Microneedling in San Diego
Microneedling — sometimes called collagen induction therapy — treats the quality of the skin itself rather than the muscle beneath it or the volume under it. It is the treatment for texture.
It sits alongside our injectables rather than competing with them: a relaxer softens movement lines, a filler restores volume, and microneedling works on the surface those two sit under.
What it improves
Overall skin texture and tone
Acne scarring and other atrophic scars
Fine lines
Enlarged-looking pores
Uneven surface quality
How it works
A device passes very fine needles into the skin to a controlled depth, creating thousands of microscopic channels. Each one is a small, deliberate injury.
The body responds the way it responds to any wound — by producing new collagen and elastin. Because the injuries are tiny, controlled and evenly distributed, what you get is a remodelled surface rather than a scar. The result builds over weeks as that new collagen matures, which is why a single session is rarely the whole treatment.
What to expect
A session typically runs forty-five to sixty minutes including time for a topical numbing agent to take effect. Most people describe the sensation as a vibrating, prickling pressure rather than pain.
Immediately afterwards the skin looks flushed, similar to moderate sunburn. That usually settles over one to three days. Sun protection afterwards is not optional — freshly treated skin is more vulnerable to pigmentation.
Results and timeline
You will not see the result the next morning. Collagen remodelling takes weeks, and improvement continues for a couple of months after a course finishes.
Most concerns need a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Deeper acne scarring generally needs more sessions than a general texture improvement. The plan is set at your consultation against what you actually want to change.
Who is a candidate
Microneedling suits most skin types and, unlike some resurfacing options, carries a lower risk of pigmentary change in darker skin.
It is not appropriate over active acne, an active skin infection or an open wound, during pregnancy, or if you have a keloid scarring tendency or a bleeding disorder. Tell us about any recent isotretinoin use at consultation.
Questions about microneedling
Does microneedling hurt?
A topical numbing agent is applied before treatment. Most people describe the sensation as a vibrating, prickling pressure rather than pain.
How long is the downtime?
Expect flushing similar to moderate sunburn immediately afterwards, usually settling over one to three days. Sun protection during that period is essential.
How many sessions will I need?
Most concerns need a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart, with deeper acne scarring generally requiring more than a general texture improvement. Your plan is set at consultation.
When will I see results?
Results build gradually as new collagen forms, and continue improving for a couple of months after a course of treatment finishes. This is not a next-day treatment.
Can microneedling be combined with injectables?
They address different things — microneedling treats skin texture, relaxers treat movement lines, fillers treat lost volume — and are commonly used together. Sequencing and spacing are decided at your consultation.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Microneedling carries a lower risk of pigmentary change than some resurfacing treatments, which makes it a common choice across skin types. Your suitability is assessed individually at consultation.
Related treatments
Last reviewed August 7, 2026
Your consultation is free.
Tell us what you're considering and we'll tell you honestly whether microneedling is the right treatment for it.