Skin Treatment
SkinPen Elite
Microneedling
at AEOM
The FDA-cleared microneedling platform, delivered properly
SkinPen Elite is the latest generation of the FDA-cleared SkinPen microneedling platform — the regenerative skin treatment we use to address texture, scarring, fine lines, pigmentation and overall skin quality. Works with your skin's biology to stimulate collagen production through controlled micro-injury — and produces meaningfully better results in a structured course than as a single session.
Key facts strip:
- Single session from £250 • Course of 3 from £675
- Optional Exosomes add-on (+£180 per session)
- 24–48 hours of mild pinkness
- Available for face, neck and décolletage
From
£1,400
Downtime
None
Session
30–75 min
Areas
Face · Neck · Body
Results
12–18 months
Introduction
Microneedling,
properly understood
Microneedling is one of the most misunderstood treatments in aesthetics. The basic concept — using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin's natural healing response — is sound. The problem is that the market is flooded with poorly-designed devices, unqualified practitioners, and a "single facial" model that doesn't deliver what the biology actually requires.
SkinPen Elite is different. It's the FDA-cleared microneedling platform — the only one with proper regulatory clearance — and we use the latest Elite generation: precise, sterile, single-use cartridges with controlled depth and consistent results. Delivered properly, as a structured course, microneedling produces meaningful regenerative change in skin texture, density, scarring and overall quality. Delivered improperly, it's a glorified facial.
At AEOM, microneedling is one of our most-booked treatments — and almost always delivered as a course of three sessions, because that's what the clinical evidence and the underlying biology actually support.
HOW IT WORKS
The science, briefly
The skin's response to controlled micro-injury is a regenerative cascade — not a destructive one. When the SkinPen Elite creates microscopic perforations in the dermis, three things happen in sequence:
The inflammatory phase (days 1–3)
Immediate response: platelets activate, growth factors release, immune cells mobilise. Mild redness and slight skin sensitivity are visible.
The proliferative phase (days 3–14)
New skin cells form, blood vessel networks regenerate, and fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen) become highly active. The visible flush settles; the regenerative work continues invisibly.
The remodelling phase (weeks 2–12)
New collagen and elastin gradually replace damaged tissue. This is where the visible changes accumulate: smoother texture, improved scarring, reduced fine lines, denser-feeling skin.
A single session triggers this cascade once. A course of three sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, triggers it repeatedly — and the regenerative work compounds. By the end of a properly structured course, skin density, quality and texture are meaningfully different. This is why we don't sell standalone microneedling as a headline service: the maths of how the biology actually works means a course delivers far more than three single sessions priced separately.
WHO IT'S FOR
Who SkinPen Elite is right for
SkinPen Elite is well-suited for patients dealing with:
Skin texture concerns — roughness, enlarged pores, uneven surface
Acne scarring — particularly rolling and shallow ice-pick scars
Fine lines and early wrinkles
Pigmentation — sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Stretch marks (on the body)
Skin density and resilience — particularly in patients in their 30s, 40s and 50s noticing early skin quality changes
Maintenance and prevention — patients wanting to invest in long-term skin health proactively
SkinPen Elite may not be the right treatment if you have:
Active acne (especially cystic or inflammatory) — we'd typically address the active inflammation first
Active skin infections including cold sores in the treatment area
Open wounds or unhealed lesions in the treatment area
Significant blood-thinning medication — speak to us at consultation; the risk profile may shift
Keloid scarring history — increased risk of unwanted scarring
Recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane) use — typically requires 6 months off before treatment
Active autoimmune skin disease affecting the treatment area
Pregnancy — SkinPen Elite is not delivered during pregnancy
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before, during and after
Every SkinPen Elite patient begins with a consultation including Observ 520x imaging. We confirm SkinPen Elite is the right treatment, discuss expected outcomes, and identify whether you'd benefit from add-ons (most commonly Exosomes, which we'll cover below).
Preparation: Avoid retinoids for 5 days before treatment. Avoid sun exposure and any treatments that could sensitise the skin (chemical peels, laser) for 2 weeks before. Come with clean skin, no makeup.
The treatment takes approximately 60 minutes per session:
- 0:00–0:15 — Numbing cream applied; you rest comfortably while it takes effect
- 0:15–0:25 — Skin cleansed and prepared
- 0:25–0:50 — SkinPen Elite delivered across the treatment area in structured passes. The depth is adjusted by area — slightly more superficial on the forehead, deeper on areas with scarring
- 0:50–1:00 — Post-treatment serum applied, recovery advice given
Most patients describe a buzzing, slightly scratchy sensation during the treatment — uncomfortable but well-tolerated after numbing. The Elite generation device produces noticeably less discomfort than older microneedling devices.
Immediately: Skin appears flushed and pink, similar to mild sunburn. The treatment area feels warm and sensitive but not painful. No bleeding (microscopic pin-point bleeding may be visible immediately during treatment but settles within minutes).
