Skin Needling Wollongong
Microneedling and collagen induction therapy for acne scars, fine lines, pigmentation and skin texture at our Corrimal clinic
Skin Needling Wollongong
Microneedling and collagen induction therapy for acne scars, fine lines, pigmentation and skin texture at our Corrimal clinic
What to expect
Before your skin needling treatment, your dermal clinician will conduct a consultation at our Corrimal clinic to assess your skin type, medical history and the concerns you would like to address.
A hand-held microneedling device is then used to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which trigger the body’s natural healing response and stimulate collagen and elastin production.
Duration
A skin needling treatment session typically takes 45 to 60 minutes including the numbing time. The number of sessions in your treatment plan depends on your skin concern and goals, with most patients benefiting from a course of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.
Downtime
Most patients experience redness, warmth and a sunburn-like sensation for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Some mild swelling, dryness or flaking may occur for a few days as the skin repairs. Makeup is generally avoided for the first 24 hours, and most patients return to their normal routine within 1 to 2 days.
Price
Our skin needling treatments are competitively priced, and we offer packages of 3-8 treatments, 2-6 weeks apart. During your consultation, our Dermal Therapists will discuss your treatment plan and provide recommendations for home care to enhance the effects of the skin needling.
What to expect
Before your skin needling treatment, your dermal clinician will conduct a consultation at our Corrimal clinic to assess your skin type, medical history and the concerns you would like to address.
A hand-held microneedling device is then used to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which trigger the body’s natural healing response and stimulate collagen and elastin production.
Duration
A skin needling treatment session typically takes 45 to 60 minutes including the numbing time. The number of sessions in your treatment plan depends on your skin concern and goals, with most patients benefiting from a course of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.
Downtime
Most patients experience redness, warmth and a sunburn-like sensation for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Some mild swelling, dryness or flaking may occur for a few days as the skin repairs. Makeup is generally avoided for the first 24 hours, and most patients return to their normal routine within 1 to 2 days.
Price
Our skin needling treatments are competitively priced, and we offer packages of 3-8 treatments, 2-6 weeks apart. During your consultation, our Dermal Therapists will discuss your treatment plan and provide recommendations for home care to enhance the effects of the skin needling.
What is Skin Needling?
Skin needling, also known as microneedling or collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that uses fine medical-grade needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny channels trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin – the two proteins responsible for firm, even-toned and healthy-looking skin.
At Advantage Skin Clinic in Corrimal, skin needling treatments are performed by trained dermal clinicians and supported by our broader team of registered doctors and nurses. The treatment may help address a range of skin concerns and is one of the most established cosmetic procedures performed at our Wollongong clinic.
Skin Needling at Our Wollongong Clinic
Advantage Skin Clinic is conveniently located at Level 1, 432 Princes Highway, Corrimal, with easy access for patients across the greater Wollongong and Illawarra region. We see patients from Corrimal, Bulli, Thirroul, Woonona, Wollongong CBD, Figtree, Unanderra, Dapto and the surrounding northern Illawarra suburbs.
If you are searching for skin needling or facial needling near you in the Illawarra, our clinic offers consultations with dermal clinicians who can assess whether skin needling is the most suitable treatment for your concerns.
How Skin Needling Works
Microneedling uses a hand-held device equipped with fine, sterile needles that gently puncture the upper layers of the skin to a controlled depth. The depth of penetration is adjustable and is determined by your clinician based on your skin type and the concern being treated.
Each micro-injury triggers the body’s natural healing response:
- Inflammatory phase: the skin signals damage and begins the repair process
- Proliferative phase: new skin cells are produced and tissue rebuilds
- Remodelling phase: collagen and elastin reorganise to produce smoother, firmer skin
Because the skin is rebuilt from beneath rather than removed from the surface, skin needling is considered a more gradual, minimally invasive option compared with ablative laser resurfacing. Most patients see initial improvements within a few weeks, with continued improvements developing as collagen remodelling progresses over the following months.
Benefits of Skin Needling
What are the benefits of skin needling? When performed as part of a tailored treatment plan, microneedling may help address a range of skin concerns. The specific outcome depends on the individual’s skin, the concern being treated and the number of sessions completed. Potential benefits of skin needling on the face and body include:
- Improvements in skin texture, tone and overall clarity
- Reduction in the appearance of acne scars, particularly atrophic (pitted) scars
- Reduction in the appearance of surgical and trauma scars
- Softening of fine lines and early signs of skin ageing
- Reduction in the appearance of stretch marks
- Smaller-looking, less visible pores
- Improvements in mild pigmentation and uneven skin tone
- Enhanced absorption of medical-grade skincare products applied during and after treatment
- Suitable for a wider range of skin tones compared with some ablative laser treatments
Results vary between patients and depend on individual factors including skin type, age, lifestyle and adherence to aftercare. Your clinician will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
What Skin Concerns Does Skin Needling Treat?
