A doctor-led guide to microneedling at L'eto Clinic (Leto Clinic) Fulham (SW6, Parsons Green) and Ealing (W5). Rebuild collagen, refine skin.
Microneedling is one of the most quietly effective treatments in modern aesthetics. It uses precisely calibrated fine needles to create tiny controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body's natural collagen and elastin response. The result — over a course of sessions — is skin that looks smoother, brighter, tighter and more even, without the downtime, cost or risk of ablative laser resurfacing. At L'eto Clinic, microneedling is one of the most versatile treatments in our menu, chosen by patients in Fulham, Chelsea, Parsons Green, Sands End, Hurlingham, Ealing, Park Royal, Acton and Chiswick.
Here's an honest guide to what microneedling actually does, the different types available, and how to get the most from it. You can also explore our full range of medical-grade facials and skin treatments.
Microneedling — sometimes called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) — is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a device fitted with very fine, sterile needles to create tiny channels in the top layers of the skin. These micro-injuries are too small to cause visible damage but significant enough to trigger the skin's natural wound-healing response, which produces new collagen and elastin over the following weeks.
Unlike a facial or peel, which mostly works on the surface, microneedling works from within. It doesn't remove skin — it teaches your skin to rebuild itself. That's why the results build gradually and last significantly longer than surface treatments.
"Microneedling" is an umbrella term covering several different approaches. At L'eto Clinic we offer the versions with the strongest clinical evidence:
The classic approach — a medical-grade motorised pen device (Dermapen, SkinPen or similar) creates precise micro-channels at an adjustable depth. This is the most versatile version, suitable for skin quality, pore size, fine lines, mild scarring and pigmentation.
Immediately after the micro-channels are created, targeted serums are pressed into the skin. Popular options include hyaluronic acid for hydration, growth factor serums for repair, and exosome-based formulas for advanced skin regeneration. Absorption is dramatically higher than topical application alone.
A small blood sample is taken, spun to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and applied to the skin during microneedling. PRP is rich in your own growth factors and is particularly effective for scarring, thinning skin, and improving overall skin quality without introducing any foreign product.
Deeper needles deliver radiofrequency energy directly into the dermis. Also known by brand names such as Morpheus8, Genius RF, and Vivace. RF microneedling is the most powerful non-surgical option for lifting, tightening and deep scarring — closer in effect to a mid-level laser than to a facial.
Microneedling is one of the most versatile skin treatments available. It is particularly effective for:
For deeper scarring, textural concerns, or combined signs of ageing, we may recommend a plan drawing on our clinical skin treatments, injectable treatments, or a combination.
Your appointment begins with a full skin assessment. A trained clinician will map the appropriate depth, needle count and serum choice based on your skin type, concern and goals.
Topical numbing cream is applied for 20 to 30 minutes to make the treatment comfortable. The microneedling itself takes about 20 to 40 minutes depending on the areas treated. Most patients describe the sensation as a light scratching or vibration — not painful, particularly with numbing.
After the treatment, a hydrating serum or mask is applied. Redness settles significantly by the end of the session, and most patients look presentable within 24 to 48 hours.
Microneedling works gradually. You'll see an initial glow within a week, but the meaningful changes — smoother texture, tighter skin, softer lines, less obvious scarring — develop over 4 to 12 weeks as new collagen builds.
Results improve with each session. For most patients we recommend a course of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months.
It depends on what we're treating:
Your clinician will always give an honest, realistic estimate at your consultation — no over-selling of a course you don't need.
For the first 24 to 48 hours after microneedling:
Microneedling has minimal but real downtime. Expect:
Most patients time treatments for Fridays so they've fully recovered by Monday — although with our standard protocol, you can usually return to work the next day with light makeup.
Microneedling has an excellent safety profile when performed with medical-grade equipment by a trained clinician. It is safe for all skin types and tones, including Fitzpatrick V and VI — which is a significant advantage over some lasers.
