Microneedling and Dermapen: what it does, what it costs and what to ask before you book
Microneedling is one of the least expensive treatments in the guide and one of the most widely offered. Whether a course is worth it depends on whether you want general maintenance or have a specific scar, and on how much change you expect to see.
In The Ageless Blueprint, Dr Leah rates microneedling out of 10, explains who gets the most from it, and sets out what Dr Leah adds to it for red scars and for recovery. This page covers the facts any patient should have before booking a course.What microneedling is
Microneedling uses a pen-like device, such as the Dermapen, to make thousands of tiny controlled channels in the skin. The skin responds by repairing itself and producing new collagen, and over a course the surface usually becomes smoother and fresher-looking. It is a gradual treatment for skin quality; it does not change facial shape and it cannot stop ageing.
Because it relies on needles alone, without radiofrequency heat, it can be adapted to all Fitzpatrick skin types and used across a wide range of ages. The needle depth and technique are adjusted to the area being treated, which allows practitioners to work on delicate sites such as the eyelids and the fine lines above the upper lip, as well as on the neck and on body areas for scars and stretch marks. Exosomes, cell-signalling molecules applied to the skin afterwards, are sometimes offered as an optional extra to support recovery.
Generally used for
- Early fine lines, rough texture and enlarged pores, often in the 20s and 30s
- Selected acne scars, post-surgical scars and stretch marks
- Maintaining skin quality over the long term at a modest cost
What the guide covers that this page does not
- Dr Leah’s rating out of 10, and the reasons behind it
- The ages and skin concerns Dr Leah thinks gain the most
- What Dr Leah adds to microneedling for red scars and for raised scars
- Dr Leah’s view on exosomes after microneedling, and what Dr Leah has seen in practice
What to expect
| Results | Gradual improvement in texture and tone that is usually judged after a course of three. For general rejuvenation the change can be subtle; for scars and stretch marks it can be more meaningful, although neither disappears completely. |
|---|---|
| How long it lasts | There is no fixed duration. Collagen gained from a course persists as part of the skin, and many people repeat courses or single sessions as maintenance. |
| Appointment and downtime | The procedure can be uncomfortable, and numbing cream is usually applied. The skin looks red afterwards; on very fair skin that redness can last one to two days. Dryness, swelling and sensitivity can follow. |
| What can go wrong | Problems are uncommon in suitable hands. Infection, pigment changes and scarring are possible, and worsening redness, increasing pain or discharge afterwards needs clinical advice. Depth and aftercare should be matched to the skin type. |
| Cost | Typically £150 to £400 a session in UK clinics, or £450 to £1,200 for a course of three on the face. Exosomes are charged as an extra and the price varies by clinic. |
Five things to ask before you book
- What needle depth will you use on my face, and will you change it for my eyelids or upper lip?
- How do you adapt the treatment and aftercare for my skin type and tone?
- Is this standard microneedling or a radiofrequency device? They carry different risks and prices.
- For my scar, is microneedling enough on its own, or will I need something else alongside it?
- What should I do if my skin is still red or sore after two days?
Dr Leah’s verdict is in the guide
Chapter 6 of The Ageless Blueprint rates microneedling out of 10 on versatility, value and its usefulness for scars and long-term skin care, in Dr Leah’s own words. It explains why Dr Leah likes it for patients starting early, the delicate areas Dr Leah can treat with it that other treatments cannot reach, the combinations Dr Leah uses for red and raised scars, and whether exosomes earn their extra cost. Three pages.
This page gives general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified practitioner who can assess your face, skin and medical history. Prices are typical UK ranges, accurate as of September 2026, and vary between clinics. For adults aged 18 and over.
Common questions
It can improve selected acne scars, post-surgical scars and stretch marks, and the change there is often more noticeable than for general rejuvenation. Severe scars usually need more than one type of treatment. Dr Leah explains in the guide which scars respond and what Dr Leah adds.
A course of three is the usual starting point, and the result is normally judged after the course rather than after a single session. Maintenance after that depends on the skin and the goal.
No. Standard microneedling uses needles alone. Morpheus8 adds radiofrequency heat beneath the skin, which brings tightening but also heat-related risks such as burns and unintended fat loss. The guide rates both, in separate chapters.