Microneedling with Growth Factor Support
Reading Time
17 min read
Updated On
Dec 16, 2025

Microneedling with Growth Factor Support

Heart aesthetics hobart team

Written by

Heart Aesthetics Hobart Team

Georgie Kurzyp, BSN, RN

Medically reviewed by

Georgie Kurzyp, BSN, RN

Microneedling is a commonly used clinical skin treatment in Hobart. It is used to support skin strength in ageing, sun-affected or acne-prone skin while maintaining how your face looks and moves. People attend for concerns such as fine lines, scarring and enlarged pores, and often aim for a smoother texture and a more even surface as part of their plan.

For some microneedling sessions, a medical growth factor preparation may be applied immediately after treatment under the direction of the treating practitioner. This regulated product is used alongside microneedling to support the skin’s normal repair processes rather than act as a cosmetic serum. The specific compound cannot be named here due to current advertising rules, and its use is discussed during consultation, including whether it is suitable for your skin and whether another approach may be a better choice.

Topical product use during microneedling in Hobart for comfort and barrier recovery.
Hobart skin needling is planned around your goals, with growth factor support used where suitable to assist the skin’s natural repair and collagen structure.

Quick Answers About Growth Factors After Microneedling

Do growth factors speed up skin healing?
Topical growth factor preparations are sometimes applied straight after microneedling under practitioner direction to support the skin’s normal repair processes. Some people feel their redness settles more quickly and their skin feels more comfortable, but recovery times differ between individuals and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Can growth factors improve microneedling results?
They can be used as an adjunct rather than a replacement for microneedling. The aim is to support collagen and elastin repair in the treated area and help refine texture and hydration over time. Some clients report firmer skin or a more even tone when growth factors are included in their plan, while others notice little change, so this is discussed on a case by case basis.

Are growth factors suitable for all skin tones?
Many skin tones can be considered for growth factor use, and suitability is assessed during consultation. In melanin rich skin, they may be used as part of a plan to calm inflammation and support even healing, with the aim of lowering the chance of post inflammatory pigment change, although this cannot be guaranteed and other options may sometimes be more appropriate.

How Microneedling Stimulates Skin Repair

Microneedling uses a precision-controlled device to create micro-injuries across the skin’s surface. These channels are set to a depth that is intended to trigger the skin’s natural healing response while avoiding unnecessary tissue damage. In the days that follow, fibroblasts begin rebuilding collagen and elastin, two structural proteins that support skin strength, hydration and elasticity.

This repair process moves through three main phases. The first is inflammation, when blood vessels dilate and white blood cells move into the area, clearing debris and increasing circulation. This immune activity delivers oxygen and nutrients that support early repair. Next is the proliferative phase, during which fibroblasts form new collagen strands and tiny capillaries develop to supply the area with blood. Over the following weeks, the remodelling phase takes over as collagen fibres thicken, realign and stabilise, which may help the skin feel firmer and appear more even.

Microneedling is commonly used for concerns such as early signs of ageing, acne scarring, visible pores, roughness and mild laxity. Many people aim for brighter, smoother looking skin over time, although responses differ between individuals and no specific outcome can be promised. Improvements in texture and firmness may continue to build gradually across several weeks. Your practitioner will discuss an appropriate treatment schedule for you, which may include a series of sessions depending on your skin and goals.

Topical recovery serum guidance after microneedling in Hobart for barrier function.
Microneedling in Hobart may include growth factor support to assist the skin’s normal repair response.

How Growth Factors Support Microneedling Recovery

Applying growth factors immediately after microneedling is one option used under practitioner guidance to support the skin’s normal repair response. After treatment the skin surface is briefly more permeable, which allows carefully selected topical preparations to reach the upper dermis where early healing activity takes place. In this setting the growth factor compound is used as a clinical adjunct rather than a cosmetic serum, and is chosen with the aim of working alongside the microneedling treatment rather than replacing it.

Topical growth factor preparations have been studied in wound and skin repair settings, with a focus on how they interact with fibroblasts, the cells that produce new collagen and elastin. In clinic they may be used to support barrier function, calm visible redness and help the skin retain moisture while it settles after treatment. How much change a person notices, and how quickly, varies between individuals and cannot be predicted in advance.

