Microneedling can deliver real, visible before and after results for fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scars and dull, tired skin when it is planned and performed correctly. At Alcove Aesthetics by Dr Goziem – a doctor-led facial aesthetics clinic in Central London, moments from Mayfair – microneedling is used to gently trigger your skin’s own repair processes to create smoother, firmer and more even skin over time, without changing how you look.
Most patients start to notice an improvement in skin texture and radiance within 2 to 4 weeks, with more defined changes in scars, lines and pores building gradually over 3 to 6 months as new collagen forms. A typical treatment plan is 3 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with maintenance once or twice a year.
On this page, you will find a clear, medical yet jargon-free explanation of how professional microneedling works, what realistic before and after results look like, and what to expect at each stage of your journey at Alcove Aesthetics, 120 Pall Mall, London. All treatments are personally carried out by award-winning aesthetic doctor and GDC-registered dentist, Dr Goziem Onuchukwu.
Introduction: Why women in Central London choose microneedling
Many women in their 30s, 40s and 50s come to our Pall Mall and Mayfair aesthetic clinic saying the same thing: “I look tired even when I am not.” Fine lines around the eyes, crepey under-eye skin, early jowling, pigmentation, post-acne marks and uneven texture can make the face appear older and less fresh than you feel inside.
For those who prefer subtle, natural changes rather than a “done” look, microneedling is often an ideal first step. It uses your own biology – collagen production and tissue repair – to gradually improve the quality of the skin, rather than simply masking lines or filling volume. When combined thoughtfully with other doctor-led treatments such as Polynucleotides, skin boosters or tailored skincare, it can be the foundation of a long-term anti-ageing strategy with very little downtime.
What It Is & How It Works
Microneedling, sometimes called “collagen induction therapy”, is a medical skin treatment that uses very fine, controlled micro-needles to create thousands of tiny channels in the upper layers of the skin.
At Alcove Aesthetics, Dr Goziem uses professional, clinic-grade devices – not at-home rollers – which allow precise adjustment of needle depth and speed for different areas of the face and different concerns. This is important, because the skin on your under-eyes, cheeks and jawline all have different thicknesses and tolerances.
The skin science in simple terms
Microneedling works through three main mechanisms:
- Micro-injury and healing response
- The needles create micro-channels that are superficial and controlled.
- Your body recognises these as “injuries” and activates the natural wound-healing cascade.
- Growth factors are released, and fibroblast cells are stimulated to produce new collagen and elastin.
- Collagen remodelling over time
- Over the following weeks and months, the newly formed collagen matures and organises.
- This leads to firmer, smoother, more elastic skin.
- Atrophic acne scars and fine lines can appear less deep as the underlying structure strengthens.
- Enhanced penetration of active ingredients
- The temporary channels in the skin allow targeted serums (such as hydrating, brightening or repair-focused formulas) to penetrate more efficiently.
- At Alcove Aesthetics, serums are carefully chosen to suit your skin type, concerns and sensitivity.
For more advanced regeneration, microneedling can be combined with treatments like PRP (platelet rich plasma) or plant-derived Exosomes that are delivered via microneedling to further support repair, radiance and collagen stimulation.
Because the epidermis (the surface barrier) is largely preserved, microneedling typically has less downtime than more aggressive resurfacing treatments, while still offering significant long-term improvement in texture and tone.
Benefits & Results
Below is a clear summary of what microneedling can realistically help with, based on clinical evidence and Dr Goziem’s experience with over 1,000 patients.
| Concern | What patients notice before | Typical change after a course of microneedling* |
|——–|—————————–|————————————————-|
| Fine lines & early wrinkles | Crinkling around eyes and mouth, fine “barcode” lines | Softer, less visible lines, especially at rest; smoother make-up application |
| Skin texture & pores | Rough patches, “orange peel” texture, enlarged pores on nose/cheeks | Finer texture, more refined pores, skin looks more polished |
| Mild acne scarring | Shallow dents, uneven surface that catches the light | Scars appear shallower and smoother; more even reflection in photos |
| Pigmentation & tone | Uneven tone, post-acne marks, mild sun damage | Brighter, more uniform complexion; marks gradually fade |
| Dull, tired skin | Lack of glow, “grey” or sallow tone | Fresher, healthier radiance; “well-rested” look |
| Early laxity | Mild sagging or loss of firmness | Subtle improvement in skin firmness and bounce over time |
*Results vary from patient to patient. A full consultation is essential to assess suitability and likely outcomes.
Most people need a minimum of 3 sessions to see meaningful, photographic before and after changes, as collagen remodelling is a gradual process.
Why Choose Alcove Aesthetics
Choosing where to have microneedling matters as much as choosing the treatment itself. At Alcove Aesthetics by Dr Goziem, you benefit from:
Doctor-led care
All microneedling treatments are planned and performed by Dr Goziem Onuchukwu, a GDC-registered dentist with an MSc in Aesthetic Medicine and over 7 years of facial aesthetics experience.Proven expertise and awards
Dr Goziem has treated more than 1,000 patients and has been recognised as:Best Anti-Ageing Practitioner, Central London 2024 & 2025
Skin Aesthetics Specialist of the Year 2025
Focus on natural, undetectable results
The philosophy is subtle refinement, not transformation. Most of our patients in Mayfair, Westminster and Knightsbridge want to look fresher, not “done”.Central London convenience
Our luxury aesthetic clinic is located at 120 Pall Mall, within easy reach of Mayfair, St James’s, Belgravia, Soho, Marylebone, Fitzrovia and Chelsea – ideal for lunchtime or post-work appointments.Comprehensive skin planning
Microneedling is often integrated into a wider plan, which may include advanced options such as Sculptra for deeper structural support or targeted peels for pigmentation, ensuring that every treatment has a clear purpose within your overall anti-ageing strategy.