Complications are rare and almost always related to poor hygiene, unsterile devices, or untrained operators. This is one of the main reasons we advise strongly against home dermarollers or salon microneedling — the risk of infection, scarring, or hyperpigmentation is significantly higher.
Microneedling is not appropriate if you:
A skin assessment at your consultation determines suitability. If we don't think microneedling is right for you, we'll say so — and often suggest an alternative approach that will get you closer to your goal.
Microneedling is one of our most requested treatments among male patients in Fulham, Chelsea, Parsons Green, Ealing and Park Royal. Common concerns we address include acne scarring from the teenage years, enlarged pores, sun damage, tired-looking skin, and thinning hair at the crown or temples (with growth factor or PRP protocols). Recovery is quick and the results are natural — no obvious "treatment" look, just genuinely healthier skin.
Leto Clinic Fulham is at 291 New King's Road, Fulham, SW6 4RE, at the Parsons Green end of the King's Road — a short walk from Parsons Green and Fulham Broadway tube stations, and minutes from Chelsea along the King's Road. Patients travel to us for microneedling from Chelsea, Fulham, Parsons Green, Sands End, Hurlingham, South Kensington, Earl's Court, Putney, Wandsworth and Hammersmith.
Leto Clinic Ealing is a convenient choice for patients across West London — Ealing, Park Royal, Acton, West Ealing, Hanwell, Northfields, Brentford and Chiswick — a great option if you want a regular course of skin treatments without commuting into central London.
Every microneedling treatment at L'eto Clinic is delivered by a trained clinician in a doctor-led environment, using medical-grade sterile devices and consumables. We don't upsell RF microneedling if standard microneedling would give you the same result, and we don't dismiss a concern that needs a different treatment altogether. Read more about our clinic, or explore our wider range of facial treatments.
Cost depends on the type of microneedling (standard, with PRP, with exosomes, or RF), the areas treated, and whether you book a single session or a course. Courses offer significantly better value. We provide a clear fixed quote at your consultation.
They work at completely different depths. HydraFacial cleanses and hydrates at the surface. A chemical peel exfoliates the outer layers. Microneedling reaches the dermis to trigger collagen production. Many patients combine them — HydraFacial monthly for maintenance and a microneedling course twice a year for structural change.
Both stimulate collagen and improve skin quality. Lasers work with light energy and generally have longer downtime and stricter skin-type restrictions. Microneedling works with mechanical stimulation and is safer across all skin tones. RF microneedling bridges the two by adding radiofrequency energy for stronger tightening.
Yes. Sequencing matters. We typically recommend microneedling 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after anti-wrinkle injections, and 4 weeks after dermal filler. Combined plans often work better than any single treatment.
Yes, particularly rolling and boxcar scars. Ice-pick scars respond less predictably. A course of 4 to 6 sessions is realistic, sometimes combined with subcision or targeted peels for the best result. Complete removal is rare; significant improvement is common.
Not with proper numbing. Topical anaesthetic is applied for 20 to 30 minutes before treatment, and most patients describe the sensation as a light scratching or vibration. RF microneedling can feel warm and slightly more intense but is still well tolerated.
We generally advise against microneedling during pregnancy and breastfeeding, particularly with RF or exosomes. The mechanical treatment itself has limited evidence for harm, but the principle of caution applies. We're happy to pause a course and resume once you've finished breastfeeding.
You'll see an immediate glow within a week and a "collagen bounce" at around 4 weeks. Meaningful changes to texture, tone and scarring build over 6 to 12 weeks — and continue to improve with each session in your course.
Book a complimentary consultation at Leto Clinic Fulham (Parsons Green, SW6) or Leto Clinic Ealing (W5). We'll assess your skin, recommend the right microneedling protocol for you, and give you a clear fixed quote — with no pressure to book on the day.
Uncover your natural beauty with confidence. At L’eto Clinic, we believe in enhancing your unique features, not changing who you are. Our treatments are designed to reveal your inner sparkle, helping you look and feel your best.
