Aesthetic
Controlled micro-injuries stimulate your skin's natural repair response, boosting collagen production and improving texture, tone, and firmness. Multiple protocols available including PRP and PRF enhancement.
€45–€465
Book Your PRIME ProfileOVERVIEW
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin's surface. These micro-injuries trigger the body's natural wound-healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin — the structural proteins responsible for firm, smooth, youthful-looking skin.
At WunderLife in Bad Vilbel, near Frankfurt, microneedling is performed exclusively by Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder using medical-grade devices that allow precise control over needle depth, speed, and penetration pattern. Needle depth is adjusted across different facial zones based on skin thickness and the specific concern being treated — shallower for delicate areas like the under-eyes, deeper for acne scarring or textural irregularities on the cheeks and forehead.
WunderLife uses professional-grade motorized pen devices (such as the Dermapen 4) that operate at controlled depths of 0.5mm to 2.5mm. These are fundamentally different from consumer derma-rollers, which cannot match the precision, sterility, or depth required for meaningful collagen induction. Medical microneedling performed by a trained physician can achieve results that at-home devices cannot replicate.
During the procedure, medical-grade serums are applied to the treatment area. The micro-channels created by the needles allow these active ingredients — such as hyaluronic acid, growth factors, or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) — to penetrate far deeper than topical application alone, significantly amplifying their effectiveness. This combination approach is central to WunderLife’s PRIME-guided treatment philosophy.
THE PROCESS
Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder begins with a detailed evaluation of your skin, referencing your PRIME Profile data. She assesses skin thickness, scarring depth, pigmentation patterns, and overall skin health to determine the optimal needle depth, serum selection, and treatment zones for your session.
The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and a topical anaesthetic cream is applied. The numbing cream is left on for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to ensure comfort during the procedure. This is the most time-intensive preparation step.
Using a medical-grade motorized pen device, Dr. Grawunder systematically treats the skin in overlapping passes. Needle depth is adjusted zone by zone — typically 0.5mm around the eyes, 1.0–1.5mm on the cheeks and forehead, and up to 2.0–2.5mm for deep acne scars. Throughout the procedure, a chosen serum (hyaluronic acid, growth factors, or PRF) is applied to the skin surface, allowing immediate absorption through the open micro-channels.
After the needling is complete, a soothing, hydrating mask or serum is applied to calm the skin and begin the recovery process. This step helps reduce immediate redness and supports the early stages of the healing response.
Dr. Grawunder provides detailed written aftercare instructions covering the first 72 hours, including sun avoidance, approved skincare products, and what to expect during the healing timeline. A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 4 to 6 weeks later for the next session in the series.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
Microneedling is one of the most broadly applicable treatments in aesthetic medicine, suitable for a wide range of skin types and concerns. At WunderLife, treatment intensity is precisely calibrated to each patient’s needs through the PRIME Profile assessment.
Microneedling may help with fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and post-inflammatory marks, uneven skin texture and enlarged pores, mild skin laxity, dull or tired-looking skin, stretch marks (body treatments), hyperpigmentation and sun damage, and overall skin quality and firmness.
Patients seeking collagen stimulation and skin renewal without surgical intervention. Those with acne scarring who want gradual, natural-looking improvement over a series of sessions. Patients in their 30s to 50s experiencing early signs of aging who want to proactively support skin structure. Individuals who respond well to combination protocols — microneedling pairs effectively with PRF, JetPeel, and medical-grade skincare. Patients in the PRIME Repair or Enhance phases where structural skin improvement is a priority.
Microneedling may not be appropriate for patients with active acne breakouts or pustular skin conditions in the treatment area, active herpes simplex (cold sores) — antiviral prophylaxis may be prescribed if recurrence is a concern, keloid or hypertrophic scarring tendencies, active eczema or psoriasis in the treatment zone, blood clotting disorders or current anticoagulant medication, or pregnancy. Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder evaluates all contraindications during the consultation and will recommend alternative treatments where microneedling is not suitable.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
With the topical numbing cream in effect, most patients feel mild pressure or a light vibrating sensation during the microneedling procedure. The actual needling phase takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes for a full face, though total appointment time including preparation and aftercare is typically 60 to 90 minutes. Some areas — particularly bony regions like the forehead and jawline — may feel slightly more sensitive than others.
Expect visible redness similar to moderate sunburn. The skin may feel warm, tight, and slightly swollen. This is a normal and expected part of the healing response. Pinpoint bleeding can occur at deeper needle settings, particularly when treating acne scars, but this resolves quickly. A calming serum and SPF are applied before you leave the clinic.
Redness typically peaks on day one and begins fading over the following 48 to 72 hours. The skin may feel dry or slightly rough as the micro-channels heal. Avoid makeup for the first 12 to 24 hours, active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, vitamin C) for 48 to 72 hours, direct sun exposure and heat (sauna, intense exercise) for 48 hours, and touching or picking at the skin. Use only the approved gentle cleanser and moisturizer provided by Dr. Grawunder during this period.
Redness subsides and the skin begins to look refreshed. Some patients notice mild flaking or peeling as the top layer renews — this is normal collagen remodeling in action. Skin texture starts to feel smoother.
Collagen remodeling continues for 4 to 8 weeks after each session. Noticeable improvement in skin texture, firmness, and tone typically becomes apparent 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment. For optimal results — especially for acne scarring or significant textural concerns — a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is recommended. Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder monitors progress at each session and adjusts depth, serum, and frequency accordingly.
