Microneedling with DermaPen 4
Microneedling with DermaPen 4
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is one of the most effective and versatile skin rejuvenation treatments available today. At Avanti Aesthetics, we use the revolutionary DermaPen 4—the world’s most advanced automated microneedling device—to deliver exceptional, natural-looking results with minimal downtime.
The science behind microneedling is elegantly simple yet remarkably powerful. The DermaPen 4 uses 16 ultra-fine needles operating at high speed to create millions of precise, vertical fractional microchannels in your skin—up to 1,920 micro-punctures per second, working 104% faster than previous generation devices. These controlled micro-injuries trigger your body’s innate wound-healing cascade, releasing growth factors that activate fibroblasts—the specialised cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, the essential structural proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and youthful.
What makes DermaPen 4 superior to traditional dermal rollers is its advanced vertical needle technology. Unlike rollers that drag across the skin at an angle, potentially causing trauma and tearing, DermaPen 4’s needles penetrate the skin at a perfect 90-degree angle, creating clean microchannels with precision and consistency. This vertical delivery system generates significantly less pain, reduces downtime, promotes scar-less healing, and produces superior clinical outcomes.
The adjustable needle depth settings (ranging from 0.25mm to 3.0mm) allow us to customise each treatment to your specific skin concerns and treatment areas. Shallower depths are ideal for delicate areas like around the eyes, whilst deeper penetration can effectively target stubborn acne scars and stretch marks. This versatility means DermaPen 4 can safely and effectively treat hard-to-reach places including around the nose, lips, and eye area—regions that are challenging for other devices.
Microneedling with DermaPen 4 can address an impressive range of skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and surgical scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation and melasma, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and texture, sun damage and photoaging, and loss of skin elasticity and firmness. The treatment is safe and effective for all skin types, including darker skin tones that may be at higher risk of complications from laser treatments.
One of the most remarkable benefits of DermaPen 4 is its ability to enhance the penetration and efficacy of medical-grade serums and active ingredients. The thousands of microchannels created during treatment allow topical products to penetrate up to 80% deeper into the skin compared to standard topical application. At Avanti Aesthetics, we infuse specially formulated serums containing powerful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, growth factors, vitamins, and antioxidants during your treatment, maximising results and accelerating your skin’s transformation.
Clinical research demonstrates that microneedling enhances collagen deposition and reorganisation, with improvements in skin texture and elasticity developing progressively over time. Unlike treatments that provide instant but temporary results, microneedling works with your body’s natural regenerative processes to create genuine, lasting improvements in skin health and appearance. In fact, collagen production continues for up to six months following treatment, with visible improvements potentially lasting up to two years after a complete treatment course.
DermaPen 4 treatments can be performed on multiple areas including the face, neck, décolletage, hands, scalp (for hair restoration), and body areas with scarring or stretch marks. This comprehensive approach allows us to address skin concerns across all visible areas, ensuring harmonious rejuvenation.
Book your consultation with Dr Parekh today and discover how Microneedling with DermaPen 4 can transform your skin, restore your confidence, and reveal the radiant, youthful complexion you deserve.
What to Expect
Treatment Duration:
Microneedling with DermaPen 4 treatments typically take 30-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area and protocol intensity.
Longevity of Results:
Most patients experience 6-12 months of visible skin improvement following a complete treatment course. Collagen production continues for up to six months post-treatment, with results potentially lasting up to two years.
Discomfort Score:
2-3/5 – Topical anaesthetic cream is applied 30-45 minutes before treatment to minimise discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as mild scratching or tingling rather than pain.
Recovery Time:
Minimal downtime of 1-3 days. Redness similar to mild sunburn typically subsides within 24-48 hours. Light skin flaking may occur days 3-5 as the skin naturally renews. Most patients resume normal activities immediately.
What Our Patients Say
Treatment Costs
Consultation
A thorough evaluation of your skin concerns, medical history, and aesthetic goals to create a personalised microneedling treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Refundable deposit of £150 needed.
FREE
Face Microneedling Session
Complete facial microneedling treatment with DermaPen 4, including medical-grade serum infusion tailored to your skin concerns, topical numbing, and post-treatment soothing care. Addresses fine lines, texture, pigmentation, and overall skin rejuvenation.
£400
Face & Neck Microneedling Session
Extended treatment covering both face and neck areas with DermaPen 4. Ideal for comprehensive rejuvenation addressing ageing concerns, sun damage, and texture irregularities across the face and neck. Includes customised serums and complete aftercare protocol.
