SKIN NEEDLING: COLLAGEN, SUPPORTED FROM WITHIN

FAQ

• Is skin needling safe, and who is it for?

  Skin needling is a well-established, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. At Flourish it is performed by our Registered Nurses using a TGA-listed motorised microneedling pen with single-use sterile cartridges. It’s generally suitable for adults concerned with skin texture, fine lines, pore appearance, atrophic acne scarring or stretch marks. It’s not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infection or active acne in the treatment area, a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, or recent isotretinoin use — a washout period is required and discussed at consultation. Suitability is assessed at your free consultation.

• Does it hurt? What about numbing?

  A topical numbing cream is applied around 20–30 minutes before the session, which makes treatment tolerable for most people. Expect a prickling, scratchy sensation during the pass and some warmth afterwards. We don’t describe skin needling as painless — it isn’t — but it is manageable, and your clinician adjusts depth and speed to your tolerance.

   

• What's the downtime?

  Redness, mild swelling and possible pinpoint bleeding are common in the first 24–72 hours. Most clients return to normal activity within one to two days; mineral makeup is typically permitted from 24 hours. Deeper protocols (for example, for scar work at 2.0–2.5 mm) may take 3–5 days to settle. Daily SPF 50+ is non-negotiable for at least two weeks.

• How many sessions will I need?

  A typical course is 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Skin rejuvenation and fine-line work often sits at the lower end; acne scarring and stretch marks often sit at the upper end. Maintenance is commonly one to two sessions a year after the initial course. Individual results vary.

   

• What's the difference between skin needling and RF microneedling?

  Both create controlled micro-injuries to support new collagen. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat in the deeper skin, which drives a stronger remodelling response — and comes with a higher cost and a slightly longer recovery. Skin needling is purely mechanical — it works at a different depth, uses mechanical-only action with no thermal energy, typically with shorter recovery, and is well-suited to routine collagen support, texture and earlier scarring. It still involves controlled micro-injury; full risks are covered at consultation. Neither is “better”. Your consultation determines which suits your skin and your goals.

• Can I combine it with Rejuran, PRP or exosomes?

  In some cases, yes. Topical serums are sometimes applied into the fresh microchannels — for example, after skin needling your clinician may discuss a Rejuran Booster, a PRP application, or an Exosome topical, where appropriate. We don’t pre-sell add-ons. Your clinician will cover whether any of these apply to your skin at your consultation.

• Is it suitable for darker skin types?

  Skin needling may be suitable across Fitzpatrick I–VI, but Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin carries a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Conservative settings, pre- and post-treatment photoprotection and careful use of any topical adjuncts are standard on darker skin. Suitability is assessed at consultation.

• Who performs the treatment, and what device do you use?

  Skin needling at Flourish is performed by our Registered Nurses at both Sunnybank and Toowong, using a TGA-listed motorised microneedling pen with single-use sterile cartridges. Your clinician will cover the consent process, the risks and the aftercare at your consultation.