Medical Dermarolling Treatment in South Africa

At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, every medical dermarolling treatment plan is built around a thorough understanding of your skin’s current condition and your long-term goals.

Each patient begins with a detailed consultation and a computerised VISIA Skin Analysis, which objectively maps and measures your skin before any treatment begins. Depending on the integrity of your skin barrier, a preparatory phase using retinol or Vitamin A may be recommended for two to four weeks prior to your first session, with continued use throughout your course to optimise results. 

Your Skincare Specialist will design an individualised treatment plan based on your specific concerns, monitor your skin’s progress across each session, and provide detailed post-treatment guidance to support recovery between appointments.

Schedule your consultation to find out how medical dermarolling can be structured to meet your skin’s needs.

Medical dermarolling is suited to patients looking to address visible skin concerns through a structured, clinically supervised course of treatment, without the downtime of more aggressive procedures. 

You may be a good candidate if you experience any of the following:

• Fine lines and wrinkles or a general loss of skin firmness and elasticity that you would like to address progressively and non-surgically.
• Acne scars or facial scars, including surgical scars and scar tissue that has affected your skin’s texture and surface quality.
• Enlarged pores or uneven skin texture that results in a rough or irregular complexion.
• Stretch marks on the face or body that you wish to reduce in appearance over a course of treatments.
• Sun damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, including skin discolouration caused by previous breakouts or environmental exposure.
• Dry, dehydrated or dull skin that lacks the radiance and resilience you would like to restore.
• Skin laxity in its early stages, where improved collagen formation can support better firmness and elasticity over time.

Suitable candidates are in good general health, committed to completing the recommended treatment course and prepared to follow pre- and post-treatment guidelines consistently. 

A thorough consultation with your Skincare Specialist will confirm whether medical dermarolling is appropriate for your skin type, concerns and goals.

Book your consultation to find out whether you are a candidate for medical dermarolling.

Medical dermarolling is clinically effective for both surgical scars and skin discolouration, and addresses each through the same core mechanism. 

When the derma roller passes over scar tissue, the fine needles break down the fibrous collagen that gives scars their raised or pitted appearance, while simultaneously triggering the production of new, healthier collagen in its place. 

Over a structured course of skin needling treatments, this process progressively softens scar texture, reduces surface irregularity, and fades associated discolouration – including post-inflammatory pigmentation left behind by trauma, surgery, or previous breakouts. 

Improvements to skin elasticity are also commonly reported, as the treatment stimulates elastin alongside collagen, helping the skin around the scar site recover suppleness and even tone.

At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, your Skincare Specialist will assess the depth, age, and type of scarring during your initial consultation and may recommend a preparatory skincare phase before treatment begins. 

For patients with significant discolouration, a hyaluronic acid serum or complementary active ingredient may be incorporated into your post-treatment protocol to support hydration and barrier recovery alongside the dermarolling course.

Book a consultation to find out how medical dermarolling can be structured around your specific scarring and skin tone concerns.

Medical dermarolling is not recommended for patients with active acne. 

Performing dermarolling on skin with open or inflamed lesions risks spreading bacteria throughout the treatment area, aggravating existing breakouts, and triggering further post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

For this reason, active acne is listed as a contraindication, and your Skincare Specialist will assess your skin at every appointment before proceeding with treatment. 

At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, we work with patients dealing with active acne to stabilise the skin first, then introduce dermarolling once the skin is in a condition that responds well to it. 

For acne scarring and residual discolouration left by previous breakouts, medical dermarolling is highly effective and can be part of a broader treatment plan we can discuss at your consultation.

Get in touch to find out how we can help you manage both active acne and its long-term effects on your skin.

Medical derma rolling is performed in a controlled clinical setting using precision derma rollers or a stamping device fitted with tiny needles calibrated to the appropriate needle length for your skin concern. 

The treatment begins with a detailed skin assessment, followed by the application of a numbing cream or anaesthetic cream to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the skin is sufficiently prepared, your Skincare Specialist systematically moves the dermarolling device across the treatment area – working both horizontally and vertically across the forehead and other zones – creating microscopic wounds that activate the skin’s healing cascade. 

As the skin responds to these precision micro-channels, growth factors are released, triggering new collagen and elastin synthesis and accelerated cellular turnover. Skin serums or active ingredients may be applied during or after the rolling process to enhance absorption and support recovery. The microchannels created by the treatment allow skincare products to penetrate significantly more effectively than they would through intact skin. 

The session concludes with post-treatment care, including moisturiser and SPF application. Your Skincare Specialist will guide you through your prescribed home care regimen before you leave.

Book your consultation to learn more about the procedure.

