Microneedling San Francisco

Microneedling

Featured In

Table of Contents

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that helps improve skin texture, tone, fine lines, scars, and overall skin brightness. The procedure uses fine needles to create tiny micro-injuries in the surface of the skin. These small, controlled injuries trigger the body’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production to smooth out scars, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

It’s a great option for those looking to refresh their skin with less downtime than more aggressive treatments. Microneedling can be performed on the face, neck, or body and is effective for concerns like acne scars, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation. To enhance results, it’s often combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or PDGF, which promote even greater skin healing and rejuvenation. Adding PRF or PDGF to microneedling boosts results by delivering powerful growth factors into the skin, intensifying collagen production and supporting faster, more effective rejuvenation.

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling enhances the absorption of skin care products. Growth factors and medical-grade serums can penetrate deeper into the skin, improving overall skin appearance. Most patients experience redness and mild skin peeling, like a mild sunburn, after treatment.

During a microneedling session, fine needles create controlled injuries in the skin’s surface. This process triggers the body’s natural healing response, leading to the production of new collagen. Over time, this helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size. 

The microneedling procedure also enhances the absorption of skin care products. Growth factors and medical-grade serums can penetrate deeper into the skin, making the treatment even more effective. Most patients experience redness, like a mild sunburn, after treatment. 

Candidates for Microneedling

Microneedling is ideal for anyone wanting smoother skin, softer fine lines, and improvement in acne scars or other textural issues. It works well on most skin types, and it is a safe, minimally invasive treatment.

Because of its low downtime, microneedling is also a popular choice for general skin rejuvenation and anti-aging, perfect for those looking for visible results without significant downtime

What to expect during the treatment?

A Moxi procedure takes roughly 30 minutes or less. Total appointment times can vary depending on length of numbing prior to procedure, but on average we recommend 30 minutes of topical numbing before treatment time.

How many treatments do I need?

Most patients need 3 to 6 microneedling treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart, depending on their skin concerns and goals. For general rejuvenation or mild signs of aging, 3 to 4 sessions are usually sufficient. More advanced concerns like acne scars, stretch marks, or deeper wrinkles may require 4 to 6 sessions for optimal results.

To maintain improvements, one-two maintenance treatments are typically required annually. To further enhance outcomes, this treatment is often paired with other cosmetic procedures such as Botox or dermal fillers for a completer and more refreshed look.

Who Should Avoid Microneedling?

Although microneedling is safe for most patients, some should avoid it. Those with active acne, severe hyperpigmentation, or certain skin conditions may not be good candidates for microneedling.

A consultation appointment is the best way to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Microneedling vs Microdermabrasion

Microneedling and microdermabrasion both target skin rejuvenation, but they work differently. A microdermabrasion treatment such as DiamondGlow, removes dead skin cells from the surface, making the skin look smoother and brighter. Microneedling treatments penetrate deeper into the skin. 

Microneedling creates micro-injuries that stimulate new collagen, making it more effective for wrinkles, acne scars, and stretch marks. The procedure also improves skin elasticity, while microdermabrasion mainly enhances skin’s natural glow.

Microneedling Benefits and Risks

Microneedling offers numerous benefits, including reducing fine lines, improving pore size, and evening out skin tone. Patients use microneedling for wrinkles, microneedling for hair loss, microneedling for acne scars, microneedling under eyes, and more.

Expected downtime includes mild redness, slight discomfort, and temporary skin sensitivity. Most patients experience effects similar to a mild sunburn, which fades within a few days. Sun protection is important after the procedure to avoid hyperpigmentation and optimize results.  

Non-surgical Specialists

in San Francisco

and Marin

Armeen Karia, FNP

Lexi Sherer

Lexi Sherer, PA-C

Microneedling Before and After Photos

Coming soon

Microneedling Procedure

What to Prepare 

Before a microneedling session, patients should avoid direct sunlight and certain skin care products at the discretion of your provider. A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to minimize discomfort. Following microneedling aftercare instructions ensures the best outcome. 

During the Procedure 

A microneedling device with tiny needles is used to create controlled micro-injuries. The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. 

Microneedling Aftercare and Recovery 

After microneedling, most patients experience mild redness and sensitivity. The healing process usually takes a few days, with noticeable improvements appearing within weeks.

Using gentle skin care products, protecting your skin from the sun and avoiding harsh treatments or products will allow for optimal skin healing. Regular treatment sessions, as recommended by your provider, will lead to optimal collagen production and results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask my healthcare provider about Microneedling?

Patients should ask about their skin type, expected results, and how many treatments they may need. It’s also important to ask about potential side effects and aftercare instructions.

Most patients need multiple sessions to see improvements in acne scars. A provider can recommend the best treatment plan.

After treatment, if excessive redness, irritation, or unusual discomfort occurs, patients should contact their provider. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Microneedling improves skin texture and collagen production, while Botox reduces muscle movement to smooth wrinkles. They are two completely different treatments. The best choice depends on your individual goals.

Microneedling treats acne scars, fine lines, stretch marks, and sun damage. It also improves overall skin texture and elasticity.

At-home microneedling devices can provide mild improvements, but professional treatments use medical-grade equipment for better results.

Professional microneedling is more effective than at-home devices due to deeper penetration and better absorption of serums.

Many patients see initial results within a few weeks, with continued improvements over time.

Book Your Appointment

If you’re looking for smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, or improved acne scars, microneedling may be the solution for you. The treatment is safe, effective, and suitable for most skin types.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber provides microneedling treatments at his San Francisco practice. With experience in treating a variety of skin concerns, Dr. Sieber’s team can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Schedule your consultation 415-915-9000 appointment today to learn more about how microneedling can enhance your skin’s appearance.

*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.

Photo Gallery

Contact Us (415) 915-9000