Some people feel that with growth factor support their skin is more comfortable in the first few days, with redness that appears to settle more smoothly. For those managing scarring or sun related change, early collagen support is used with the aim of helping new tissue form in a more even way, although this outcome is not guaranteed and other options may sometimes be recommended instead.

Inflamed or compromised skin can recover more slowly and may be more prone to pigment change. For this reason the compound used in our clinic is selected with care, aiming to calm visible inflammation and support even healing. This can be helpful for people with a history of rosacea, eczema or acne related pigment change, as well as those with melanin rich skin, but pigment behaviour still differs from person to person.

Some clients report that their skin feels firmer or smoother in the weeks after treatment, and that makeup sits more evenly once healing is complete. Others notice only subtle change. These variations are discussed during consultation so expectations remain clear and the decision to include growth factor support sits comfortably with your goals and medical history.

Microneedling with topical serum in Hobart for hydration, recovery and barrier care.
Growth Factors After Microneedling | Hobart, Tasmania

Who May Be Suitable for Growth Factor Support

Growth factor support after microneedling may be considered for people with sensitive or dry skin, slower healing, deeper scarring or when treatment is combined with other therapies such as peels or fractional laser. If your skin is prone to irritation, redness or delayed recovery, this extra step can be discussed as one option to support comfort during healing and the way your skin responds over time.

The growth factor used in clinic is applied under medical direction. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or when there is an active skin infection or known allergy. Your skin is assessed on the day of treatment to check suitability and whether another approach may be safer or more appropriate.

Application usually takes place immediately after your microneedling session while the channels in the skin remain open. The compound is applied to clean skin, left in place for a set period and then sealed with a calming balm. Many people describe the sensation as cooling and soothing, especially if their skin tends to flush or sting after treatment, although individual responses vary. Aftercare advice is tailored to your skin, including when to resume active products and what to expect in the days ahead.

Microneedling on its own is planned to stimulate collagen and support a gradual change in texture, and recovery can take several days. When growth factor support is added, the intention is to help the skin feel more comfortable in the early stages of healing and to support even repair, rather than to guarantee faster recovery or a particular result. Some people feel their redness settles more smoothly or that their skin holds moisture better, while others notice only a subtle change. Possible effects on pigment or scarring are discussed during consultation so expectations remain clear and outcomes are not promised.

Topical serum use after microneedling in Hobart for recovery and skin hydration.
Growth factor-supported microneedling in Hobart is planned to support the skin’s natural repair, with the aim of calmer, more comfortable-looking skin during recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growth Factor Skin Needling in Hobart

Are growth factors safer than PRP?
They can be. Unlike PRP, which uses your blood, topical growth factors are lab-produced and consistent. They don’t require a blood draw and avoid variability between sessions. Some clients also find them more comfortable and predictable.

Can I use growth factors if I’ve had other cosmetic therapies?
Yes. Growth factors support the skin without interfering with wrinkle treatments, hyaluronic-based products, or other non-surgical therapies. Timing and layering are discussed during consultation to avoid overlap or overstimulation.

How often should growth factors be used?
It depends on your skin goals. Some clients benefit from using them every session, especially if treating scarring or pigmentation. Others may only use them occasionally, for example, before events or during winter when the skin heals more slowly.

Do growth factors reduce post-treatment redness?
Yes. Most clients notice a reduction in redness and a faster settling time within the first 48 hours. This is especially helpful for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to flushing or delayed healing.

Can growth factors help prevent pigment issues after needling?
They can support more even healing. By calming inflammation, growth factors reduce the chance of post-inflammatory pigmentation, especially in melanin-rich skin or after treating acne-prone areas.

Do growth factors replace my regular skincare?
No. They’re used immediately after microneedling as a clinical boost, not a substitute. Ongoing care still includes barrier repair, hydration, and sun protection suited to your skin type and climate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growth Factor Skin Needling in Hobart

Are growth factors safer than PRP?
Growth factor preparations and platelet rich plasma (PRP) are both used in skin settings under medical direction. Growth factors are applied from a prepared product, while PRP is made from your own blood, which is collected and processed before use. Which option is safer or more suitable depends on your medical history, medications and goals, so this is discussed during consultation and, when needed, with your doctor or referring practitioner.