Treatment Journey: From Consultation to Follow-up
1. Personal skin consultation
Your journey begins with an in-depth, doctor-led assessment at our Central London facial aesthetics clinic. Dr Goziem will:
- Take a detailed medical and skin history.
- Analyse your skin quality, lines, scars and pigmentation in good lighting.
- Discuss your concerns, lifestyle and how subtle or transformative you would like the results to be.
- Explain all suitable options, including how microneedling compares with alternatives such as a Chemical Peel or skin boosters.
You will be given realistic timelines and expected outcomes, and there is no obligation to proceed.
2. Preparing for treatment
If you decide to go ahead:
- A £50 booking fee is taken to secure your appointment. This is redeemable against your treatment.
- You may be advised to stop certain actives (retinoids, strong acids) 3 to 5 days before treatment.
- On the day, photos may be taken to help you track your before and after progress.
3. During your microneedling session
A typical face treatment lasts around 45 to 60 minutes:
- Skin is cleansed thoroughly.
- A topical numbing cream is applied for comfort.
- The microneedling device is passed over specific zones of your face in a precise pattern and depth determined by Dr Goziem.
- A targeted serum is applied during treatment to support your individual goals (for example hydration, brightening or repair).
- A soothing, barrier-supporting product is applied at the end.
Most patients describe the sensation as scratchy or prickly rather than painful, with the anaesthetic cream making it very manageable.
4. Follow-up and treatment course
For collagen remodelling, a course is almost always recommended:
- Standard protocol: 3 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart.
- More significant scarring or deeper lines: sometimes 4 to 6 sessions are advised.
- Maintenance: 1 to 2 sessions per year, depending on age, skin quality and lifestyle.
Follow-up appointments are available to assess your progress and adjust your plan where needed. All aftercare support is provided directly by Dr Goziem.
Recovery & Aftercare: What to Expect
Microneedling is designed to fit around busy Central London lifestyles, with minimal disruption.
Immediately after treatment:
- Skin looks pink to red, similar to mild sunburn.
- It may feel warm, tight or slightly puffy.
- Tiny pinprick marks may be faintly visible in some areas.
Next 48 to 72 hours:
- Redness usually settles within 24 to 48 hours.
- Mild dryness or flaking can occur as the skin renews.
- Make-up can usually be worn after 24 hours, depending on sensitivity.
You will be given detailed written aftercare, including:
- Gentle cleansing only for the first few days.
- Avoiding heat, saunas, vigorous exercise and active products (acids, retinoids, scrubs) for 3 to 5 days.
- Using high factor SPF daily to protect your results.
Collagen production and visible results continue to build for months after each session.
Cost & Transparency
At Alcove Aesthetics, microneedling for the face is:
- £300 for a single session
- £750 for a course of 3 sessions
Many patients choose to combine microneedling with other treatments such as Skin Boosters or tailored skincare to enhance and maintain their results.
A full consultation is always carried out before treatment to confirm suitability, discuss all risks and benefits, and finalise a plan and timeline that fit your goals, budget and schedule. The £50 booking fee is redeemable against your treatment, and there is a 48-hour reschedule policy.
Disclaimer: Individual results vary. A consultation with Dr Goziem Onuchukwu is required before all treatments.
FAQ: Microneedling in Central London
Is microneedling safe?
When performed by an experienced medical professional using sterile, clinic-grade devices, microneedling is considered a safe and effective procedure for suitable candidates. At Alcove Aesthetics, strict infection control, medical history screening and appropriate needle-depth protocols are always followed. It is not suitable for everyone, for example if you have active skin infections, certain autoimmune conditions, or are pregnant, which is why consultation is essential.
How painful is microneedling?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the treatment is. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand, which reduces the sensation to a mild scratchiness or pressure. More sensitive areas such as the upper lip and forehead may feel slightly sharper, but the procedure is brief and highly tolerable.
When will I see my microneedling before and after results?
Some people notice an immediate “post-facial” glow within a few days. More meaningful changes in texture, pores and fine lines usually appear from 2 to 4 weeks after the first treatment. Collagen remodelling is gradual, so the most noticeable before and after differences generally develop after a course of 3 sessions, and continue to improve over 3 to 6 months.
How many sessions will I need?
For general skin quality, brightness and early signs of ageing, a course of 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is typical. For more established acne scarring or deeper lines, a longer course may be recommended. During your consultation, Dr Goziem will give you a personalised estimate based on your skin and your goals.
Am I a good candidate for microneedling?
You may be suitable if you are generally healthy, have concerns such as fine lines, mild scarring, uneven tone or texture, and want natural, gradual improvement without major downtime. Microneedling can be used on many skin types, including darker tones, when performed correctly. It may not be appropriate if you have active acne, eczema or psoriasis on the treatment area, keloid scarring tendency, certain medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. All of this is discussed carefully in your consultation.
To explore whether microneedling is right for your skin and to see what kind of realistic before and after results you might expect, you are welcome to arrange a one-to-one consultation at our doctor-led facial aesthetics clinic in Central London.
To book your personalised consultation with Dr Goziem Onuchukwu at Alcove Aesthetics, Pall Mall, London, call 07856962248 or book online at alcoveaesthetics.com/appointments.
