Microneedling in Christchurch: Smoother Skin, Naturally
Looking for microneedling that's tailored to you, not one-size-fits-all?
At Totally RAD Beauty in Papanui, Christchurch, microneedling (collagen induction therapy) kick-starts your skin's natural repair to soften texture, acne scarring, enlarged pores, fine lines and uneven tone. Each 90-minute session is shaped around your skin. Most clients see their best results over 3 to 6 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart, with mild redness for a day or two.
We offer two options: Signature RAD Microneedling with Dr Pen from $250, and Dermapen from $280 for stronger clinical precision. At your first visit, we listen to your goals and how much recovery time you have, then guide you to the right one. Most clients notice smoother texture, a fresher glow, and skin that feels stronger over a course of sessions.

Treatment Details:
What it is:
Microneedling involves the use of a device with fine needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-channels trigger the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production to improve overall skin texture and elasticity.
Choose your microneedling option:
Signature RAD Microneedling (Dr. Pen): a customised, flexible option using tailored cartridges and serum blends for glow, hydration, and early correction. (From $250)
Dermapen Microneedling (Premium): a clinical-grade, precision option for clients wanting stronger correction and enhanced rejuvenation. (From $280)
How it works:
Fine needles create micro-channels in the skin, stimulating the natural repair process.
Collagen and elastin production are boosted, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin.
Allows for deeper penetration of serums and active ingredients for enhanced results.
Who it’s for:
Individuals with acne scars, fine lines, or wrinkles.
Those looking to improve uneven skin tone or texture.
Suitable for clients with enlarged pores or stretch marks.
Why You Should Book This Treatment:
Benefits of Microneedling:
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of scars.
Enhances skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production.
Reduces hyperpigmentation and evens skin tone.
Minimally invasive with minimal downtime.
How Microneedling Differs from Fractional RF Microneedling:
While microneedling focuses on the surface layers of the skin and stimulates natural collagen production, Fractional RF Microneedling takes skin rejuvenation to the next level. By combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy, it penetrates deeper layers to tighten and firm the skin while also reducing scars and wrinkles.
If you’re seeking a more advanced solution for ageing skin or deep scarring, we recommend exploring our Fractional RF Microneedling treatment.
Why choose Totally RAD Beauty for microneedling in Christchurch?
Proudly named Most Trusted Beauty Clinic in Christchurch (2023 to 2025) and an NZ Clinic of the Year Finalist (2024).
We personalise your treatment plan, prioritise comfort with proper numbing, and tailor needle depth and supportive actives to your skin goals. You’ll get clear aftercare guidance and a realistic plan for results, all in a welcoming Papanui clinic that’s easy to get to from nearby suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How much is microneedling in Christchurch at Totally RAD Beauty?
Our Signature RAD Microneedling (Dr. Pen) starts from $250, and Dermapen starts from $280. Your final investment depends on your skin plan and any add-ons, like LED or exosomes.
2. How long does an appointment take?
Allow around 90 minutes for numbing, treatment time, and calming finishing steps.
3. Does microneedling hurt?
We apply numbing cream first. Most clients describe it as mildly scratchy or prickly but very manageable.
4. What skin concerns does microneedling help?
Texture, acne scarring, enlarged pores, fine lines, and uneven tone. It’s designed to support collagen and smoother-looking skin over time.
5. How many sessions will I need?
Many clients see glow after one session, but best correction typically comes from 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
6. What downtime should I expect?
Downtime is usually minimal. Expect redness and a warm, tight feeling for 24–48 hours (a bit like mild sunburn). Most clients return to normal quickly with the right aftercare and SPF.
7. Can I add LED or exosomes?
Yes. We often pair microneedling with LED for soothing support, and exosome add-ons are available for enhanced recovery and results.
8. Is 40 too old for microneedling?
Not at all. Many of the clients we see for microneedling are in their 40s and 50s. As collagen naturally slows with age, microneedling gently encourages your skin to rebuild it. Results may build a little more gradually, so we shape your plan around your skin and tell you honestly what to expect.
9. How much does a course of 3 sessions cost?
A course of 3 starts from $750 with Signature RAD Microneedling, or from $840 with Dermapen. Because your plan is tailored to your skin, we confirm the number of sessions with you before we begin.
10. Is microneedling worth it?
If texture, acne scarring, pores or fine lines are your concern, it's one of the most rewarding treatments we offer. It works with your skin's own repair process, so results keep developing for weeks after each session. The real value comes from a full course, which is why we plan yours with you from the start.
11. Where are you located?
We’re at 154 Harewood Road, Papanui, an easy option for clients across Christchurch.
12. Who is the best candidate for microneedling?
We're careful with your skin, so microneedling isn't the right choice for every season of life. We'll gently pause or guide you to another option if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, dealing with active breakouts, cold sores or an infection in the area, have taken Roaccutane (isotretinoin) in the last 6 months, or have a history of keloid or raised scarring. It also helps to mention blood-thinning medication, recent injectables, eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area, or a recent tan or sunburn. At your consultation we take time to go through your health history together — and if microneedling isn't the best fit, we'll recommend something that feels safer and still supports your goals.
13. Is microneedling safe for darker or Asian skin tones?
Yes — and we love caring for darker, olive and Asian skin here. Microneedling doesn't rely on heat or light the way many lasers do, so the risk of pigmentation is often lower, which can feel reassuring if you've been cautious about treatments before. Every skin can still react, and deeper tones can be more prone to temporary darkening after any skin trauma. That's why we personalise needle depth, may prep your skin for a few weeks beforehand, and walk you through SPF and sun care afterwards. If you've had pigmentation after a past treatment, tell us at your consult — we'll plan thoughtfully around it so you feel looked after every step of the way.
14. What's the difference between microneedling, bio-microneedling and RF microneedling?
They're three cousins in the same family, and we'll help you choose the one that suits your skin and lifestyle. Classic microneedling (Dr Pen or Dermapen) uses fine needles to wake up your own collagen — lovely for texture, acne scarring, pores and fine lines. Bio-microneedling skips the needle device and uses a natural micro-spicule serum massaged in, so it's a gentler path when you want glow and more even tone. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy through the needles for deeper firming and scar work, with a little more downtime. There's a simple comparison table on this page, or come in for a consult and we'll talk it through together.
Microneedling options compared
| Traditional | Bio | RF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fine needles (Dr Pen / Dermapen) trigger collagen repair | Natural micro-spicules massaged in, no needle device | Needles plus radiofrequency heat (face or body) |
| Typical course | 3–6 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart | 4–6 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart | 3–5 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart |
| Downtime | Redness 1–2 days | Little to none. Some light peeling is possible | Redness or swelling 1–3 days |
| Best for | Texture, acne scarring, pores, fine lines | Glow, uneven tone, pigmentation, a gentler start | Firming, deeper scarring, laxity; stretch marks and body areas |
| Page | Microneedling | Bio | RF face · RF body |
Service Areas: Papanui, Merivale, Fendalton, Harewood, Strowan, St Albans, Burnside, Bishopdale, Ilam, Northcote, Redwood and greater Christchurch.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reveal your best skin yet with microneedling at Totally RAD Beauty! Whether you're looking to reduce scars, smooth wrinkles, or rejuvenate your complexion, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to smooth texture and boost glow? Book your Microneedling Consultation today or explore the next level of skin rejuvenation with our advanced Fractional RF Microneedling treatment!
GLOW FROM WITHIN