Microneedling treatments at our Wollongong clinic may be suitable for adults concerned about:
- Acne scarring, particularly atrophic (pitted) acne scars on the face
- Surgical scars and post-trauma scars
- Fine lines and early signs of skin ageing
- Uneven skin texture and rough surface tone
- Stretch marks, particularly on the abdomen, hips, thighs and chest
- Enlarged or congested pores
- Mild pigmentation and uneven skin tone
- Skin laxity and loss of firmness
Skin needling can be safely performed on several areas of the body, including the face, neck, decolletage, abdomen and chest. Your clinician will assess whether the treatment is appropriate for your specific concerns during your consultation.
Who is Skin Needling Suitable For?
Clinical skin needling is generally suitable for adults with a range of skin types and tones who are looking to address concerns related to scarring, texture, fine lines or skin clarity. Suitability is assessed during your initial consultation, where your clinician will review your skin, medical history and any current medications.
Skin needling may not be appropriate in some cases, including:
- Active acne breakouts, skin infections or inflamed skin in the treatment area
- Active eczema, psoriasis or severe rosacea in the treatment area
- Open wounds, cold sores or healing skin
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to hormonal changes that can affect skin sensitivity and healing)
- A history of keloid scarring
- Recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane) – typically requires a wait period
- Some autoimmune conditions or bleeding disorders
Your clinician will discuss any contraindications during your consultation and may recommend an alternative treatment if skin needling is not appropriate for your skin.
What to Expect From a Skin Needling Treatment
Before your treatment
- Avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and other active exfoliating products for 5 to 7 days prior
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning and self-tanning products for 1 to 2 weeks beforehand
- Inform your clinician of any medications, supplements or recent cosmetic treatments
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (where medically safe) in the days leading up to your treatment
- Arrive with clean skin, free from makeup and skincare products
During your treatment
The treatment area is cleansed and the microneedling device is passed across the skin in a controlled pattern, with the needle depth adjusted to suit the area and concern being treated. Most patients describe the sensation as a light scratching or vibrating pressure rather than sharp pain. A serum or topical product may be applied during or immediately after the treatment to support recovery. A full session typically takes 45 to 60 minutes including the numbing period.
Immediately after treatment
The skin will typically appear flushed and feel warm, similar to a sunburn. Some patients also experience mild swelling, tightness or pinpoint bleeding. These effects usually settle within 24 to 48 hours. Mild dryness or flaking may continue for a few days as the skin repairs.
Skin Needling Recovery and Aftercare
Skin Needling Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery period for a typical skin needling treatment is usually short. Most patients return to their normal routine within 24 to 48 hours, with mild redness and warmth being the most common after-effects. Your clinician will provide specific aftercare instructions for your treatment. General guidance includes:
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
- Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and hydrating moisturisers during the recovery phase
- Avoid makeup for the first 24 hours
- Avoid direct heat sources (saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, intense exercise) for 48 hours
- Do not pick at, scratch or manually exfoliate the treated skin while it is healing
- Avoid active ingredients (retinoids, vitamin C serums, AHAs, BHAs) until your clinician advises it is safe to reintroduce them, typically after 5 to 7 days
- Drink plenty of water and support general skin recovery with a healthy routine
How Many Sessions of Skin Needling Do You Need?
The number of skin needling sessions needed depends on your skin concern, the severity of the condition and your individual response to treatment. As a general guide:
- General skin rejuvenation and texture: a course of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is commonly recommended
- Acne scarring and surgical scarring: a course of 4 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart may be advised, with results developing progressively
- Stretch marks: a longer course of 6 or more sessions is often recommended due to the depth of the concern
- Maintenance: follow-up sessions every 3 to 6 months can help support ongoing results
Skin usually appears radiant and smoother within days of a microneedling session. Visible improvements in scarring and fine lines typically develop over four to six weeks as new collagen is laid down, with continued improvements for several months as remodelling progresses.
How Much Does Skin Needling Cost in Wollongong?
Skin needling cost in Wollongong depends on several factors:
- The size of the area being treated (face only, face and neck, face and decolletage, body area)
- The depth of treatment selected by your clinician
- The number of sessions in your recommended plan
- Whether your treatment is part of a skin needling package or combined with other treatments
- Whether additional aftercare products or serums are included
Because every patient’s skin and treatment plan is different, we discuss skin needling cost during your initial consultation rather than quoting flat rates. Many patients choose a course of treatments, and skin needling package options are often available to support a full treatment plan. Please call our Wollongong clinic on (02) 4201 0593 if you would like to discuss pricing before booking.
Skin Needling vs Other Skin Treatments
Skin needling is one of several options available at Advantage Skin Clinic for improving skin texture, scarring and signs of ageing. Your clinician will help determine the most suitable option for your concerns during your consultation. The main alternatives include:
Skin needling vs CO2 laser resurfacing
CO2 laser is an ablative laser that removes thin layers of skin to encourage resurfacing. It typically delivers more dramatic results in fewer sessions but requires more downtime (5 to 10 days) and may carry a higher risk of pigment changes in some skin tones. Skin needling is gentler, requires shorter recovery and is often more suitable for patients seeking gradual improvement.
Compare with CO2 laser resurfacing.