Medical derma rolling delivers a broad range of clinically recognised skin improvements, achieved progressively across a structured course of treatments.

• Improved firmness: fibroblasts activate deep within the skin, driving new collagen formation and elastin production that improve firmness and resilience over time.
• Improved skin texture and tone: progressive refinement of surface irregularities, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone across the course of treatment.
• Reduced appearance of acne scars and facial scars: the dermarolling process breaks down existing scar tissue and encourages healthy skin regeneration, improving the depth and visibility of scarring.
• Diminished fine lines and fine wrinkles: neocollagenesis gradually plumps and smooths the skin, reducing the appearance of surface lines and early signs of skin ageing.
• Faded stretch marks: regular sessions can reduce the visibility of stretch marks by stimulating the skin’s natural rebuilding processes in the affected area.
• Improved skin rejuvenation and radiance: the cumulative effect of weekly treatments results in a healthier, more luminous complexion and improved overall skin quality.
• Enhanced absorption of skin serums and skincare products: the microchannels created during treatment significantly increase the skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients applied post-procedure.

Contact us to find out what medical dermarolling can deliver for your skin.

Each medical derma rolling session takes between 60 and 90 minutes, which includes the application of numbing cream, the derma rolling process itself, and post-treatment product application. 

The duration may vary slightly depending on the size of the treatment area and the complexity of the concerns being addressed. 

At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, your Skincare Specialist will outline a clear timeline at your initial consultation, including the recommended number of sessions, the treatment frequency, and what to expect at each stage of your course.

Book your consultation to discuss your treatment plan and expected session times.

For optimal results, a series of six medical dermarolling treatments performed at weekly intervals is recommended per year. 

This frequency is central to how the treatment works: because the skin’s release of growth factors following each session is temporary, closely spaced appointments ensure that collagen stimulation remains active and cumulative, allowing the skin to rebuild progressively with each session. 

Each treatment builds on the improvements achieved in the previous one.

Your Skincare Specialist will assess your skin’s response as the course progresses and may adjust the protocol where appropriate. Some patients with specific or complex skin concerns may benefit from additional sessions, which will be discussed with you at your consultation.

Schedule your consultation to discuss the recommended treatment course for your skin.

Medical derma rolling does not require formal downtime, and most patients return to their normal daily activities following each session. 

In the 24 hours after treatment, redness and a mild sunburned sensation are expected as the skin begins its healing response. Some tightness may also be experienced due to temporary swelling. 

In the days that follow, skin flaking, dryness and increased sensitivity may occur as the skin renews. This is a normal part of the process and should not be interfered with. 

Your Skincare Specialist will provide a comprehensive aftercare guide and a personalised selection of post-treatment products to support your skin through each recovery phase. Strict sun protection is essential throughout your treatment course, and your specialist will advise on all the steps needed to keep your skin safe and comfortable between sessions.

Book your consultation to find out what to expect at each stage of your derma rolling course.

The longevity of results varies between patients and depends on factors such as skin type, the severity of the concern being treated, adherence to the recommended treatment course and the consistency of a home skincare routine. 

Completing the full recommended course of six weekly sessions provides the strongest foundation for lasting improvement, as the cumulative collagen remodelling achieved over the course continues to benefit the skin for months after treatment concludes. 

To sustain and build on these results, your Skincare Specialist will recommend a maintenance schedule and an appropriate skincare regimen for your ongoing needs. Patients who use Vitamin A consistently throughout and after their treatment course typically experience better long-term outcomes, as it supports the skin’s ongoing renewal processes.

Book your consultation to discuss your long-term skin goals and how a structured dermarolling course can help you reach them.

Medical micro needling and derma rolling treatments at medical aesthetic clinics in South Africa typically range from R1 500 to R5 000 per session, depending on the level of clinical expertise, the technology used and the depth of the treatment protocol. 

At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, medical dermarolling is priced as follows:

• First treatment: R3 600 – includes your personal derma rolling kit
• Subsequent sessions: R2 800 per session
• Package of 6 treatments: R18 000

Each session includes a bespoke aftercare pack of product minis to support your skin’s recovery between appointments. For a full breakdown of costs and to receive a personalised treatment plan, we encourage you to book a consultation with one of our Skincare Specialists.

Book your consultation to discuss pricing and what your treatment plan will include.

When performed by a qualified Skincare Specialist in a medically supervised environment, medical dermarolling is a safe, well-established cosmetic procedure with a strong clinical safety profile. 

The treatment works by stimulating the skin’s own regenerative mechanisms through controlled micro-injuries, rather than introducing external substances, thereby reducing the risk of adverse reactions. 