SAFETY & SCIENCE
All microneedling treatments at WunderLife are performed exclusively by Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder in a sterile clinical environment. Microneedling is classified as an invasive procedure under German medical regulations and may only be performed by licensed physicians — not by beauticians or non-medical practitioners.
WunderLife uses CE-marked, medical-grade motorized pen devices designed specifically for clinical collagen induction therapy. Each treatment uses single-use, sterile needle cartridges that are opened in front of the patient and disposed of after the session. The device’s adjustable depth settings (0.25mm to 2.5mm) ensure precise control, minimizing risk while maximizing efficacy for each treatment zone.
Common and expected side effects include redness and warmth lasting 24 to 72 hours, mild swelling particularly around the eyes and cheeks, skin tightness and dryness during healing, and minor pinpoint bleeding at deeper settings. Less common side effects may include temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more likely in darker skin types — Fitzpatrick IV–VI), prolonged redness beyond 72 hours, or mild bruising. Serious adverse events such as infection or scarring are rare when the procedure is performed by a trained physician in a sterile environment with proper aftercare.
Microneedling for collagen induction has been extensively studied and is supported by peer-reviewed clinical literature. Research demonstrates measurable increases in collagen types I, III, and VII following controlled micro-injury, with improvements in wrinkles, scars, and skin texture documented across multiple clinical trials. The combination of microneedling with PRP or PRF has shown enhanced outcomes in published comparative studies.
WunderLife’s microneedling protocols are regularly reviewed and updated in line with current clinical evidence. All treatments comply with German Heilmittelwerbegesetz (HWG) standards. Pre-treatment screening includes assessment of contraindications, skin type classification, and medical history review. Aftercare instructions are provided in writing, and follow-up appointments are standard practice.
THE PRIME PROTOCOL
Microneedling sits within the Aesthetic pillar of the BAM Framework and is one of the most structurally impactful treatments available at WunderLife. Its ability to stimulate deep collagen remodeling makes it a cornerstone of the PRIME Protocol for patients whose goals include skin texture improvement, scar revision, or anti-aging.
Your PRIME Profile assessment identifies the specific skin concerns that microneedling can address — scarring depth, skin laxity, texture irregularities, and pigmentation patterns. Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder uses this data to determine whether microneedling should be a primary or complementary treatment in your protocol, and at what depth and frequency.
Microneedling is frequently central to the Repair phase, particularly for patients with acne scarring, sun damage, or textural concerns that require structural intervention. The controlled micro-injury triggers a genuine biological repair response — new collagen and elastin formation — rather than a superficial cosmetic effect. Multiple sessions during the Repair phase build cumulative improvement.
As collagen remodeling progresses over weeks and months, the Imagine phase allows patients and Dr. Grawunder to reassess progress, refine treatment parameters, and envision next steps. Microneedling results develop gradually, making this phase particularly relevant for setting realistic expectations and planning the transition to maintenance.
Once initial goals are achieved, periodic microneedling sessions — typically every 3 to 6 months — help sustain collagen levels and skin quality. These maintenance sessions are often at shallower depths and may be combined with JetPeel or medical-grade skincare for comprehensive ongoing care.
For patients seeking to push beyond their baseline, Enhance-phase microneedling may incorporate PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) for amplified growth factor delivery, deeper needle settings for advanced scar revision, or combination protocols with chemical peels or neuromodulators for multi-dimensional facial rejuvenation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A topical numbing cream is applied before the procedure, so most patients experience only mild pressure or a light vibrating sensation. Some areas may feel slightly more sensitive, but the treatment is generally well-tolerated. Pain levels are typically rated 2 to 4 out of 10 by patients.
The actual needling takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes for a full face. Including preparation (cleansing, numbing, which takes 20–30 minutes) and aftercare, total appointment time is typically 60 to 90 minutes.
Most patients benefit from a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the condition being treated — mild skin texture improvement may require fewer sessions, while deep acne scarring may require more. Dr. med. Désirée Grawunder assesses progress at each appointment and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly.
Microneedling creates physical micro-channels in the skin to trigger collagen production and deep structural remodeling. JetPeel uses pressurized air and liquid to deliver serums without any skin penetration. Microneedling is more intensive with a recovery period but produces deeper structural changes. JetPeel is gentler with no downtime and focuses on hydration and surface renewal. The two treatments complement each other and are often used together in WunderLife protocols.
Yes. At WunderLife, microneedling is frequently combined with PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) derived from your own blood. PRF is applied to the skin during the needling procedure, allowing concentrated growth factors to penetrate through the micro-channels. This combination has been shown in clinical studies to enhance healing and improve outcomes for scarring and skin rejuvenation.
For the first 24 to 72 hours, avoid makeup (first 12–24 hours), active skincare ingredients such as retinoids, AHAs, and vitamin C, direct sun exposure and high heat environments like saunas, and intense physical exercise. Dr. Grawunder provides detailed written aftercare instructions and approved products for the recovery period.
Microneedling is generally considered safe for all skin types, including Fitzpatrick skin types IV through VI. Unlike some laser treatments, microneedling does not target melanin, which reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. However, darker skin types may still have a slightly higher risk of temporary pigmentation changes, which is why medical supervision and appropriate needle depth selection by a trained physician are essential.
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Every treatment at WunderLife begins with understanding. Your PRIME Profile maps your biology, your goals, and your path forward.
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