the side effects?

Immediately after treatment your skin may feel warm and look red, similar to sunburn. The redness should improve 1- 2 days post treatment.

The treated area may be painful or feel tight for 1-3 days following the treatment. You may notice some peeling of the skin.

You may have some pinpoint bleeding at time of treatment but should not require a dressing. 

Your skin pigment may change temporarily or permanently; it may get lighter or darker.

There is a small risk of infection, this can be minimised by keeping the treated area clean and following post-treatment advice.

You will be provided an aftercare leaflet and soothing gel before you leave.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Do you have active skin cancer?

Do you have an allergy to local anaesthetic?

Do you have active bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections (e.g. herpes or cold sores)?

Are you pregnant? Please let us know if you are nursing.

Have you ever been told you have a Keloid scar?

Sun exposure 7 days prior to treatment? 

Laser treatment 21days prior to treatment?

Please contact your burns therapist if you have any concerns or questions. 

Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have concerns or wish to give feedback about services, your care or treatment, you can contact the PALS office on the Ground Floor of the hospital just behind the main reception.

Alternatively, you can send us your comments or suggestions on one of our comment cards, available at the PALS office, or on a feedback form on our website www.chelwest.nhs.uk/pals.

We value your opinion and invite you to provide us with feedback.

T: 020 3315 6727
E: cwpals@chelwest.nhs.uk