Microneedling at Craig Hobson Aesthetics

Microneedling has become a trusted treatment for acne scars, uneven texture, and early signs of ageing.

Here at Craig Hobson Aesthetics, we’ve been offering it for years; but we’re selective about when we recommend it and how we administer it.

Why we choose SkinPen.

The device matters more than most people realise. That’s why we work exclusively with SkinPen; the industry gold standard when it comes to microneedling treatments.

SkinPen has been rigorously tested and FDA-cleared for the treatment of acne scars using microneedling. SkinPen is backed by extensive clinical data, making it the leading device for safe, effective and reliable results.

How Microneedling works.

Microneedling creates thousands of tiny, controlled micro-channels in your skin. These trigger your body’s natural healing response, prompting it to produce fresh collagen and elastin.

Over the following weeks and months, this can lead to smoother skin texture, visible softening of acne scars, reduced fine lines, and overall improvement in skin quality.

Microneedling isn’t a quick fix. The improvements develop gradually as your body repairs and regenerates.

 

Why the device matters.

We’ll only use SkinPen for several compelling reasons:

• SkinPen is backed by rigorous clinical evaluation
• It is precise and has adjustable needle depth control
• SkinPen uses sterile, single-use cartridges
• It has a reliable and consistent penetration depth

 

This precision becomes especially critical when treating acne scars, because getting the depth exactly right makes all the difference.

 

Is Microneedling right for you?

Microneedling works particularly well for acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores, early signs of ageing, and stretch marks.

That said, it’s not the answer for everyone.

During your consultation, we’ll examine your skin, discuss what you hope to achieve, and make sure your expectations align with what’s possible. Sometimes an alternative treatment would make more clinical sense. We will discuss all your options in your consultation and take the best course of treatment for you.

 

What to expect at your microneedling appointment.

Your treatment plan begins with a consultation and skin assessment. Once we’ve discussed all your options, we’ll decide on the right approach together.

If SkinPen microneedling is clinically correct, we will apply numbing cream before beginning the procedure.

Your treatment will vary in length and can be moderately painful depending on the area being treated. Afterwards, you can expect your skin to look like it’s mildly sunburnt for a day or two.

Your skin continues producing new collagen for several months, which is why improvements develop gradually.

For acne scarring, most people need 3–6 treatments. For general skin quality concerns, 3 sessions often do the job.

We’ll discuss realistic timelines during your consultation.

 

 

Our Approach.

We don’t offer treatments just because we can. Every recommendation is considered carefully based on your individual skin and specific concerns.

If you’re considering microneedling, the best next step is a consultation. We’ll assess your skin properly, answer your questions honestly, and put together a clear treatment plan that makes sense for you.

To help you decide if Microneedling might be a solution for you, here are some of the questions we get asked the most.

Common questions about Microneedling.

 

“Does microneedling actually work for acne scars, or is it just a trend?”

It does work, particularly for rolling and boxcar scars. Most people see noticeable softening rather than complete erasure, which is realistic for this type of treatment.

A typical course involves 4–6 sessions spaced about 4–6 weeks apart. Results build gradually over several months as new collagen forms. The key is using a medical-grade device like SkinPen and having realistic expectations from the start.

 

“How painful is microneedling really? Can you tolerate it without numbing cream?”

Most people find it quite uncomfortable without numbing cream. With numbing cream applied 20–30 minutes beforehand, the sensation becomes much more manageable.

Our patients often describe it as a feeling of scratching or light vibration. Some areas, like around the nose, tend to be slightly more sensitive. Your skin will feel warm and tight afterwards, similar to mild sunburn, though this usually settles within 24 hours.

 

“Is microneedling worth the money compared to at-home derma rollers?”

They serve different purposes.

At-home devices work at shallow depths and can help with general skin maintenance. Professional microneedling reaches much deeper with precise depth control. For significant concerns like acne scarring, professional treatment gives you the depth and safety needed for meaningful results. For minor texture improvements, at-home devices can be a starting point.

 

“What’s the downtime actually like? Can I go to work the next day?”

Your skin will be quite red immediately after treatment, similar to moderate sunburn.

By the following morning, this typically reduces to pinkness with perhaps some mild swelling. You can return to work, though you’ll look like you’ve had treatment. Most people feel comfortable in public by day 2 or 3, particularly with some light mineral makeup. Your skin may also feel dry for about a week. It’s worth planning around important events and give yourself at least 5 days before anything significant.

 

“How long until you actually see results from microneedling?”

Results take time to develop. Your skin needs about 4–6 weeks after treatment to produce new collagen, which is when you’ll start noticing improvements. With multiple sessions, the effects continue building over 3–6 months. After completing a full course, maximum results typically appear around 4–6 months from your final treatment. This is because collagen remodelling happens gradually. It requires some patience, but that’s how the skin’s biology works!

 

What’s next?

If you are looking for microneedling in Bristol and would like to learn more about the CHA approach, head to our bookings page to schedule your consultation.