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Skin Health

Microneedling

Renew your skin. Naturally.

Performed bySophie Gatward, NP
Woman with healthy-looking skin representing microneedling at Bloor West Medspa in Toronto

Microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that uses fine, controlled needles to create tiny microchannels in the skin, triggering the body's natural healing response.

As the skin repairs itself, collagen and elastin production are stimulated, helping to improve texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scarring and overall skin quality. Treatment depth and technique are customized based on your skin, concerns and treatment area.

Essential Microneedling can be performed on its own or enhanced with PRP or polynucleotides for a more customized regenerative treatment approach.

Ideal for

  • Fine lines and early signs of aging
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Scars
  • Enlarged pores
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Crepey or sun-damaged skin
  • Overall skin rejuvenation

How it works

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin using very fine needles. These microchannels activate the body's natural wound-healing response and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

As the skin rebuilds over the following weeks and months, it can become smoother, firmer and more even in texture. A series of treatments may be recommended depending on your skin concerns and goals.

Depending on your treatment plan, microneedling may be performed on its own or combined with PRP or polynucleotides to further support skin rejuvenation.

What to expect

  1. Consultation & skin assessment: Sophie Gatward, NP, reviews your health history, medications, skincare routine and goals, then assesses your skin to determine whether microneedling is appropriate and customize your treatment.
  2. Treatment day: Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and topical numbing is applied for comfort. The microneedling device is passed systematically over the treatment area at customized depths based on your skin and concerns.
  3. Right after: Your skin will usually look red and may feel warm, tight or sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. Mild swelling or pinpoint bleeding can also occur.
  4. Following days & weeks: Redness and sensitivity typically improve over the first few days. Mild dryness, flaking or roughness may occur as the skin heals. Collagen remodeling develops gradually over the following weeks.
  5. Follow-up & maintenance: Improvements in skin texture and quality develop gradually as collagen remodeling continues. A series of treatments may be recommended for concerns such as acne scarring or more significant textural changes, followed by maintenance based on your skin and goals.

Aftercare tips

  • ### Aftercare tips
  • Follow the personalized instructions you receive at your appointment — they take priority over these general tips.
  • Starting the next morning, use the AlumierMD post-treatment skincare kit provided to you, including SensiCalm Cleanser, Rescue Balm Pro and Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42, as directed while your skin heals.
  • Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and other active or potentially irritating skincare products until your skin has recovered.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs and excessive heat for the first day or two.
  • Protect your skin from direct sun exposure and apply Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42 daily.
  • Do not pick, peel or scrub any dryness or flaking as your skin heals.

Possible side effects

  • Redness, warmth, tenderness, tightness and mild swelling are common immediately after treatment and usually improve over the first few days.
  • Temporary dryness, flaking, roughness, pinpoint bleeding or mild bruising can occur as the skin heals.
  • Temporary changes in pigmentation, irritation, infection or prolonged redness are less common. Contact the clinic if you develop worsening or unexpected symptoms.
If something doesn’t feel right after your treatment, call the clinic at 416-604-0040. For severe symptoms — such as trouble breathing, vision changes, or skin turning white, grey or dusky — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Frequently asked questions

When will I see results from microneedling?

Your skin may look brighter and feel smoother once the initial healing period is complete, but collagen remodeling takes time. More noticeable improvements typically develop gradually over the following weeks and continue with a series of treatments.

How many microneedling treatments will I need?

It depends on your skin and what you're treating. Some clients choose microneedling for general skin maintenance, while concerns such as acne scarring or more significant texture changes usually benefit from a series. Sophie will recommend a treatment plan based on your skin and goals.

Is microneedling painful?

Topical numbing is applied before treatment to make the procedure more comfortable. You may still feel pressure, vibration or mild sensitivity, particularly in certain areas of the face.

When should I book microneedling before a big event?

Avoid scheduling your first treatment immediately before an important event. Redness, sensitivity, dryness or flaking can occur while your skin heals, so allowing at least one to two weeks gives your skin time to settle.

Can microneedling help acne scars?

Microneedling can improve the appearance of certain types of acne scars by stimulating collagen remodeling and improving skin texture. The type and depth of scarring matter, so Sophie will assess your skin to determine whether microneedling is appropriate or whether another treatment may be more suitable.

Who shouldn't get microneedling?

Microneedling isn't appropriate for everyone. Active skin infections, open wounds, certain inflammatory skin conditions, some medications and other individual health factors may affect whether or when treatment is recommended. Your health history and skin will be reviewed before treatment.

Can microneedling help surgical scars?

Microneedling can help improve the appearance and texture of certain healed surgical scars by stimulating collagen remodeling within the treated area. Treatment is only performed once the incision has fully healed, and the age, type and characteristics of the scar will help determine whether microneedling is appropriate and how many treatments may be recommended.

Can microneedling be combined with PRP or polynucleotides?

Yes. Essential Microneedling can be performed on its own or enhanced with regenerative treatments such as PRP or polynucleotides, depending on your skin, concerns and goals. Sophie can help you decide which treatment approach is most appropriate during your consultation.

Individual results vary. All treatments require an in-person consultation and medical assessment to confirm they're right for you. Content on this page is for general information and is not medical advice.

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