Microneedling

Microneedling at Skinity Clinic uses a precision medical microneedling device to create a controlled pattern of micro-channels in the skin, triggering a natural wound-healing cascade that stimulates new collagen and elastin production in the dermis. MUDr. Martin Bortlík performs or supervises all microneedling sessions, adjusting needle depth (0.5–2.5 mm) to the target concern and skin zone — superficial for brightening and texture, deeper for acne scarring and stretch marks. The procedure is performed with topical anaesthetic cream for comfort, and a therapeutic serum (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or PRP from the patient's own blood) is infused through the open channels immediately after needling to maximise absorption. Most patients experience 24–48 hours of redness similar to mild sunburn, after which skin looks noticeably smoother and more luminous.

Microneedling (also termed collagen induction therapy, CIT) is a minimally invasive skin remodelling technique in which a motorised pen-style device with a sterile disposable cartridge of fine needles (typically 0.2 mm diameter, 9–36 needles) stamps or stamps/glides across the skin at controlled depth and frequency settings. Each needle pass creates a micro-channel penetrating to the target depth in the dermis without removing any tissue. The channels are small enough to close within 1–2 hours but large enough to trigger a measurable wound-healing response. **The biology:** Micro-injury activates the coagulation cascade and calls inflammatory mediators (platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor, fibroblast growth factor) to the wound site. These recruit fibroblasts that lay down new collagen type I and III and elastin fibres in the remodelling phase. Over 4–8 weeks, this new matrix restructures the dermis, improving firmness and reducing scar depth. Simultaneously, micro-channels provide transient permeation pathways through the stratum corneum — the normally impermeable outer layer — allowing topically applied active ingredients to penetrate 1,000–10,000x more deeply than they would through intact skin. **Conditions treated at Skinity:** - Acne scars (atrophic, box-car, rolling) — the primary evidence-based indication - Fine lines and superficial wrinkles - Skin laxity and loss of firmness - Enlarged pores - Stretch marks (striae distensae) - Uneven skin texture and photoaging - Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (when combined with brightening serums) - Hair loss (scalp microneedling, often with PRP) **Combination with PRP:** When performed at the same session as PRP, the growth factors from the patient's centrifuged plasma are applied topically and absorbed through the open channels, providing a highly concentrated biological stimulus directly to the dermal layer. This 'PRP + microneedling' combination is supported by clinical evidence for acne scar depth reduction and hair follicle stimulation that exceeds either modality alone. **Session protocol:** Topical anaesthetic cream (lidocaine/prilocaine blend) is applied for 30–45 minutes and then removed. The device is passed systematically over the treatment area — face, neck, scalp, abdomen, or other zones — at the chosen depth setting. Multiple passes may be made. Immediately after, the selected serum is applied (HA, vitamin C, growth factor cocktail, or PRP) while channels are still patent. The session concludes with a soothing mask and SPF. **Depth guide:** - 0.25–0.5 mm — product infusion, general brightening, no significant downtime - 0.5–1.5 mm — standard rejuvenation, moderate collagen induction, 1–2 days redness - 1.5–2.5 mm — acne scars, stretch marks, significant collagen induction, 2–5 days downtime **Aftercare:** Keep the skin cool and well moisturised for the first 48 hours. Avoid active acids (AHAs, BHAs), retinoids, and vitamin C serums for 3–5 days post-treatment (allow channels to close). SPF 50+ mandatory for 2 weeks. Avoid saunas and high-intensity exercise for 48 hours. **Recommended course:** 3 sessions for general skin quality; 4–6 sessions (deep, 4–6 weeks apart) for acne scars. Annual maintenance keeps collagen production stimulated.