Can I use growth factors if I’ve had other cosmetic therapies?
In many cases, growth factor support can be considered alongside other cosmetic therapies, including wrinkle consultations, volume-based treatments, and other non-surgical procedures. Timing and layering are planned by your practitioner to reduce the chance of irritation or overstimulation, and to check there are no reasons to separate or delay treatments in your case.

How often should growth factors be used?
Frequency depends on your skin and treatment plan. Some people choose to include growth factor support at most sessions when working on concerns such as scarring or pigmentation, while others prefer to use it only at certain times, for example before events or during winter. Your practitioner will outline an approach that suits your skin, budget and goals if this option is appropriate for you.

Do growth factors reduce post-treatment redness?
Growth factor preparations are used to support the skin as it settles after microneedling. Some people feel their redness and heat ease more comfortably in the first few days when growth factors are included, while others notice little difference. Recovery times vary between individuals and no specific level of redness or timeframe can be guaranteed.

Can growth factors help prevent pigment issues after needling?
Growth factors may be used as part of a plan to calm inflammation and support even healing, which can help reduce the chance of post-inflammatory pigment change for some people. Pigment behaviour still varies widely between individuals, especially in melanin-rich skin or acne-prone areas, so there is always a possibility of pigment change even with careful aftercare.

Do growth factors replace my regular skincare?
No. Growth factors are used straight after microneedling as a clinic based addition rather than a substitute for your usual routine. Ongoing care still focuses on gentle cleansing, barrier repair, hydration and daily sun protection suited to your skin type and local climate, which your practitioner can review with you during consultation.

Growth factor skin needling procedures and topical recovery support discussed in Hobart.
Skin needling in Hobart with added growth factor support for smoother, stronger skin after each treatment

Thinking About Microneedling in Hobart?

Microneedling is planned as a way of supporting your skin’s own repair processes rather than adding unnecessary steps. At Heart Aesthetics Hobart, microneedling sessions are provided by a Registered Nurse with a focus on careful assessment, safety and clear information. If growth factor support is not suitable for your skin, this is explained and other options can be discussed so you understand the choices available. If you would like to ask questions or arrange a consultation about microneedling in Hobart, you can contact the clinic for more information.

References

Heart Aesthetics Hobart always ensures the use of credible, up-to-date references for all our content related to cosmetic treatments in Hobart. We rely on peer-reviewed studies and trusted medical sources to provide accurate information to our local community in Hobart, Tasmania.

Brandon E. Cohen, Nada Elbuluk. (2016). Microneedling in skin of color: A review of uses and efficacy. J Am Acad Dermatol, 74(2):348-355. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.024

Bushra Karkour, Sedra Abu Ghedda, Rashed Aljundi, Sedra Sheikh Debs, Reem Farwati, Silva Ishkhanian. (2025). Efficacy and safety of microneedling with topical insulin compared with placebo in the treatment of atrophic scars: a prospective study and literature review. Skin Health and Disease, 5(4):263–272. doi: 10.1093/skinhd/vzaf032.
https://doi.org/10.1093/skinhd/vzaf032

Deepika M, Chittla S, Donakonda S, Sathaiahgari D, Bandaru S. (2024). The efficacy of the combination of microneedling with Jessner’s plus 35% trichloroacetic acid peel versus the efficacy of the combination of microneedling with platelet-rich plasma therapy for the treatment of atrophic acne scars: A comparative study. J Dermatol Dermatol Surg, 28(1):19-23. doi: 10.4103/jdds.jdds_15_23.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jdds.jdds_15_23

Effectiveness of growth factor-induced therapy for skin rejuvenation: A case series. (2020). J Cosmet Dermatol. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13750.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13750

Gowda A, Healey B, Ezaldein H, Merati M. (2021). A Systematic Review Examining the Potential Adverse Effects of Microneedling. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 14(1):45-54. PMID: 33584968; PMCID: PMC7869810.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7869810/