24 hours: Pinkness peaks. Skin feels tight and slightly dry. Most patients return to work the next day with light makeup if needed — though the brand-aware approach is to embrace the flushed look or take a day off.
48 hours: Most of the visible pinkness settles. Skin may feel slightly rough, "dry" or "papery" as the regenerative process accelerates. Don't pick or exfoliate.
3–5 days: Skin starts to look noticeably better. Many patients describe a "glow" emerging around this point as the new cells reach the surface.
1 week: Mild flaking may occur as old cells turn over. Skin clarity and brightness typically visibly improved by this stage.
4–6 weeks: Time for the next session. The collagen-stimulating effects build on top of one another.
3 months after course completion: Peak results visible. Skin texture, density and quality are most clearly improved at this point.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
What results actually look like
The visible changes from SkinPen Elite are progressive rather than dramatic. Patients rarely describe a "transformation" — they describe their skin gradually looking better, more even, more resilient.
Specific changes most patients see:
Smoother skin texture, reduced roughness
Visible improvement in acne scarring (typically 30–50% improvement in rolling scars after a course)
Smaller-appearing pores
Reduced fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth
More even skin tone with improvement in pigmentation
Denser, more resilient-feeling skin
General "glow" — skin looks healthier, not just younger
Timeline:
1 week post-session
Brighter, smoother skin emerging
4 weeks post-session
Visible improvement; ready for next session
3 months post course completion
Peak results — collagen response at full effect
12 months
Maintenance recommended (typically one SkinPen Elite session every 6–12 months, or repeating the full course annually)
EXOSOMES — A POWERFUL ADD-ON
SkinPen Elite with Exosomes
For patients addressing significant scarring, deeper texture issues, or who want to accelerate the regenerative response, Exosomes can be added to any SkinPen Elite session at an additional £180 per session.
What exosomes do
Exosomes are nano-vesicles released by cells that carry growth factors, proteins and genetic material — essentially, biological signals that direct cellular activity. In skin regeneration, exosomes can amplify the healing response triggered by microneedling, accelerating recovery and supporting more substantial regenerative outcomes.
Why add them to microneedling
The microscopic channels created by SkinPen Elite are ideal for topical exosome absorption — they reach the deeper skin layers where they can support the regenerative cascade. Adding exosomes to microneedling effectively pairs the mechanical stimulus with the biological signal.
Important note on exosomes at AEOM
The exosomes we use as a topical microneedling add-on are donor-derived, topically applied — not the autologous (your own blood) exosomes used in our PRP with Exomine ERP service. They're a safe, established add-on for microneedling and produce noticeable improvements in recovery and outcome. For patients wanting deeper regenerative work with autologous exosomes, we'd discuss PRP with Exomine ERP as a separate treatment or combined pathway.
SKINPEN ELITE COMPARED — HOW IT'S DIFFERENT
SkinPen Elite vs other microneedling
SkinPen Elite vs Standard Pen Microneedling
Most microneedling devices on the market are general-purpose pens — many unregulated, many with inconsistent depth control, and few with FDA clearance. SkinPen is the only FDA-cleared microneedling platform, and SkinPen Elite is the latest generation with improved precision, comfort and consistency. The difference matters: depth consistency and sterile single-use cartridges are what separate clinical-grade microneedling from beauty-clinic dermarolling.
SkinPen Elite vs Dermaroller
Dermarollers are at-home devices with fixed-length needles rolled across the skin. They produce uncontrolled, inconsistent micro-injuries — no depth control, often poor sterility, and significantly weaker clinical results. There's a meaningful gap between at-home microneedling and clinical SkinPen Elite work. Patients using dermarollers at home aren't getting comparable outcomes.
SkinPen Elite vs RF Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy — adding heat-based collagen stimulation to the micro-injury response. RF microneedling can be excellent for some patients, particularly those addressing both texture and laxity together. SkinPen Elite is the better choice for patients prioritising recovery time and focused regenerative work, particularly on more delicate areas. We'll be expanding into RF microneedling later in 2026.
SkinPen Elite vs Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing (CO2, erbium) addresses similar concerns to microneedling but through ablative thermal damage rather than micro-injury. Laser typically produces faster, more dramatic results — but with significantly longer downtime (5–14 days), greater discomfort and higher complication risk. SkinPen Elite is a more measured, lower-risk alternative that produces results progressively across a course.
PRICING
SkinPen Elite pricing
Single Sessions
Treatment
Price
Duration
Full Face
£250
60 minutes
Full Face & Neck
£350
60 minutes
Course of 3 (Face)
from £675
60 minutes per session
Add-ons
Add-on
Price
Exosomes (per session)
+£180
As part of a Programme: SkinPen Elite (course of 3 sessions) is included in the AEOM Collagen Rebuild programme alongside JetPeel, LED, Skin Glow IV and structured review — £1,495 total. For patients investing in proper regenerative skin work, the programme delivers meaningfully greater value than booking sessions individually.
