(And Why Everyone’s Talking About It)
You may have heard microneedling referred to as dermal needling, collagen induction therapy, or microchanneling. While the terminology may vary, the science behind the treatment is essentially the same. Microneedling is a well-established, scientifically backed treatment for promoting healthier, stronger skin over time.
Studies show that when the skin is injured in a controlled way, the body releases natural growth factors that stimulate cellular repair and increased skin turnover. This healing response boosts the production of structural proteins like collagen, which are essential for maintaining firm, smooth, and healthy-looking skin.
By creating these precise micro-injuries, microneedling gives the skin an opportunity to remodel older tissue—helping to soften acne scarring, refine texture, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, this process leads to thicker, stronger, and more resilient skin.
This concept isn’t unique to microneedling. Many advanced skin treatments, such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and RF (radiofrequency) skin tightening, work on a similar principle, stimulating the body’s natural repair mechanisms to rejuvenate the skin from within.
Because microneedling is controlled and minimally invasive, it has become one of the most popular treatments in Christchurch for achieving natural, progressive skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
Microneedling works by creating tiny, controlled punctures in the skin using a specialised needling pen device. These micro-injuries kickstart your body’s natural repair process, which creates new collagen and elastin production, which are the two proteins vital for maintaining strength, elasticity, and a youthful appearance. Because the surrounding skin remains largely intact, healing is efficient, and the benefits extend to multiple skin concerns, including aging, texture, and overall skin health.
This treatment is incredibly versatile, helping to improve:
You’ll often notice an immediate glow after microneedling, with the skin appearing smoother, fresher, and more radiant in the days following your treatment. However, the real results develop over time. As collagen and elastin production increases, the skin becomes firmer, tighter, and healthier, with continued improvement in texture and tone.
For optimal results, especially when targeting concerns like acne scarring or fine lines, a course of treatments is recommended. Microneedling works cumulatively, meaning each session builds on the last to deliver the best long-term outcome.
A dermal roller is a handheld tool with tiny needles that you roll across the skin. At-home dermal rollers typically use shallow needle depths, making them a gentle way to maintain your skin between professional treatments. Dermal rolling also helps topical skincare to penetrate the skin better. At Transform Clinics, you can find Dermatech Skincare dermal rollers available for purchase, which pairs perfectly with the Dermatech C15 Serum, a Vitamin C Serum.
While at-home tools can support your skin health, professional treatments using a medical-grade skin pen, which can deliver significantly better and longer-lasting results. A trained practitioner can safely target deeper layers of the skin, making treatments more effective for concerns like acne scarring, pigmentation, and aging.
One of the most common questions we hear is: does microneedling hurt?
Pain varies depending on your personal tolerance and the depths being used. You will feel a prickling sensation and the movement of the microneedling device.
For deeper treatments, we can offer a topical numbing cream, making the procedure very tolerable.
After treatment, your skin may feel warm, similar to a very mild sunburn, for 24–48 hours.
After your treatment:
Following the right aftercare will enhance your results and support optimal healing.
At Transform Clinic, a professional microneedling session typically takes around 45-60 minutes. The treatment begins with thoroughly cleansing and prepping the skin. Using a precision microneedling pen, the practitioner gently glides the device over the face and neck, creating tiny microchannels in the skin. During the treatment, a hydrating serum enriched with Argireline and hyaluronic acid is applied, helping to boost hydration, support collagen production, and leave the skin smooth, firm, and radiant.
The key differences of the Procell Therapies treatment are the application of stem cell derived growth-factor and cytokine serums during the treatment as well as the microchanneling needling application. Procell Therapies uses a specialised type of microneedling, referred to as microchanneling due to the unique needling device used for the treatment. The device stamps over the skin rather than gliding over like a pen. The stamping technique creates precise microchannels that allow the Procell Therapies serums to travel deeper into the skin. This process stimulates collagen production while enhancing the delivery of growth factors and cytokines that support the skin’s natural repair cycle.
Due to the potent serums, Procell Therapies Microchanneling can achieve effective collagen induction with lower needle depths, which leads to less downtime and a quicker recovery. It’s a results-driven treatment that works with the skin—not against it—and one our clients consistently love for improving overall skin texture, firmness, and radiance.
After the treatment, relax under red LED light to boost healing and calm inflammation. Included is Procell Therapies post-treatment mask to take home, which you may complete 90 minutes after the treatment.
PRP Microneedling is an advanced skin treatment that combines microneedling with your body’s own Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for powerful skin rejuvenation. PRP is rich in growth factors that stimulate collagen, accelerate healing, and improve overall skin texture, tone, and elasticity. This makes it highly effective for reducing fine lines, acne scarring, dullness, and signs of aging, leaving the skin smoother, firmer, and more radiant.
To begin the treatment, a small sample of your blood is drawn by a registered nurse and spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRP—often called “liquid gold”. Followed by a microneedling treatment with the application of your PRP, the tiny microchannels created in the skin allow the PRP to penetrate deeply into the dermis where it can trigger maximum collagen production and tissue repair.
After the procedure, you can relax under red LED light, which soothes and supports the healing process, while enjoying a calming Pure Fiji hand massage for a truly pampering experience.
Originally used in sports medicine for its regenerative benefits, PRP was adapted into aesthetics in the early 2000s. The term “Vampire Facial” gained worldwide attention through celebrities, highlighting this natural, science-backed approach to rejuvenate the skin and restore a youthful glow. PRP microneedling is still one of the more popular treatments for clients seeking a minimally invasive solution for acne scarring, aging skin, and overall skin health.
The cost for microneedling starts at $365 but depends on which treatment you opt for. See our facial treatment prices here.
Extra areas and add-ons are available.
If you’re looking for microneedling in Christchurch, these treatments are some of the most effective ways to improve your skin’s texture, tone, and overall health.
Book for:
Microneedling Treatment (Includes face and neck)
Microchanneling with Procell Face & Neck with LED
Microneedling Vampire Facial (with PRP)
Whether you’re targeting acne scarring, fine lines, or simply want glowing, rejuvenated skin, microneedling (especially when combined with PRP or Procell Therapies) can deliver powerful, natural-looking results.