Han TY, Park KY, Ahn JY, Kim SW, Jung HJ, Kim BJ. (2012). Facial skin barrier function recovery after microneedle transdermal delivery treatment. Dermatol Surg, 38(11):1816-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02550.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02550.x

Hendel K, Karmisholt K, Hedelund L, Haedersdal M. (2023). Fractional CO2-laser versus microneedle radiofrequency for acne scars: A randomized, single treatment, split-face trial. Lasers Surg Med. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23655.
https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23655

Iosifidis C, Goutos I. (2019). Percutaneous collagen induction (microneedling) for the management of non-atrophic scars: literature review. Scars Burns Heal, 5. doi: 10.1177/2059513119880301.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513119880301

Ishfaq F, Shah R, Sharif S, Waqas N, Jamgochian M, Rao B. (2022). A Comparison of Microneedling versus Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel for the Treatment of Acne Scarring. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 15(6):48-52. PMID: 35783564; PMCID: PMC9239127.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9239127/

Jaiswal S, Jawade S. (2024). Microneedling in Dermatology: A Comprehensive Review of Applications, Techniques, and Outcomes. Cureus, 16(9):e70033. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70033. PMID: 39449889; PMCID: PMC11499218.
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.70033

Li H, Jia B, Zhang X. (2024). Comparing the efficacy and safety of microneedling and its combination with other treatments in patients with acne scars: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Dermatol Res, 316. doi: 10.1007/s00403-024-03256-x.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03256-x

Liebl H, Kloth LC. (2012). Skin cell proliferation stimulated by microneedles. J Am Coll Clin Wound Spec, 4(1):2-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jccw.2012.11.001. PMID: 24527373; PMCID: PMC3921236.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3921236/

Lyu S, Dong Z, Xu X, Bei H, Yuen H, Cheung CWJ, Wong MS, He Y, Zhao X. (2023). Going below and beyond the surface: Microneedle structure, materials, drugs, fabrication, and applications for wound healing and tissue regeneration. Bioact Mater, 27:303-326. doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.04.003.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.04.003

Merati M, Woods C, Reznik N, Parker L. (2020). An Assessment of Microneedling with Topical Growth Factors for Facial Skin Rejuvenation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 13(11):22-27. PMID: 33282098; PMCID: PMC7716740.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7716740/

Mohamed SH, Omar GA, Hamdy AE. (2024). Microneedling with Topical Insulin Versus Microneedling with Non-Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid for Atrophic Post-Acne Scars: A Split-Face Study. Dermatol Pract Concept, 14(3):e2024183. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1403a183. PMID: 39122500; PMCID: PMC11313770.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11313770/

Nawaz T, Shin J, Shieh M, Yoo JY. (2025). A Split-Face Micro-Needling Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Consumer Perception of a Novel Moisturization Agent. J Cosmet Dermatol, 24(3):e70109. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70109. PMID: 40099382; PMCID: PMC11915079.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11915079/

Nair P, Tandel J. (2021). Microneedling: A means of collagen induction therapy. J Dermatol Dermatol Surg, 25(2):49-53. doi: 10.4103/jdds.jdds_126_20.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jdds.jdds_126_20

Ogunjimi AT, Carr J, Lawson C, et al. (2020). Micropore closure time is longer following microneedle application to skin of color. Sci Rep, 10:18963. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-75246-8.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75246-8

Pająk J, Szepietowski JC, Nowicka D. (2022). Prevention of Ageing—The Role of Micro-Needling in Neck and Cleavage Rejuvenation: A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 19(15):9055. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159055.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159055

Pawar M, Singh M. (2020). Microneedling with autologous platelet-rich plasma versus microneedling with topical insulin in the treatment of postacne atrophic scars: A simultaneous split-face comparative study. J Am Acad Dermatol. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.152.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.152

Pincelli TP, Zawawi S, Shapiro SA, et al. (2024). Evaluation of Platelet-rich Plasma and Microneedling for Facial Skin Rejuvenation. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 12(5):e5829. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005829. PMID: 38798929; PMCID: PMC11124655.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11124655/

