Skin & Complexion — 22 Harley Street
Collagen Induction Therapy

Microneedling

Stimulate · Resurface · Renew

Clinical Precision — Natural Renewal — Excellence on Harley Street

22 Harley Street· CQC Regulated· All Skin Tones· Dr Philippe Hamida-Pisal· The French Touch

Microneedling prompts the skin to heal itself. By creating thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the dermis, it triggers a natural collagen and elastin repair response that improves texture, reduces scarring, and restores a smoother, firmer, more luminous complexion.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling — also known as collagen induction therapy or dermarolling — uses a device fitted with ultra-fine needles to create a precise pattern of controlled micro-channels in the skin at a depth calibrated to the specific concern being treated. These micro-injuries are too small to produce visible damage, but are sufficient to trigger the skin’s wound-healing cascade: the release of growth factors, the stimulation of fibroblasts, and the production of new collagen and elastin within the dermis.

At PHP Aesthetic-Wellness, microneedling is performed by Dr Philippe Hamida-Pisal, Dr Jihyun Byun, or Natasha Warren using medical-grade devices with adjustable needle depth, allowing precise targeting of the concern at the appropriate tissue level. Needle depth, spacing, and the active serums applied during treatment are all adapted to each patient’s skin type, concern, and Fitzpatrick phototype.

“Microneedling works because it speaks the skin’s own language — it triggers the biological processes that produce the structural proteins the skin needs. The results are earned by the skin itself, not imposed from outside. That is why they are so natural-looking and so lasting.”PHP Aesthetic-Wellness, 22 Harley Street

What Microneedling Treats

Acne Scarring
Atrophic (pitted) acne scars respond well to a course of microneedling, which disrupts the fibrotic tissue within the scar and stimulates new collagen deposition to fill and smooth the indentation. Results are most consistent for rolling and boxcar scars; ice-pick scars may require additional modalities.
Skin Texture & Pores
Rough skin texture, enlarged pores, and a generally uneven surface respond to microneedling through improved collagen architecture in the upper dermis, which tightens pore walls and smooths the skin surface progressively over a course of treatment.
Fine Lines & Laxity
Fine lines caused by collagen depletion and mild skin laxity improve significantly with a structured course of microneedling. The treatment is particularly effective on areas of thin skin — around the eyes, mouth, and neck — where other procedures carry greater risk.
Stretch Marks
Striae distensae (stretch marks) respond to microneedling at deeper needle settings, which disrupt the abnormal collagen arrangement within the mark and stimulate remodelling. Results develop slowly over months and are more pronounced in earlier-stage marks.
Pigmentation & Uneven Tone
As a delivery vehicle for brightening serums (vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid) and exosomes, microneedling significantly enhances the penetration and efficacy of pigmentation-correcting actives. Often combined with exosomes for this application.
Hair Loss
Scalp microneedling stimulates follicular stem cells and improves scalp microcirculation, enhancing the efficacy of PRP and exosome treatments when applied to the scalp immediately post-needling.

The Treatment Experience

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area 30–45 minutes before microneedling begins. The procedure itself takes 30–45 minutes and is well tolerated by most patients. A warm flushing sensation is common; mild discomfort may be felt in more sensitive areas. Active serums or exosomes are applied during and immediately following the procedure to maximise penetration and enhance the regenerative response.

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Standard Microneedling

Collagen induction at a depth calibrated to the skin concern, with medical-grade hyaluronic acid or vitamin C serum applied during treatment. The most common protocol for texture, pores, fine lines, and general skin quality improvement.

45–60 min
Per session
3–6
Sessions typical
48–72 hrs
Downtime
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Microneedling + Exosomes

Exosomes applied to the micro-channelled skin immediately post-needling penetrate to the dermis and significantly amplify the regenerative response — the most effective combination for acne scarring, pigmentation, and advanced skin renewal.

60–75 min
Per session
3–4
Sessions typical
48–72 hrs
Downtime

Aftercare

The 48–72 hours following microneedling are critical. The skin’s repair response is at its most active during this period, and the steps below protect and support that process.

Expect redness and mild swelling for 24–72 hours — this is the inflammatory phase of healing and indicates the treatment is working
Do not apply makeup for at least 24 hours following treatment
Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser for the first 48 hours
Apply the prescribed post-procedure serum or moisturiser as directed — do not use actives (retinoids, AHAs, vitamin C) for 5 days post-treatment
Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 weeks; apply SPF 50 every morning from the day after treatment
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and vigorous exercise for 48 hours
Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate the skin for at least 5 days
Contact the clinic if you experience significant swelling, unusual pain, or signs of infection
Microneedling and darker skin tones. Medical-grade microneedling is safe for Fitzpatrick types IV–VI when performed at the correct needle depth and with appropriate aftercare. The risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is low when the procedure is carried out by an experienced clinician. Dr Hamida-Pisal and Dr Jihyun Byun have specific expertise in adapting microneedling protocols for medium-to-deep skin tones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microneedling painful?
A topical anaesthetic cream is applied 30–45 minutes before treatment, making the procedure well tolerated for most patients. A warm prickling sensation is common during treatment; thinner-skinned areas such as the forehead and jawline may be more sensitive. Most patients find the procedure significantly more comfortable than they anticipated.
How many sessions will I need?
For general skin quality and texture, three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart produce consistent results. Acne scarring typically requires four to six sessions for meaningful improvement. Stretch marks may require six or more. Results are cumulative and continue to improve for several months after the final session as new collagen matures.
How long does the redness last?
Most patients experience redness for 24–72 hours following treatment. The intensity depends on the needle depth used and individual skin sensitivity. By 72 hours the majority of redness has settled; fine pinpoint marks may remain for a few more days in some patients. Makeup can be applied from the following morning.
Is microneedling safe for my skin tone?
Yes, when performed by an experienced clinician at the appropriate depth. Medical-grade microneedling is appropriate for all Fitzpatrick skin types. At PHP Aesthetic-Wellness, needle depth and aftercare protocols are adapted specifically for patients with medium-to-deep skin tones to minimise any risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Can I combine microneedling with other treatments?
Yes — microneedling is most commonly combined at PHP Aesthetic-Wellness with exosomes (applied immediately post-needling for maximum penetration) and LED therapy (applied after the session to accelerate healing and amplify collagen stimulation). PRP is also a popular combination for hair loss and facial rejuvenation.

Related Treatments

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Exosomes

Applied immediately post-microneedling, exosomes penetrate to the dermis via the micro-channels and significantly amplify the regenerative and anti-inflammatory response.

Learn more →
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LED Therapy

LED applied after microneedling reduces redness, accelerates healing, and adds a second collagen-stimulating mechanism to the same session.

Learn more →
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PRP

Platelet-rich plasma applied to micro-channelled skin following needling delivers growth factors directly to the dermis for a powerful combined regenerative effect.

Learn more →
Begin Your Journey

Book a Microneedling Consultation

PHP Aesthetic-Wellness — The French Touch

22 Harley Street, Suite 8, London W1G 9PL

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+44 (0)7917 785 695  ·  contact@phpaesthetic.com  ·  WhatsApp available