Microneedling in Fulham
Microneedling makes tiny, controlled channels in the skin that start its own repair process, building collagen so skin looks smoother, firmer and more even.
Treatments are boosted with hyaluronic acid, or with exosomes and PDRN for stronger repair. We also offer a TCA skin peel for texture, pigmentation and tone.
With Hyaluronic Acid
Classic microneedling 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
In microneedling, a pen fitted with very fine sterile needles makes thousands of microscopic channels in your skin. Your skin reads these as tiny wounds and answers by making fresh collagen and elastin. That's how the treatment improves texture, scars, pores and fine lines over the following weeks.
While John treats you, a hyaluronic acid serum is worked into the channels to hydrate the skin deeply as it repairs. It renews the skin naturally, with no drugs involved, and suits most skin types and tones.
Key Benefits
- 01Builds collagen and elastin for smoother, firmer skin
- 02Improves acne scars, large pores and uneven texture
- 03Softens fine lines and brings back radiance
- 04Hydrates deeply thanks to the hyaluronic acid serum
- 05Works for most skin types and tones
- 06Results build across a course, with little downtime
Is this treatment right for me?
Microneedling is a good fit if you have acne scars, uneven texture, large pores, dull skin or early fine lines and want a natural improvement that builds gradually. John won't treat over active acne, infection or inflamed skin, so you may be asked to let a flare-up calm down first.
You may be suitable if…
- You have acne scars, large pores or uneven texture
- Your skin looks dull or early lines are showing
- You want a drug-free treatment that works with your own skin
- There's no active acne, infection or eczema in the area
Your consultation will consider…
- Your skin type and tone, and whether you're prone to pigmentation or keloid scars
- Active acne, cold sores, eczema or recent use of isotretinoin
- The right needle depth for what you want to treat
- A realistic course, which is usually three to six sessions
What to expect
Before treatment
John reviews your skin and history and confirms your plan. In the week before, stop retinol, acids and other active skincare on the area, and avoid the sun, waxing and hair removal there. If possible, arrive without make-up.
During treatment
After cleansing, numbing cream goes on for around 20–30 minutes. John then works over each area with the microneedling pen in overlapping strokes, setting the needle depth for your concern (deeper for scars, shallower for texture and glow) and applying hyaluronic acid serum as he goes. Needling a full face takes about 30 minutes, and the whole appointment around an hour.
After treatment
Your skin will be red and warm, much like sunburn, for the rest of the day. Before you leave, a soothing serum and SPF are applied. Within a day or two the redness fades to pink, and you may see some light flaking as the skin renews.
Watch
See this treatment in the clinic, in short videos on John’s aesthetics site, Trusted Touch Aesthetics.
Watch 24 videos →Results & longevity
Within a week your skin often looks brighter and feels smoother as the surface renews. The deeper improvements, such as softer scars, smaller-looking pores and firmer texture, appear over four to six weeks as new collagen forms, and each session adds to them. For scars and texture, a course of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart works best. For glow and upkeep, one session every three to four months keeps your skin looking its best. A course gives long-lasting results, but your daily skincare and sun protection still matter.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Microneedling causes a deliberate, controlled reaction a bit like mild sunburn. Your skin stays red and warm for the rest of the day, then pink for one or two days, and it may feel tight or shed fine flakes as it renews. Most people are happy to be out and about within 24–48 hours.
Side effects
Short-lived redness, warmth, tightness, light swelling and flaking are all expected. Tiny spots of bleeding while you're being treated are normal. Less often, you might get a breakout over the next few days, temporary darker patches if your skin is prone to pigmentation (the reason SPF is so important), or a mild infection if the aftercare isn't followed. If you're prone to cold sores, treatment near the mouth can set one off.
Aftercare
For the first 48 hours keep your routine minimal: a gentle cleanser, the serum John suggests and a plain moisturiser. Leave make-up off for 24 hours and active ingredients such as retinol, acids and vitamin C off for five to seven days. Wear SPF 50 every day for at least two weeks. Skip exercise, saunas, swimming and direct sun for 48 hours, and leave any flakes to come away on their own.
Get in touch with the clinic if redness or swelling is getting worse after 48 hours, you notice spots filled with pus, or any area of skin turns darker.
- 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
Is it painful?
With numbing cream, it feels like fine sandpaper or a buzzing scratch. Some spots feel uncomfortable, but it isn't painful. Afterwards your skin feels warm, like sunburn.
How many sessions will I need?
For scars 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 does the redness last?
Your skin is red on the day and pink for one to two days. Most people feel fine going out the next day, and make-up can go back on after 24 hours.
Can it improve acne scars?
Yes. It's among the most effective non-surgical options for dented acne scars, and they improve gradually over a course.
Can I have it if I have darker skin?
Yes. Unlike many lasers, microneedling suits every skin tone. John adjusts the depth and asks you to use SPF diligently to avoid temporary darkening.
Can I go to the gym afterwards?
Not for 48 hours. Sweat, heat and gym surfaces irritate freshly treated skin.
How is this different from the exosome version?
The hyaluronic acid version hydrates the skin and supports repair. The exosome and PDRN version adds regenerative signalling ingredients for a stronger effect on ageing, scarred and damaged skin.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Banana Beauty Lab and runs his aesthetics practice, Trusted Touch Aesthetics, here. He specialises in facial balancing and harmonisation, alongside wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. His training is CPD-certified, he is 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.