Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses the skin's ability to renew itself. The finest needles create controlled micro-injuries, and the skin responds by forming new collagen and elastin. The skin's appearance can thereby become firmer and more even over weeks.
Treatment at Alpha Skin: Microneedling in Bonn – price from €150 and appointment
The method manages without fillers and without surgery. It does not work overnight, however: the result builds up slowly, and usually several sessions are needed. This article explains what you can realistically expect.
How microneedling works
A medical needling device guides very fine, sterile needles over the skin. Depending on the area and goal, they penetrate about 0.5 to 2.5 millimetres deep. The tiny injuries set the natural healing process in motion: the skin forms new collagen and elastin and gradually remodels its structure.
The briefly open micro-channels also absorb applied active ingredients better. That is why microneedling is often combined with hyaluronic serums, vitamins or PRP.
Who microneedling comes into question for
- fine lines and wrinkles, for example on the forehead, around the eyes and mouth
- acne scars and uneven skin appearance
- enlarged pores
- dull, tired-looking skin
- uneven skin tone
- stretch marks, also on the body
Microneedling does not treat deep wrinkles or missing volume; fillers are more likely to come into question for that.
Combination with PRP
With PRP (platelet-rich plasma), plasma is obtained from a small amount of your own blood. Applied directly after needling, the growth factors it contains reach the skin via the micro-channels. Whether the combination makes sense for you, you discuss with the physician. More on this on the page PRP therapy.
The procedure
- Consultation: The physician looks at your skin and clarifies wishes, pre-existing conditions and medication.
- Preparation: The skin is cleaned thoroughly; an anaesthetic cream acts for around 45 minutes.
- Needling: The device is guided evenly over the treatment zone. Most people find this quite bearable with anaesthesia.
- Active ingredients: On request, hyaluronic acid, vitamins or PRP are applied.
- Finish: Soothing care and sun protection.
How many sessions are needed
After the first session the skin often looks fresher. The actual effect arises over weeks, however, because collagen grows slowly. Usual are:
| Goal | Sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Skin rejuvenation | 3–4 | about 4 weeks |
| Acne scars | 4–6 | about 4 weeks |
| Maintaining the result | 1–2 per year | – |
Side effects
Straight afterwards the skin is reddened and warm, similar to after mild sunburn; this usually subsides in one to three days. Slight swelling, pinpoint bleeding during the treatment and flaking in the following days are normal. Rarely there is inflammation, pigment changes or a cold sore in people who are prone to it.
When treatment is not carried out
Treatment is not carried out in cases of active acne or inflammation in the treatment area, herpes, fresh sunburn, pregnancy and a tendency to raised scars (keloids). Please mention blood thinners, clotting disorders and current or recent treatment with isotretinoin beforehand.
After the treatment
- no make-up on the day of treatment
- 24 to 48 hours no sport, no sauna, no sunbed
- no peels and no retinol products for a few days
- in the weeks afterwards consistent sun protection with a high sun protection factor
You receive the precise instructions for your treatment at the practice.
Starting well advised
Microneedling can noticeably refine the skin's appearance if you give it time. How many sessions make sense and whether a combination with PRP suits you is clarified by the physician in a personal conversation.
A session starts at Alpha Skin from €150; package prices are available for several sessions. The current prices are on the treatment page.
Read on:
- Procedure, prices and appointment booking: Microneedling in Bonn
- Own blood for skin and hair: PRP therapy
- More moisture from within: Skin boosters
- Collagen build-up with Sculptra®: MICRO SCULPT
The Alpha Skin practice is located at Theaterplatz 1b in Bonn-Bad Godesberg.