Microneedling in Abu Dhabi

Microneedling in Abu Dhabi at House of Skincare uses a medical-grade automated needling device to create controlled microchannels in the dermis, triggering the skin’s natural wound-healing response and stimulating collagen and elastin production. The treatment addresses acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven texture, stretch marks, and early skin laxity without ablating the skin surface. Dr. Khadija Al Zaabi, DOH-licensed Consultant Dermatologist at House of Skincare on Yas Island, performs and supervises all microneedling treatments, with needle depth and technique adjusted to each patient’s skin concern and skin type.

The biological mechanism is collagen induction therapy. The device drives a cartridge of fine sterile needles into the dermis at a controlled depth, creating thousands of micro-injuries per second. Each puncture channel is approximately 0.1 to 0.3 mm in diameter — invisible to the naked eye — but sufficient to trigger a growth factor cascade. Platelets aggregate at each wound site and release platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b), which recruit fibroblasts and signal them to produce new collagen types I and III. Over weeks to months, this new collagen fills and remodels scar tissue, thickens the dermis, and improves skin architecture from within.

Why House of Skincare?

House of Skincare is a specialist dermatology and aesthetic clinic on Yas Island, rated 4.9 stars by over 490 patients on Google. Medical-grade microneedling differs significantly from at-home dermarollers or spa-grade needling. Dr. Al Zaabi holds a DOH licence as a Consultant Dermatologist and uses a precision automated device with disposable sterile cartridges, adjustable needle depth, and consistent needle speed. This level of control directly determines the depth of collagen stimulation, the uniformity of treatment, and the safety of the procedure — particularly important for patients with darker skin who carry a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at incorrect treatment depths.

Conditions Treated

Acne scars: Atrophic acne scars (rolling, boxcar, and icepick types) are caused by fibrotic tethering and collagen deficiency in the dermis. Microneedling disrupts the tethering bands and drives new collagen deposition into the scar bed. Rolling and boxcar scars typically respond best; icepick scars may require combination with subcision or TCA Cross technique for the deepest channels. Multiple sessions produce progressive scar remodelling.

Fine lines and wrinkles: The new collagen laid down in the superficial dermis thickens the tissue below fine lines, reducing their depth over a course of treatment. Microneedling is particularly effective for the fine lines around the eyes and mouth that do not respond to Botox alone.

Enlarged pores: Pore size is determined partly by the volume of collagen in the surrounding dermis. As the dermis thickens through collagen induction, pore walls contract and pore diameter visibly reduces. Most patients notice this effect clearly after two to three sessions.

Skin texture and roughness: Uneven texture — whether from sun damage, acne, dry skin conditions, or generalised ageing — smooths as damaged superficial tissue is replaced and new collagen restructures the dermis below.

Stretch marks: Striae represent areas of dermal tearing where collagen and elastin have been disrupted. Microneedling into stretch marks stimulates local collagen production and can improve their texture and colour over multiple sessions, though complete elimination is unlikely.

Hyperpigmentation: When combined with a vitamin C serum or brightening active applied immediately after needling (taking advantage of the increased dermal absorption through the open channels), microneedling can improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma in appropriate skin types.

Scalp and hair loss: Scalp microneedling at appropriate depth activates dormant follicles and improves scalp circulation. When performed alongside PRP or topical minoxidil, it significantly increases the treatment’s efficacy for androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.

The Procedure

A session takes forty to sixty minutes including numbing time. Topical numbing cream is applied thirty minutes before treatment. Once numb, the skin is cleansed and the needling device is passed across the treatment area in systematic overlapping strokes. Needle depth is selected based on the area and concern: 0.5 to 1.0 mm for fine lines and pigmentation; 1.0 to 1.5 mm for acne scars and texture; 1.5 to 2.5 mm for deep rolling scars and stretch marks. A soothing serum or PRP (if combined) is applied immediately after needling to take advantage of enhanced absorption through the open channels.

After treatment the skin appears red and feels warm, similar to mild sunburn. This settles within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. There may be mild swelling on the day of treatment. There is no significant crusting or weeping. Most patients can return to work the following day with mineral SPF applied.

Sessions and Results

Most patients require three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. A gap of four weeks between sessions allows full collagen remodelling to occur before the next stimulus. Acne scar improvement continues for up to six months after the final session as the newly laid collagen matures and remodels. Results are progressive and cumulative — the skin continues to improve between sessions, not just immediately after.

Microneedling with PRP

Platelet-rich plasma applied to the skin immediately after microneedling delivers a concentrated dose of growth factors directly into the dermis through the open microchannels. This combination amplifies the collagen stimulus beyond what either treatment produces alone. House of Skincare offers microneedling with PRP as a combined session, particularly for patients with moderate to severe acne scarring or significant hair thinning on the scalp.

Aftercare

For twenty-four hours after treatment: avoid touching the face unnecessarily, do not apply makeup, use only a gentle fragrance-free cleanser and a plain moisturiser. Apply SPF 50 the morning after treatment and daily throughout the treatment course. Avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C serums for five days post-treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and direct sun exposure for forty-eight hours. Avoid swimming pools and open water for forty-eight hours.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Microneedling is suitable for adults across all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker skin tones, as it does not use heat-based energy and carries no inherent thermal risk of pigmentation. It is not appropriate during pregnancy, if you have an active acne breakout in the treatment area, if you have a blood-clotting disorder, or if you are using isotretinoin (wait six months after stopping). Dr. Al Zaabi will review your medical history and skin at consultation before recommending a treatment plan.