Microneedling · Battersea SW11
Microneedling in Battersea. Your own collagen, brought up to the surface.
Lower pigment risk than laser, by design. Microneedling works with your skin's own repair, not against your melanin, so it is one of the safer ways to treat acne scars and texture in Fitzpatrick IV to VI. We use the Dr Pen M8s and the medical-grade Dermapen 4, paired with a serum matched to your concern, from hyaluronic acid to targeted serums, polynucleotides or PRP. Delivered by our founder Arman Zaki, GMC-registered Physician Associate.
Collagen induction for acne scars, texture, pores, fine lines and a glass-skin glow. Results build over a course, and in darker skin we go shallower, with fewer passes and careful aftercare. Our Battersea studio sits in the Wandsworth borough of South West London, 10 to 14 minutes' walk from Clapham Junction.
Microneedling at a glance
What it is
Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, uses fine needles to make controlled micro-channels, prompting your skin to lay down new collagen. It may improve acne scars, texture, pores, fine lines and tone over a course. A non-prescription cosmetic treatment.
The serums we pair
Through the micro-channels we infuse a serum matched to your concern: hyaluronic acid for a glass-skin finish, brightening or peptide serums for tone and skin quality, Salmon DNA (PDRN) for regeneration, or polynucleotides or your own PRP where indicated. Each is chosen and patch-tested to your skin at consultation.
Who delivers it
Arman Zaki, GMC-registered Physician Associate (Ref A8131967). Every plan is led by Arman at consultation.
Skin of Colour
Fitzpatrick I to VI. Because microneedling spares the surface and does not target melanin, it carries a lower risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation than laser or deep peels. We still go shallower and gentler in deeper tones.
Price
From £99.99. Hydration Boost £99.99. Brightening, firming or glow microneedling £150 each (£399 for a course of three). Dermapen 4 Advanced £190 (£540 for three). Vampire facial (PRP microneedling) from £450, or £1,200 for a course of three. Single sessions and the vampire facial are bookable on Treatwell; the PRP course is arranged at consultation. Prices verified 25 June 2026.
Where
Melatone Skin Clinic, Unit 13A, 99-109 Battersea Business Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5QL. 10 to 14 minutes' walk from Clapham Junction station.
Outcomes may vary by skin type and individual factors. Aesthetic results are not guaranteed. Treatments delivered in line with MHRA guidance for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and the ASA / CAP Code Section 12 requirements for medical aesthetic advertising. 18 and over only.
PRP Microneedling · Regenerative
Not a facial. Regenerative skin therapy, powered by your own plasma.
PRP microneedling, widely known as a vampire facial, puts your own biology to work. We take a small blood sample, concentrate the platelet-rich plasma in a medical centrifuge, then infuse that growth-factor-rich plasma through fresh micro-channels created by microneedling. Where filler adds volume from the outside, this supports your skin from within, helping tired, deflated, crepey skin look firmer and fresher, and may improve the appearance of fine lines, texture and overall radiance. Clinician-led and delivered by Arman Zaki, GMC-registered Physician Associate, who performs the blood draw and the treatment himself. Results build over a course, and individual results vary.
Step one
A small blood draw
Arman takes a small blood sample in clinic, the same as a routine blood test, performed by a GMC-registered Physician Associate.
Step two
Concentrated in a medical centrifuge
Your sample is spun in a medical centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich plasma, the fraction carrying your own growth factors.
Step three
Infused through microneedling
That plasma is infused through fresh micro-channels created by microneedling, with any remaining PRP optionally placed along set lines, so your own biology drives the repair.
What your session includes
- Your blood draw performed in clinic by a GMC-registered Physician Associate, the part most salons cannot legally do
- Your own growth factors, concentrated in a medical centrifuge and driven into fresh micro-channels, the part topical-only PRP facials skip
- A one-to-one consultation and skin assessment with Arman, GMC-registered Physician Associate
- Full-face microneedling at a depth set to your skin and concern
- Topical PRP infused through the micro-channels, with leftover plasma optionally into lines
- A serum and aftercare plan matched to your skin type, calibrated for Skin of Colour
- Nothing synthetic, no filler, no donor material, just your own plasma
Our price
A course of three is £1,200, that works out at £400 a session, £150 less than three single sessions at £1,350.
Single sessions from £450.
The honest comparison
A Harley Street clinic charges £550 for the same procedure. At Melatone in Battersea it is from £450.
