Is microneedling really as simple as "stimulating collagen"?

Open social media and you’ll quickly find videos promising smoother skin, smaller pores and younger-looking skin after microneedling. It is often presented as a simple treatment with almost universal appeal.The reality is considerably more interesting (to us at least!)In this episode, we explore what mechanical microneedling is actually doing beneath the skin, why the body’s inflammatory response is central to the treatment, and where the published evidence supports its use. We also discuss where expectations commonly become disconnected from biology, including facial ageing, pore size, active acne, pigmentation and the differences between mechanical microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling and fractional laser treatments.Rather than asking whether microneedling “works”, we ask a more useful clinical question:What problem is it actually capable of solving?If you’re considering SkinPen Precision Elite, or simply want to understand how evidence-based aesthetic medicine differs from social media marketing, this conversation provides a practical, science-based starting point. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drrajmenon.substack.com