COMBINE WITH
Treatments that combine well
with SkinPen Elite
SkinPen Elite + JetPeel
JetPeel between microneedling sessions supports skin condition and accelerates recovery. The combination is built into Collagen Rebuild.
SkinPen Elite + LED Therapy
Treatments that work with your skin's own biology to stimulate collagen, repair damage and improve quality from within. This is where the most meaningful long-term changes happen — using SkinPen Elite microneedling and our PRP service powered by Exomine, a next-generation exosome-rich plasma system. Treatments: SkinPen Elite Microneedling, PRP with Exomine ERP
SkinPen Elite + Skin Boosters (Profhilo)
Microneedling for collagen and texture; Profhilo for hydration and elasticity. Staged 2–3 weeks apart for optimal results.
SkinPen Elite + Sofwave
For patients addressing both texture and laxity, this combination works well — typically with Sofwave first, then microneedling beginning 4 weeks later. Included in the Regenerative Lift programme.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you recommend a course of three sessions?
Because that's what the clinical evidence supports.
The collagen response to microneedling is cumulative — each session builds on the last. A single session triggers the regenerative cascade once; a course of three triggers it repeatedly, with each round of stimulation building on the previous. Clinical studies consistently show that a course of three sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, produces meaningfully greater outcomes than single sessions. We don't push the course for sales reasons — we recommend it because the biology requires it.
What's different about SkinPen Elite vs older SkinPen models?
SkinPen Elite is the latest generation with improved precision, comfort and motor performance.
Compared to older SkinPen devices, the Elite generation produces less discomfort during treatment, more consistent depth control across the treatment area, and faster treatment time. The clinical effect is similar; the patient experience is meaningfully better.
Is microneedling painful?
Numbing cream applied before treatment significantly reduces discomfort.
Most patients describe the treatment as "buzzing and slightly scratchy" — uncomfortable but well-tolerated. The Elite generation is noticeably more comfortable than older microneedling devices. Areas with thinner skin (around the eyes, upper lip) can be slightly more sensitive than the cheeks or forehead.
How long is the downtime?
24–48 hours of visible pinkness, similar to mild sunburn.
Most patients return to work the next day with light makeup. By 3–5 days, skin typically looks better than it did before treatment. Light flaking may occur around day 5–7 as skin turns over.
Should I add Exosomes?
For most patients, the standard SkinPen Elite treatment produces excellent results.
Exosomes are a useful addition for patients addressing significant scarring, deeper texture issues, or who want to accelerate the regenerative response. We'll discuss whether they're appropriate for your specific concerns at consultation.
Can I have microneedling if I'm on Roaccutane / isotretinoin?
No. Microneedling requires at least 6 months off isotretinoin before treatment. The medication affects skin healing and the regenerative response in ways that make microneedling unsafe during and immediately after use.
Can I have microneedling on my body — for stretch marks or scarring?
Yes — body microneedling is effective for stretch marks, surgical scars, and texture concerns on areas like the décolletage, upper arms or abdomen. We'd discuss your specific concerns at consultation and price accordingly. Body treatments take longer than facial sessions.
Can I combine microneedling with injectables?
Yes, with appropriate spacing. We'd typically space anti-wrinkle treatments and microneedling 2 weeks apart. Skin boosters (Profhilo) can be staged 2–3 weeks before or after microneedling sessions for optimal compounding effect.
How long do results last?
The collagen stimulated by a properly delivered course of microneedling continues to support skin quality for 9–12 months.
Most patients benefit from maintenance — either one SkinPen Elite session every 6–12 months, or repeating the full course of three annually.
Is Regenerative Lift effective for post-weight-loss skin laxity?
Yes — particularly for mild-to-moderate facial and neck laxity following weight loss, including following GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. The combination of Sofwave (for structural collagen stimulation) and PRP with Exomine ERP (for regenerative tissue support) directly addresses what's happening at the skin level after rapid weight loss. For severe laxity in some body areas, surgical intervention may still be the more appropriate route — we'll be honest about which category you're in at consultation.
Where is AEOM located?
Our clinic is at 116 Seymour Place in Marylebone, London.
Marylebone, Baker Street and Edgware Road stations are all under ten minutes on foot. Free street parking is available after 6.30pm, with paid bays on York Street nearby — daytime parking is reimbursed for treatments over £200. Treatments are by appointment only.
Ready to discuss SkinPen Elite?
SkinPen Elite is one of the most clinically substantive skin treatments available — but it requires proper structuring and realistic expectations. Book a consultation and we'll assess whether it's the right route for your specific concerns and discuss whether a course, the Collagen Rebuild programme, or a different treatment is the best fit for what you're looking to achieve.