Suitability is confirmed at consultation before any payment for a course. Single sessions are bookable on Treatwell; the course of three is arranged at your consultation rather than booked online.
PRP microneedling is for adults 18 and over. Individual results vary and outcomes are not guaranteed.
How we use microneedling
A course, not a one-off. Collagen takes its time.
Why a course
New collagen builds over months.
A single session plumps and hydrates, but the real change in scars and texture comes from new collagen, which your skin lays down and remodels over one to six months. So scar and texture work is built on a course of three to six sessions about four weeks apart, with maintenance after. A single session is always available. Individual results vary.
Skin of Colour, done properly
Lower pigment risk, not no risk.
Microneedling is one of the safer resurfacing options for Fitzpatrick IV to VI because it spares most of the surface and does not target melanin, unlike laser or deep peels. But deeper skin can still react, so we go shallower, use fewer passes, spread the work across more sessions, and insist on strict broad spectrum SPF 50 for seven days. Honest care beats an aggressive setting.
Fun fact
Microneedling doesn't add collagen.
It talks your skin into making its own.
Those tiny needle channels flip your skin into repair mode, so it grows fresh collagen all on its own, the scaffolding that keeps skin firm and smooth. The clever part: it rebuilds deep down while the surface stays intact. In the original study, skin was about 40% thicker a year on, and people rated themselves 60 to 80% better. Your skin does the building. We just set the conditions.
Evidence via PubMed. El-Domyati et al., Int J Dermatol 2015, doi:10.1111/ijd.12761; Aust et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 2008, doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000304612.72899.02. Findings come from studies on aging and photoaged skin; individual results vary.
The pens and the serums
Two professional pens, and a serum matched to your concern.
Dr Pen M8s
The precise professional pen
- · Adjustable depth 0.25 to 2.5 mm, six speed settings
- · Fine needle and nano cartridge options, for needling or gentle nano-infusion
- · Cordless and rechargeable, with a single-use, back-flow-protected cartridge each time
Our workhorse for hydration, glass-skin and general texture work.
Dermapen 4 · Medical-grade
The medical device, for advanced work
- · FDA 510(k)-cleared and CE marked Class II medical device
- · AOVN vertical needling, up to 1,920 micro-channels a second, depth to 3.0 mm
- · RFID-coded single-use cartridges with an anti-contamination system
Reserved for more advanced acne scarring and texture, paired with polynucleotides or PRP.
The devices
Precision you can dial in.
Choose your serum by concern
One treatment, matched to what your skin needs.
Through the micro-channels we infuse a targeted serum, chosen with you at consultation. Each one is selected and patch-tested to your skin and your concern.
Concern · Pigmentation & uneven tone
LUMI-MESO BRIGHT
A brightening serum to support a clearer, more even-looking complexion. Formulated with skin of colour in mind, and delivered by gentle nano-infusion.
Tranexamic Acid · Niacinamide · Glutathione · Vitamin C
Concern · Fine lines, firmness & tired skin
LUMI-MESO ELITE
Our peptide-rich all-rounder, to support smoother, firmer, fresher-looking skin and overall skin quality.
25-Peptide Complex · Polynucleotides · Niacinamide · Vitamin C · Vitamin B12
Concern · Depleted skin & loss of radiance
Stayve Salmon DNA Gold
A premium Korean regenerative ampoule with salmon DNA (PDRN), peptides and 99.9% gold, to support recovery, elasticity and a luminous, glowing finish.
Salmon DNA (PDRN) · Peptides · Niacinamide · 99.9% Gold
Concern · Dryness & dehydration
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Lightweight hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and support a plumper, smoother, hydrated finish. Barrier-friendly, and our gentlest option.
1.2% Hyaluronic Acid · Vegan · Fragrance-free
For regenerative and advanced work we also pair polynucleotides (a fibroblast scaffold) or your own PRP, absorbed through the fresh micro-channels. More on polynucleotides. Your serum, depth and device are confirmed at consultation, and patch-tested where your skin needs it.
Who delivers your microneedling
A GMC-registered Physician Associate, on every treatment.
Microneedling is delivered by Arman Zaki, our founder and GMC-registered Physician Associate. Every patient's plan is led by Arman at consultation, with aseptic technique and a written aftercare plan, every time.