All medical derma rolling treatments at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates are carried out by qualified Skincare Specialists using medical-grade equipment and following carefully structured protocols to ensure patient safety and consistent results. 

A thorough pre-treatment consultation, including a full review of your medical history and any known ingredient allergies, ensures that every patient is appropriately assessed before treatment begins.

Contact us to discuss the safety and suitability of medical dermarolling for your skin.

Medical derma rolling is well-tolerated by the majority of patients when performed by a qualified Skincare Specialist in a clean, clinical environment. As with any skin treatment involving controlled injury to the skin, there are potential risks to be aware of and discussed during your consultation.

Medical Dermarolling: Side Effects, Risks & Complications

• Post-treatment redness: a sunburned appearance and sensation in the treated area can be expected for up to 24 hours following treatment, typically resolving without intervention.
• Skin tightness and swelling: mild tightness and temporary swelling may occur in the days immediately following your session as the skin begins to heal.
• Skin flaking and dryness: some peeling, dryness and increased skin sensitivity are common in the days following treatment as cellular renewal accelerates.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: in rare cases, particularly in darker skin tones, temporary pigmentation changes may occur following treatment.
• Sterile pustules: an uncommon inflammatory response that generally resolves on its own without medical intervention.
• Severe post-treatment erythema: in rare instances, prolonged redness may persist beyond the expected recovery window.
• Prolonged photosensitisation: increased sensitivity of the skin to light has been reported in rare cases following treatment, underscoring the importance of consistent SPF use throughout the course.

Contraindications for Medical Dermarolling

• Ingredient allergies: including known sensitivity or allergy to Lidocaine.
• Active facial rashes or open wounds: any broken skin or active infection in the treatment area.
• Dermatitis: including eczema, psoriasis and seborrhoea.
• Fever blisters or localised infection: active or recurring herpes simplex, warts or other localised skin infections in the treatment area.
• Weakened immune system or serious illness: including patients who are immunosuppressed or undergoing chemotherapy.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: medical dermarolling is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Contact us to discuss your medical history and the suitability of medical dermarolling for your skin prior to treatment.

Preparing your skin correctly before each session and following the prescribed aftercare guidelines will directly influence the quality of your results. 

Below is an overview of what to expect and how to prepare at each stage of your dermarolling course.

Before your medical dermarolling treatment

• A preparatory phase with retinol or Vitamin A may be recommended for 2 to 4 weeks before your first session, depending on your skin barrier’s current condition. Consistent use throughout the course is advised.
• Avoid all alternative hair removal methods, including waxing, electrolysis, laser hair removal, and hair removal creams, for 7 days before each session.
• Refrain from aesthetic procedures, including Botulinum Toxin, facial fillers and threads, for two weeks before and two weeks after any treatment in your course.
• Arrive at your appointment with a clean face, free of makeup and skincare products where possible.
• Disclose all current medications, skincare products and any known allergies to your Skincare Specialist before treatment begins.
• If you are preparing for a special event and have not previously had a skin treatment, schedule your first appointment at least four weeks in advance, with a follow-up session closer to the date.

Day of your medical dermarolling treatment

• New patients will be required to complete a short medical questionnaire to help your Skincare Specialist confirm the appropriate protocol.
• A numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area ahead of the procedure to ensure your comfort throughout.
• Your session, including anaesthesia application, the rolling process, and post-treatment product application, will take between 60 and 90 minutes.
• SPF will be applied at the end of your session before you leave the clinic.

What to do after your medical dermarolling treatment

• Apply SPF 50 twice daily for the duration of your treatment course and beyond.
• Limit sun exposure for 2 to 5 days after each session.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for two days post-treatment.
• Avoid steaming-hot showers, saunas, jacuzzis and steam rooms for the first three days after each session.
• Do not pick, rub or scratch any flaking skin. Allow it to shed naturally.
• Avoid facial waxing for 14 days following each session.
• Refrain from anti-inflammatories and avoid icing the treated area, as the inflammatory response is what drives the release of growth factors and supports the skin’s repair process.
• Follow the personalised aftercare regimen provided by your Skincare Specialist consistently between each appointment.

Contact your Skincare Specialist if you have any unexpected reactions or questions following your treatment.

Medical derma rolling treatments are performed at the Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates skin clinic, situated at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. 

Our medically equipped facility provides a private, hygienic setting where every treatment is administered by a qualified Skincare Specialist with clinical precision and genuine attention to each patient’s individual needs. 

Every course of treatment is built around a thorough consultation and VISIA Skin Analysis, with each session carefully overseen to ensure your comfort, safety and progress. Post-treatment guidance is provided at every appointment so that you are fully supported throughout the process.

Book your consultation and take the first step toward firmer, clearer and more resilient skin.