Medical microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that uses a precision device with tiny, sterile needles to create micro-channels in the skin.

These controlled micro-injuries trigger your skin’s natural healing response, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. The result? Smoother, firmer, more luminous skin with improved texture and tone over time.

Unlike at-home dermarollers, medical microneedling is performed by a clinician using CE-marked, professional devices with adjustable depth and strict infection control.

At the clinic we take microneedling further by combining it with:

• NCTF – a renowned mesotherapy cocktail containing hyaluronic acid plus a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants to nourish and hydrate the skin.

• Exosomes (Purosomes) – next-generation, cell-derived vesicles that carry signalling molecules and growth factors to support regeneration, repair and reduced inflammation.

During treatment, the micro-channels created by microneedling allow NCTF and Purosomes to penetrate deeper into the skin, maximising their regenerative benefits.

This combination treatment is designed to improve overall skin quality and can help with:

• Fine lines and early wrinkles

• Dull, tired or “flat” skin

• Mild laxity and loss of firmness

• Acne scarring and uneven texture

• Enlarged pores

• Pigmentation and sun damage (as part of a full plan)

• Crepey skin on the face, neck and décolletage

It’s an ideal option for patients who want their skin to look healthier, brighter and more resilient, rather than an obvious “done” look.

Microneedling triggers a controlled wound-healing response and collagen remodelling. When we add NCTF and Purosomes:

• NCTF provides deep hydration and a concentrated dose of skin nutrients, supporting fibroblasts and skin metabolism.

• Exosomes (Purosomes) act as cellular messengers, helping to:

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Support repair processes

  • Improve texture and radiance

Together, they help your skin recover faster and remodel more effectively, enhancing the results of standard microneedling.

A typical appointment includes:

1. Consultation

   • A full medical history and skin assessment to confirm suitability and design your treatment plan.

2. Preparation

   • Skin is double-cleansed and prepped.

   • A topical numbing cream may be applied for comfort.

3. Microneedling

   • A medical-grade microneedling device is passed over the skin at tailored depths depending on area and concern.

   • NCTF and/or Purosomes are layered onto the skin and worked in through the micro-channels.

   • You’ll leave with clear written aftercare instructions.

Procedure time is usually around 45 minutes depending on the number of areas treated.

Most patients describe the sensation as scratchy, prickly or warm, rather than painful.

Downtime is usually mild to moderate, and many people are back to normal activities the next day.

You can expect:

• Redness and warmth similar to mild sunburn for 12–24 hours

• Possible light swelling

• Skin may feel tight, dry or slightly rough as it heals

• Occasional light flaking or peeling after a few days

Exosomes (Purosomes) often help the skin settle more quickly compared to traditional microneedling alone.

For best results, we typically recommend:

• A course of 3–4 treatments, spaced approx 4 weeks apart

• Followed by maintenance sessions every 6 months, depending on your skin and goals

Scarring, more advanced sun damage or long-standing texture issues may need a slightly longer course or combination with other modalities.

You’ll usually notice:

• Improvements in texture, hydration and radiance over 3–6 weeks

• Continued gradual changes in firmness and fine lines over several months as new collagen forms

Because this is a regenerative treatment, results build cumulatively over a course, rather than being instant.

In many cases, exosomes (Purosomes) can be particularly helpful for sensitive, reactive or rosacea-prone skin, because they support repair and help modulate inflammation.

However, every case is individual. During your consultation we will:

• Review your rosacea history and triggers

• Examine your current skin barrier

• Decide whether to:

  • Start gently with shallower microneedling depths, or

  • Prep your skin first with skincare and barrier support before treatment

Active flares, broken skin or infection need to settle before any microneedling.

You may be advised to avoid treatment if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have active acne, infection, cold sores or dermatitis on the treatment area

• Have a history of keloid scarring or very poor wound healing

• Are on certain medications (e.g. strong oral retinoids)

• Have uncontrolled medical conditions that affect healing

A thorough medical screening is carried out before we treat.

To optimise results and minimise side effects, we usually advise:

• Avoid strong active skincare (retinol, AHAs/BHAs, scrubs) on the area for 3–5 days before

• Avoid blood-thinning supplements and anti-inflammatories where medically safe (check with your GP if unsure)

• No sunbeds or intense sun exposure beforehand

• Arrive with clean skin, free from makeup and fake tan

You’ll receive tailored preparation advice based on your skin and medications.

After treatment:

• Avoid touching the area and do not apply makeup for at least 12–24 hours

• Use only the gentle cleanser and soothing products recommended by your practitioner for the first few days

• Avoid intense exercise, saunas, steam rooms and hot yoga for 24–48 hours

• Do not use acids, retinoids or exfoliants until advised it is safe (usually 5–7 days)

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily and avoid deliberate tanning

If you notice increasing redness, pain, swelling or anything that concerns you, contact the clinic promptly.

At-home dermarollers:

• Have fixed shallow needle depths

• Cannot be properly sterilised between uses

• Carry a higher risk of infection, scarring and pigment changes if overused or used incorrectly

Medical microneedling in a clinic setting:

• Uses single-use sterile cartridges and professional devices

• Allows precise adjustment of depth for different areas and indications

• Is carried out by a trained medical professional with full infection-control procedures

• Can be combined safely with advanced products like NCTF and exosomes (Purosomes) for enhanced results

For skin health and safety, deeper microneedling should always be performed in a medical environment.

Yes – it works beautifully as part of a wider, bespoke skin plan. It can be combined or sequenced with:

• Anti-wrinkle injections

• Dermal fillers and polynucleotides/skin boosters

• Medical-grade skincare programmes

• Chemical peels or LED therapy

• Exosome-only or barrier-repair treatments for more sensitive skins

Your plan will be tailored around your priorities, downtime and budget.

Both options enhance the results of microneedling by delivering powerful active ingredients deep into the skin through the microchannels created during treatment.

Exosomes are the most advanced regenerative option. They contain powerful cell-signalling molecules that stimulate skin repair, boost collagen production and reduce inflammation. At the clinic we use Purasomes, which deliver billions of exosomes alongside growth factors, peptides and antioxidants to support deep skin regeneration. This option is ideal for patients looking to improve skin quality, texture, fine lines, pigmentation and overall skin rejuvenation, and is our recommended treatment for optimal results.

NCTF 135 HA by Fillmed is a highly effective skin revitalisation cocktail containing hyaluronic acid and over 50 active ingredients including vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants. It focuses on deep hydration, skin radiance and improved skin vitality, making it an excellent option for patients looking to refresh and revitalise their skin.

Dr Caroline will discuss your skin concerns during your consultation and recommend the most suitable option for you.