Founder · GMC-registered Physician Associate
Arman Zaki
Founder of Melatone Skin Clinic and GMC-registered Physician Associate (Ref A8131967). BSc Biomedical Science and PgDip Physician Associate Studies, with years of NHS general practice experience and a declared special interest in regenerative skin and pigmentation in Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin. Leads every patient's consultation and plan.
Read Arman's full profile →"Microneedling rewards restraint. The right depth, the right serum, and a barrier you respect. In darker skin, that judgement is the whole treatment."
Arman Zaki, Founder and GMC-registered Physician Associate
The evidence, honestly stated
The evidence, and the honest limits.
Microneedling has good evidence for atrophic acne scars and a notably favourable safety profile in darker skin. According to research indexed on PubMed, a systematic review of randomised trials found microneedling effective for atrophic acne scars with no serious adverse effects, and a dedicated review concluded it is favourable in skin of colour with minimal adverse events. For melasma, the evidence supports microneedling only as an adjunct to topical care, not a standalone fix, and pigment can still react, so we treat melasma conservatively. We are equally honest that exosomes, while promising, are still early-stage and not an approved topical.
Citations (PubMed)
Cohen BE, Elbuluk N. (2016). Microneedling in skin of color: a review of uses and efficacy. J Am Acad Dermatol. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.024.
Sitohang IBS, et al. (2021). Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Int Wound J. doi:10.1111/iwj.13559.
Bailey AJM, et al. (2022). Microneedling as an adjuvant to topical therapies for melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.03.116.
Source: peer-reviewed literature indexed on PubMed. Microneedling may improve the appearance of scars, texture and tone; results build over a course and individual results vary. Outcomes are not guaranteed. See also our Skin of Colour clinic and polynucleotides.
Finding us in Battersea
Unit 13A, Battersea Business Centre, SW11 5QL.
South side of Lavender Hill at the junction with Latchmere Road. 10 to 14 minutes' walk from Clapham Junction, or a short bus from Battersea Park station. Bus routes that stop on Lavender Hill: 77, 87, 156, 345 (night services N77 and N345).
In the London Borough of Wandsworth, central to South West London and within easy reach of Clapham, Battersea, Chelsea, Wandsworth, Brixton, Vauxhall, Pimlico, Putney and Stockwell.
The part most clinics do not publish
The PIH-safe protocol, in full.
Microneedling in Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin carries a real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is also, when protocolled correctly, one of the safest and most effective treatments for the scarring and texture that disproportionately affect richly pigmented skin. The variable is not your skin. It is depth, density, pass count, priming and aftercare. This is ours, stated plainly.
- 1. Priming, two to four weeks before. For Fitzpatrick IV to VI, and anyone with a PIH history, we prime the skin first to reduce melanocyte reactivity. The regimen is prescribed at assessment.
- 2. Depth by region, not by protocol name. Needle depth is set to the thinnest tissue in each zone. Excess depth is the single largest driver of avoidable inflammation.
- 3. Pass-count discipline. Fewer, better passes. We target uniform redness, not confluent bleeding, as the endpoint in reactive skin.
- 4. No overlapping trauma. Systematic, mapped coverage. Repeated passing concentrates inflammation and pigment risk.
- 5. Anti-inflammatory finish. Immediate cooling, a barrier occlusive, and a defined 72 hour regimen. No actives, no heat, no friction.
- 6. Non-negotiable photoprotection. Broad spectrum SPF 50 daily. Ultraviolet in the healing window is the most reliable way to turn a good treatment into a pigment problem.
- 7. Conservative intervals. Four to six weeks between sessions in richly pigmented skin, so inflammation fully resolves before the next stimulus.
Why the epidermis staying intact matters: ablative lasers and deep peels remove the epidermis, which is exactly what triggers pigmentation in darker skin. Microneedling perforates it instead, leaving surrounding keratinocytes and melanocytes as a reservoir for rapid healing. That structural difference is why it is the appropriate collagen-induction modality for skin of colour. Rolling scars respond best, boxcar moderately, ice-pick least, and we will tell you which you have, with photographs, before you spend. Planned and supervised by Arman Zaki, Physician Associate (GMC registered), Director and Clinical Lead. Results vary. Treatments are for over 18s.
FAQs from Battersea patients
Common questions.
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones and Skin of Colour?
