Vaginal Microneedling in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is vaginal microneedling?
Vaginal microneedling is a collagen-induction treatment for intimate tissue. A handheld device fitted with a sterile, single-use cartridge of very fine needles makes rows of tiny punctures at a set depth, either on the vulval skin or, with a slim applicator designed for the purpose, along the inside of the vagina.
In microneedling, the micro-injury itself is the treatment. Each puncture is small enough to close within hours, yet it triggers the same healing sequence as any wound: a short inflammatory phase, then a building phase in which cells called fibroblasts lay down new collagen and elastin, and finally a remodelling phase in which that new tissue matures and strengthens over the following months. The depth setting decides which layer of tissue receives this signal, and the gynaecologist adjusts it for each area.
The tiny channels also stay open for a short time, which is why microneedling is often paired with PRP, platelet-rich plasma from your own blood, applied over the treated area so it enters through the channels. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, vaginal microneedling is performed in-house by the gynaecology and obstetrics team.
Who needs it
Vaginal microneedling is considered for texture and structure, and the common reasons are:
- a scar from a tear or an episiotomy after childbirth that feels tight, raised, thickened or tender
- loose or thinned vulval skin after childbirth, weight change or with age
- thin, fragile vaginal tissue around menopause, alongside other care
- uneven texture of the vulval skin
Childbirth scars are a frequent reason, and timing matters. Microneedling is planned once the postnatal period is complete, bleeding after birth has stopped and the scar has fully healed; your postnatal check, part of postnatal care, is a good time to raise it.
The gynaecologist examines the area first to rule out infection and vulval skin conditions, which need their own treatment. For dryness alone, vaginal mesotherapy delivers hyaluronic acid into the tissue instead. The same technique used on the face is described on the Dermapen microneedling page.
What happens
Vaginal microneedling takes place in one appointment, and it runs in this order:
- Numbing. You change privately, lie on the examination couch, and numbing cream is applied to the treatment area and left to work fully, because intimate tissue is sensitive.
- Blood draw, if PRP is planned. A small blood sample is taken from your arm and prepared into platelet-rich plasma while the cream works.
- Cleaning. The numbing cream is wiped away and the area is cleaned with an antiseptic.
- Microneedling. The gynaecologist passes the device over the vulval skin in small sections, and uses the slim applicator for the vaginal walls if they are included. You feel vibration and a light scratching; pinpoint bleeding is expected.
- PRP or serum. Plasma, or a soothing hyaluronic serum, is spread over the treated tissue to enter through the channels.
- Finish. You rest briefly, then dress and go home the same day.
Microneedling is given as a course of sessions spaced several weeks apart, so that each round of healing is under way before the next begins.
Preparing for it
Tell the gynaecologist if you have ever had cold sores or genital herpes. Microneedling can trigger a flare, so an antiviral course is often started before treatment. Mention blood-thinning medicines, a bleeding tendency, a tendency to form raised or keloid scars, and any chance of pregnancy.
Plan the session away from your period. Leave waxing, fresh shaving and hair removal creams for several days before, as irritated skin heals less evenly. Any vaginal infection is treated first. Wear loose clothing, bring a panty liner, and eat and drink well beforehand if a blood draw for PRP is planned. During Ramadan, a session after iftar suits the blood draw and the recovery evening.
Afterwards
The area feels warm, raw and slightly swollen at first, similar to a graze, with light spotting, and this settles over the next few days. Passing urine may sting briefly; pouring cool water over the area while you pass urine eases this. Rinse with plain water only and pat dry. Desk work can usually resume the next day.
Leave intercourse, tampons, swimming pools, saunas and exercise that causes rubbing or heavy sweating until the gynaecologist confirms the tissue has healed. In the Sharjah heat, wear loose cotton underwear and stay cool, because sweat on freshly treated skin raises the chance of infection.
Contact the hospital if pain or swelling increases after the first days, if blisters or sores appear, if you notice a foul-smelling discharge, or if you develop a fever. **Go to the emergency department straight away if you have heavy bleeding, feel faint, or find it difficult to pass urine.**
Cost and insurance
Vaginal microneedling is an elective treatment, and UAE insurance plans usually exclude it, so it is normally self-pay; adding PRP increases the cost of each session. Treatment of a painful childbirth scar may be assessed differently, and some plans may cover the consultation or scar care with pre-approval. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can explain the costs of a full course on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of vaginal microneedling?
Vaginal microneedling commonly causes soreness, swelling, stinging on passing urine and light spotting for a few days. Less often it can cause infection, a herpes flare in women who carry the virus, temporary darkening of the skin, or, rarely, scarring. The gynaecologist explains how these risks apply to you before treatment.
How is vaginal microneedling different from vaginal mesotherapy?
Vaginal microneedling works by controlled micro-injury, which starts the tissue's own collagen-building repair, while vaginal mesotherapy works by injecting hyaluronic acid to hold moisture in the tissue. Microneedling targets texture, scars and laxity; mesotherapy targets dryness.
Why is PRP added to microneedling?
PRP is added to microneedling because the tiny channels allow the plasma's growth factors to reach deeper into the tissue while the repair process is starting. PRP is optional, and the gynaecologist discusses whether it suits your plan.
Can microneedling help an episiotomy or tear scar?
Microneedling is used to treat tight, raised or tender scars from an episiotomy or tear once the scar has fully healed and the postnatal period is complete. The gynaecologist examines the scar first, because some painful scars need a different treatment, such as a minor surgical revision.
How many vaginal microneedling sessions will I need?
Vaginal microneedling is given as a course of several sessions spaced weeks apart, because collagen builds gradually after each one. The number depends on the area and the reason for treatment, and the gynaecologist reviews the plan at each visit.
I have had genital herpes. Can I still have microneedling?
Women with a history of genital herpes can usually have microneedling with antiviral cover started beforehand, because the treatment can trigger a flare. Treatment is postponed while any sore is active.
When can I have intercourse after vaginal microneedling?
Intercourse is resumed after vaginal microneedling once the treated tissue has healed and feels comfortable, which the gynaecologist confirms at your review. Waiting protects the tissue while the new collagen begins to form.
Departments
Book an appointment
Tell us your preferred day and time. Our team calls you back to confirm.