£450
Complete Treatment Course (4 Sessions)
For optimal, transformative results, we recommend a course of 4-6 treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This protocol allows progressive collagen remodelling and maximises improvements in scarring, wrinkles, and skin quality. Course includes four facial sessions at a discounted rate.
£1400
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a treatment session?
Your microneedling journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where Dr Parekh will assess your skin, discuss your specific concerns, and review your medical history to ensure this treatment is appropriate for you.
On the day of your procedure, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove all makeup, oils, and impurities. A medical-grade topical anaesthetic cream containing lidocaine is then applied to the treatment area and left for 30-45 minutes to ensure maximum comfort throughout the procedure. Once the numbing has taken full effect, the anaesthetic is removed and your skin is prepared with antiseptic solution.
A specially selected medical-grade serum containing active ingredients tailored to your specific skin concerns; such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, peptides for collagen stimulation, or brightening agents for pigmentation is applied to the treatment area. The DermaPen 4 device is then glided systematically across your skin in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions, creating millions of precise microchannels whilst simultaneously infusing the active serums deep into your dermis.
Throughout the treatment, you may feel a warm, scratching, or tingling sensation, but this is generally well-tolerated thanks to the numbing cream. The treatment endpoint is identified by uniform pin-point bleeding across the treatment area, indicating optimal microchannel creation. After treatment is complete, additional soothing serums and a calming mask may be applied, followed by a gentle moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF to protect your newly treated skin.
Immediately following your session, your skin will appear flushed and feel warm, similar to moderate sunburn. This is completely normal and demonstrates that the treatment is working. The puncture channels begin closing within 15 minutes, initiating your skin’s natural wound-healing response. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and recommended post-treatment skincare products to optimise healing and results.
What is microneedling and how does it work?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy or percutaneous collagen induction, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that harnesses your body’s natural healing mechanisms to rejuvenate skin from within.
The treatment uses the DermaPen 4 device containing 16 ultra-fine sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s dermal layer whilst preserving the protective epidermis. These precise micro-punctures trigger a sophisticated biological cascade beginning with haemostasis (blood clotting), followed by inflammation where growth factors and cytokines flood the area, then proliferation where fibroblasts produce new collagen and elastin, and finally remodelling where the newly formed collagen matures and organises into strong, functional tissue.
This process effectively “resets” aged or damaged skin, stimulating the production of fresh collagen and elastin that improves skin structure, texture, and resilience over several months.
How long does the treatment take?
The actual microneedling procedure with DermaPen 4 typically takes between 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the specific protocol being followed. However, your complete appointment time will be longer—approximately 75-90 minutes—to allow for thorough skin cleansing, application and absorption of topical anaesthetic (30-45 minutes), the treatment itself, and post-treatment care including soothing masks and sun protection. This makes microneedling an ideal treatment for busy professionals seeking significant skin improvements without extensive time commitments.
How soon will I see results?
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in skin brightness and radiance following their first microneedling session, often described as a healthy, natural glow. However, the most significant and transformative results develop progressively as your skin’s collagen remodelling process unfolds. Initial visible improvements in skin texture and tone typically appear within 2-3 weeks after your first treatment as cell turnover accelerates and surface improvements manifest. Optimal results become apparent after 4-8 weeks as new collagen and elastin mature and organise within the dermis.
The improvements continue developing for up to six months following treatment as collagen production persists. For best results addressing significant concerns like deep acne scarring, moderate wrinkles, or substantial pigmentation, a series of 4-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended, with maintenance sessions every 6-12 months to sustain your results long-term.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients find microneedling with DermaPen 4 to be surprisingly comfortable, especially when proper pain management protocols are followed. We apply medical-grade topical anaesthetic cream containing lidocaine for 30-45 minutes before your treatment, which significantly minimises discomfort. With effective numbing, most patients describe the sensation as mild scratching, tingling, or light pressure rather than pain; many compare it to the feeling of fine sandpaper moving across the skin.
The discomfort level varies depending on several factors including individual pain tolerance, needle depth used (deeper penetration for scarring creates more sensation than superficial treatments for texture), and the treatment area (more sensitive regions like around the eyes, nose, and upper lip may feel more intense than cheeks or forehead).
The advanced vertical needle technology of DermaPen 4 creates significantly less discomfort than traditional dermal rollers, which drag and pull at the skin. Most patients rate microneedling discomfort at 2-3 out of 5, and the treatment is generally very well-tolerated.
How long do the results last?