Yes, and it is one of the safer resurfacing options for deeper skin. Because microneedling spares most of the epidermis and does not target melanin the way laser or deep peels do, it carries a lower risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation in Fitzpatrick IV to VI. According to research on PubMed, a 2016 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found microneedling favourable in skin of colour with minimal adverse events (Cohen and Elbuluk, doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.024). Lower risk is not no risk, so we use shallower depth, fewer passes, and careful aftercare.
What does microneedling treat?
Microneedling may improve the appearance of acne scars, skin texture, enlarged pores, fine lines and uneven tone, and is used as an adjunct for melasma. It works by prompting your own collagen, so change is progressive and builds over a course rather than from a single session. Individual results vary.
Which device do you use, Dr Pen M8s or Dermapen 4?
Both. The Dr Pen M8s is a precise professional pen with adjustable depth (0.25 to 2.5 mm), multiple speeds and nano cartridge options. The Dermapen 4 is a medical-grade device, FDA 510(k)-cleared and CE marked, with vertical AOVN needling and single-use anti-contamination cartridges. We choose the device and depth for your skin and concern.
What serums do you use with microneedling?
We match the serum to your concern. Hyaluronic acid for hydration and a glass-skin finish; targeted serums such as LUMI-MESO BRIGHT (brightening) or LUMI-MESO ELITE (peptides and polynucleotides) for tone and skin quality; Stayve Salmon DNA Gold (PDRN) for regeneration and radiance; or your own PRP where indicated. Brightening serums are delivered by gentle nano-infusion, and every serum is chosen and patch-tested to your skin at consultation.
How many sessions do I need?
Collagen builds cumulatively, so a course of three to six sessions about four weeks apart is typical, with results developing over one to six months. A single session gives a glow and hydration; the course is what builds a more visible change in scars and texture. Individual results vary.
Who delivers microneedling at Melatone?
Microneedling is delivered by Arman Zaki, our founder and GMC-registered Physician Associate (Ref A8131967). Every patient's plan is led by Arman at consultation.
Does it hurt, and how much does it cost in Battersea?
A numbing cream is used for comfort; afterwards the skin is usually pink for a day or two, and strict SPF 50 is essential for seven days. Pricing is from £99.99: the Hydration Boost is £99.99, the brightening, firming and glow microneedling sessions are £150 each (or £399 for a course of three), and the Dermapen 4 Advanced is £190 (or £540 for three). The vampire facial (PRP microneedling) is from £450 per session, or £1,200 for a course of three. Single sessions and the vampire facial are bookable on Treatwell; the PRP course is arranged at consultation. Prices verified 25 June 2026.
What is PRP microneedling, and is it the same as a vampire facelift?
PRP microneedling, widely known as a vampire facial, is microneedling plus topical PRP. We take a small blood sample, concentrate the platelet-rich plasma in a medical centrifuge, then infuse that plasma through the micro-channels created by microneedling, using only your own biology with nothing synthetic. It is not the same as a vampire facelift, which injects dermal filler to add volume. Ours uses your own plasma applied topically through the micro-channels, with any leftover PRP optionally placed into lines, to support your skin's natural repair. It is delivered by Arman Zaki, GMC-registered Physician Associate, who performs the blood draw and the treatment. Results build over a course and individual results vary.
Where can I read the clinical evidence for microneedling?
The microneedling and collagen-induction literature, including studies in skin of colour, is indexed on PubMed. Specialist regenerative-aesthetics sources include the Journal of Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine (JRAM) and the Journal of Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine (JARM). This page is general information, not a substitute for a consultation.
How much is PRP microneedling in Battersea, and how many sessions?
PRP microneedling is from £450 per session, or £1,200 for a course of three (that works out at £400 a session, a saving of £150 against three single sessions at £1,350). For comparison, a Harley Street clinic charges £550 for the same procedure. A course is usually recommended because results build cumulatively, and your exact plan and suitability are confirmed with Arman at consultation. Courses are arranged at consultation rather than booked online. Individual results vary and outcomes are not guaranteed.
Editor's choice reading
Before you book a course.
Skin of Colour pillar
Why microneedling is one of the safer choices for Fitzpatrick IV to VI.
Our clinic for darker skin tones, where lower pigment risk is the whole point.
Journal
The at-home routine for pigmentation in skin of colour.
How to protect the result between sessions, with SPF 50 and barrier-safe care.
Journal
Polynucleotides, and when each regenerative option makes sense.
The fibroblast scaffold we pair through the channels on the Dermapen 4 protocol.
Microneedling · From £99.99 · Dr Pen & Dermapen 4