Skin Rolling

A treatment for assisting the skin's own reparation of acne scars.

The procedure

In this procedure, small needles are rolled over the area of skin, puncturing its outermost layer. The skin's natural reaction to being wounded is thereby triggered: it begins producing collagen - the building blocks of healthy skin.

In the clinic, this procedure is primarily used for undermining the appearance of acne scars, though it has many other benefits. Skin becomes thicker and more youthful looking as fine lines and dilated blood vessels are reduced. Plus, the benefits of topical skin care become more pronounced given the greater access to the dermis: the deeper skin layer that is most receptive to treatment.

Anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand. The needles on the roller create very small wounds, but they become more significant because of the proximity of the holes. The area of skin is rolled over thoroughly to ensure proximity of the holes.

The healing process

Bleeding stops soon after the procedure's completion as the clefts heal quickly. After the bleeding has stopped, topical treatments may be given by the doctor to assist the healing process. Applying vitamins A and C after the procedure further promotes the skin's own production of collagen.

Bruising can occur immediately after treatment but returns to normal soon after.

By day 4 to 5, the skin will have returned to a mild flush, before normalising soon after.

It is advised to take between 3-7 days off work.