Quinlan DJ, Ghanem AM, Hassan H. (2021). Topical growth factors and home-based microneedling for facial skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14650.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14650

Sasaki GH. (2019). The Significance of Trans-Epidermal Water Loss After Microneedling and Microneedling-Radiofrequency Procedures: Histological and IRB-Approved Safety Study. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum, 1(3):ojz017. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojz017. PMID: 33791612; PMCID: PMC7671250.
https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojz017

Sasaki G. (2019). The significance of trans-epidermal water loss after microneedling and microneedling-radiofrequency procedures: Histological and IRB-approved safety study. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum, 1(3). doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojz017.
https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojz017

Shen YC, Chiu WK, Kang YN, Chen C. (2022). Microneedling Monotherapy for Acne Scar: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Aesthetic Plast Surg, 46(4):1913-1922. doi: 10.1007/s00266-022-02845-3. PMID: 35426044.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-022-02845-3

Sitohang IBS, Sirait SAP, Suryanegara J. (2021). Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Int Wound J, 18(3):331-346. doi: 10.1111/iwj.13559.
https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.13559

Song YW, Nam J, Kim J, et al. (2025). Hyaluronic acid-based minocycline-loaded dissolving microneedle: Innovation in local minocycline delivery for periodontitis. Carbohydr Polym, 349B:122976. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122976.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122976

Samizadeh S, Belhaouari L. (2020). Effectiveness of growth factor-induced therapy for skin rejuvenation: A case series. J Cosmet Dermatol. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13750.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13750

Yang Y, Luo R, Chao S, et al. (2022). Improved pharmacodynamics of epidermal growth factor via microneedles-based self-powered transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Nat Commun, 13:6908. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-34716-5.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-34716-5

Yasmine A. Gomaa, Desmond IJ Morrow, Martin J Garland, Ryan F Donnelly, Labiba K El-Khordagui, Victor M Meidan. (2010). Effects of microneedle length, density, insertion time and multiple applications on human skin barrier function: Assessments by transepidermal water loss. Toxicol In Vitro, 24(7):1971-78. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.08.012.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2010.08.012

Zeitter S, Sikora Z, Jahn S, Stahl F, Strauß S, Lazaridis A, Reimers K, Vogt PM, Aust MC. (2014). Microneedling: Matching the results of medical needling and repetitive treatments to maximize potential for skin regeneration. Burns, 40(5):966-973. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2013.12.008.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2013.12.008

Last reviewed: November 2025
Next scheduled update: August 2026

Related Posts

Hobart HIFU skin rejuvenation consultation for jawline and neck profile concerns.

HIFU Skin Tightening: What to Expect & Hobart Alternatives

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a cosmetic treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy on deeper layers of facial and neck tissue. In Australia, it is sometimes discussed as one of several device-based options for people who are not considering surgery or injectable medicines, noting that any visible change, if it occurs, varies between individuals and is not guaranteed. Heart Aesthetics Hobart does not provide HIFU, but it is a treatment that clients often ask about when comparing approaches such as Tixel, microneedling and

Tell me more »
Tixel skin rejuvenation consultation with comfort-focused patient care planning in Hobart.

Tixel vs Laser: Which Skin Resurfacing Treatment Suits You?

Clients in Hobart often want smoother, clearer skin without extended downtime or irritation. Both Tixel and laser-based treatments can be used to address texture, lines and pigmentation, but they do so in different ways. Understanding those differences can help you have a more informed discussion at a consultation. Tixel is often discussed with people who hope to improve skin texture, soften fine lines and support tone without using light-based devices. It uses heat transferred through a metal tip, applied to the skin surface

Tell me more »
Close-up Tixel under-eye rejuvenation and resurfacing consultation details for patients in Hobart.

Tixel Before and After: How Skin Changes with Each Session

In Australia, many people look for skin treatments that leave them appearing rested rather than obviously treated. They want smoother texture and softer lines while still being able to manage work, family and daily routines. Tixel is one of the device-based options sometimes used with this aim, especially when it forms part of a longer skin plan rather than a single session. This guide focuses on Tixel results: what to expect after each treatment, how the skin may change over time, and which

Tell me more »
Scroll to Top