Skin needling vs Er:YAG iPixel laser
Er:YAG iPixel is a fractional ablative laser that resurfaces the skin with controlled precision. It is more aggressive than skin needling and may produce more visible resurfacing in fewer sessions, but with longer recovery. Skin needling and Er:YAG can also be used together as part of a staged treatment plan.
Compare with Er:YAG iPixel.
Skin needling vs chemical peels
Chemical peels exfoliate the outer layers of skin using acid solutions, while skin needling stimulates collagen from beneath without removing skin. Some patients benefit from combining peels and needling as part of a broader skin plan, with timing determined by their clinician.
Compare with chemical peels.
Skin needling vs fractional RF microneedling
Fractional RF microneedling combines traditional skin needling with radiofrequency energy, which heats the deeper layers of the skin to provide added skin-tightening benefits. Fractional RF may be more appropriate for pronounced wrinkles and skin laxity, though the treatment can produce longer-lasting redness and swelling compared with clinical skin needling.
Combining Skin Needling With Other Treatments
Skin needling can be combined with complementary treatments as part of a staged plan. Common combinations include:
- Chemical peels: peels are typically performed in alternating sessions or in advance to address surface concerns while needling stimulates collagen beneath
- Er:YAG iPixel laser: laser resurfacing combined with collagen induction therapy for more comprehensive improvements
- Medical-grade skincare: tailored topical products to support skin recovery and maintain results between sessions
- Dermalux LED light therapy: gentle light therapy used after treatment to support recovery
Book a Skin Needling Consultation in Wollongong
Book a consultation with our team to discuss your skin concerns and find out whether skin needling may be suitable for you. Our registered doctors and dermal clinicians are available at our Corrimal clinic, servicing the greater Wollongong and Illawarra area.
FAQs
Does skin needling hurt?
Most patients describe skin needling as a light scratching or vibrating pressure sensation rather than sharp pain, most patients tolerate the treatment well. Some areas, such as the forehead and along the hairline, can feel slightly more sensitive than others.
What skin concerns can be treated with skin needling?
Skin needling may be used to address acne scars, surgical and trauma scars, stretch marks, fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, mild pigmentation and overall skin clarity. It is most commonly performed on the face but can also be used on the neck, decolletage, abdomen and chest. Your clinician will assess whether skin needling is the most suitable approach for your specific concerns.
How many skin needling sessions do I need?
The number of sessions depends on your skin concern and the response to treatment. General skin rejuvenation may require 3 to 4 sessions, acne scarring often requires 4 to 6 sessions, and stretch marks may require 6 or more sessions. Sessions are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Your clinician will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
How much does skin needlign cost?
Skin needling cost depends on the treatment area, the depth selected and the number of sessions in your plan. Many patients choose a multi-session course, and package pricing is often discussed during the initial consultation. Please call our Wollongong clinic on (02) 4201 0593 to discuss pricing before booking.
What is the difference between skin needling and microneedling?
Skin needling and microneedling refer to the same general treatment – both use fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production. The terms are used interchangeably. Some clinics also use the term “collagen induction therapy” to describe the same procedure.
Will I need to follow a special skincare routine after my treatment?
Yes. Your clinician will provide specific aftercare guidance, which typically includes using a gentle hydrating cleanser, applying broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, avoiding active ingredients (such as retinoids, vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs) for several days, and avoiding direct heat or strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Your clinician may also recommend specific medical-grade products to support skin recovery.
Who should not get skin needling?
Skin needling may not be appropriate for individuals with active acne, skin infections, eczema, psoriasis or severe rosacea in the treatment area, those with a history of keloid scarring, recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use, certain autoimmune conditions or bleeding disorders. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also generally advised to defer treatment. Your clinician will assess suitability during your consultation.
How long do results typically last?
Skin needling results can last several months and may continue to improve as collagen remodelling progresses over the months following treatment. The longevity of results depends on your skin’s natural cellular turnover, your skincare routine, sun protection habits and lifestyle factors. Follow-up sessions every 3 to 6 months can help support ongoing results.
What skin improvements will I see with skin needling?
Skin often appears smoother and more radiant within days of a session. More significant improvements in scarring, fine lines and uneven texture typically develop over four to six weeks as new collagen is laid down. Visible changes continue to develop for several months as the skin remodels, particularly when supported by a tailored skincare routine.
How is skin needling different from fractional RF?
Fractional RF (radiofrequency) microneedling combines traditional skin needling with radiofrequency energy. The added heat penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, which may provide additional skin-tightening benefits. Fractional RF may be more appropriate for pronounced wrinkle reduction and laxity. However, the treatment can produce longer-lasting redness and swelling compared with clinical skin needling.
What other services do you offer at Advantage Skin Clinic?
Is skin needling safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Skin needling is generally not performed during pregnancy as a precautionary measure due to hormonal changes that can affect skin sensitivity, healing and pigmentation responses. For breastfeeding mothers, your clinician will discuss your circumstances on a case-by-case basis and advise on appropriate timing.
Start Your Journey to Healthy Skin Today