The longevity of microneedling results is impressive compared to many other aesthetic treatments because you’re stimulating your body’s natural collagen production rather than relying on temporary external solutions.
Following a complete initial treatment course of 4-6 sessions, results typically last 6-12 months, with many patients experiencing visible benefits for up to two years. The extended duration of results occurs because collagen production continues for approximately six months following your final treatment session, with the newly formed collagen providing structural support and ongoing improvements long after the treatment course is complete.
To maintain optimal skin quality and sustain your results indefinitely, we recommend maintenance treatments every 6-12 months depending on your individual skin condition, age, and lifestyle factors. Regular maintenance sessions help preserve collagen levels and continue stimulating your skin’s renewal processes.
Are there any side effects?
Microneedling with DermaPen 4 is very safe when performed by qualified medical professionals, with minimal side effects.
Common, expected reactions include redness and warmth similar to moderate sunburn (typically resolving within 24-48 hours), mild swelling, particularly around sensitive areas like the eyes (usually subsiding within 24-48 hours), slight tenderness or tightness of the treated skin (resolving within 2-3 days), and light skin flaking or peeling days 3-7 as damaged skin naturally exfoliates and renews. Some patients may experience temporary minor breakouts as impurities are brought to the surface during the skin’s healing process. These effects are normal, temporary responses indicating your skin is healing and regenerating properly.
Serious complications such as infection, scarring, or hyperpigmentation are extremely rare and typically only occur when treatments are performed by unqualified practitioners or when aftercare instructions are not followed properly. Following our comprehensive aftercare protocol significantly minimises the risk of adverse effects and optimises your healing and results.
What should I do before the treatment?
To prepare your skin for optimal microneedling results and minimise potential complications, please follow these pre-treatment guidelines.
For at least two weeks before your appointment, avoid excessive sun exposure and always wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily. Discontinue use of retinoids (vitamin A products), exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs), and other potentially irritating active ingredients for 3-5 days prior to treatment. Ideally, prepare your skin for at least one month beforehand with vitamin C and gentle moisturising products to optimise dermal health and maximise collagen formation potential.
Avoid consuming alcohol and discontinue blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil supplements for one week before treatment to reduce bruising risk (only after consulting your GP if these are medically prescribed). If you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex, inform Dr Parekh as prophylactic antiviral medication may be prescribed to prevent outbreak following treatment. Arrive to your appointment with completely clean skin, free from makeup, skincare products, and facial oils.
Can I return to normal activities after the treatment?
Yes, one of the significant advantages of microneedling with DermaPen 4 is the minimal downtime, allowing most patients to resume normal daily activities immediately following treatment. However, there are important temporary restrictions to optimise healing and protect your newly treated skin.
For the first 24-48 hours post-treatment, avoid wearing makeup to allow your skin to breathe and absorb the benefits of treatment (light mineral makeup may be applied after 24 hours if necessary). Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sweating, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean for 48-72 hours as these can irritate the skin and increase infection risk.
Sun protection is absolutely critical; avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48-72 hours and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and protective clothing whenever outdoors for at least two weeks following treatment.
Avoid using active skincare ingredients including retinoids, exfoliating acids, and strong antioxidants for 3-5 days post-treatment. Keep your skin well-hydrated with gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers and drink plenty of water to support healing. Most visible redness resolves within 24-48 hours, allowing you to return to work and social activities comfortably.
Who is an ideal candidate for this treatment?
Microneedling with DermaPen 4 is suitable for a wide range of patients seeking genuine skin rejuvenation and improvement in skin quality. Ideal candidates include individuals with acne scars, surgical scars, or traumatic scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, loss of skin firmness and elasticity, hyperpigmentation, melasma, or uneven skin tone, enlarged pores and rough skin texture, sun damage and photoaged skin, stretch marks on the body, or dull, tired-looking complexion. The treatment is safe and effective for all skin types, including darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI) that may be at higher risk of complications from laser treatments.
Both men and women can benefit from microneedling, and it’s appropriate for patients in their twenties seeking preventative care through to mature patients requiring more intensive rejuvenation. However, microneedling may not be suitable for individuals with active acne or skin infections in the treatment area, certain autoimmune conditions or keloid scarring tendency, blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications, currently using isotretinoin (Accutane) or having used it within the past six months, pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with moderate to severe psoriasis or eczema in the treatment area.
During your consultation, Dr Parekh will thoroughly assess your skin condition, review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine whether microneedling with DermaPen 4 is the most appropriate treatment to help you achieve the beautiful, healthy skin you desire.
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