MedBeautyLA is proud to serve as the most trusted provider for microneedling in downtown Los Angeles. Our staff of skin care experts have over 20 years combined experience and continually attend courses and conferences to ensure we are utilizing the most advanced and clinically-proven techniques. microneedling los angeles

Microneedling — the process of creating controlled micro-injuries on the skin— activates your body’s natural healing response. The treatment improves skin tone and texture, reduces pore size, and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling also promotes collagen and elastin, leading to plumper, more youthful skin overall. Microneedling is also the first-line treatment for more severe skin texture issues, like acne scarring and stretch marks.

Our practice exclusively uses the SkinPen microneeedling device, which is the first FDA-approved microneedling device on the market. It works on all skin types, is extremely safe, and requires little downtime. We also offer microneedling with radio-frequency (RF micro needling), which penetrates deeper into the skin for an increased level of collagen induction therapy.

HOW DOES MICRONEEDLING WORK?

STEP ONE – After thoroughly numbing your face and/or neck with medical-grade numbing gel for 30 minutes, one of our expert providers passes the microneedling device over your skin. This creates tiny wounds and increases blood flow to the area.

STEP TWO – As your skin heals over the course of the following week, new cells are formed and a network of regenerative blood vessels develop. This decreases hyperpigmentation, smooths uneven skin texture and scarring, and increases collagen (a protein that gives your skin a firm and youthful appearance). Your skin will return to baseline after about seven days. By two weeks, you’ll notice your skin appears clearer and “glowier.” You can expect to see significant skin rejuvenation after 3-4 sessions spaced four weeks apart.

 

Microneedling FAQs

Does microneedling hurt?

“Does microneedling hurt” is one of the most common questions we het from clients. Most patients feel vibration and only a slight discomfort in certain areas as the microneedling device moves over their skin. After your appointment your skin will begin to feel flushed — similar to a sun burn. This subsides within a few hours.

Is microneedling the same as a “Vampire Facial”?

No. A Vampire Facial, or PRP microneedling, entails an in-office blood draw before treatment. In theory, applying a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma to the skin directly after treatment expedites healing and collagen induction. However, in reality, the data is still inconclusive on just how much of a difference PRP treatments make, and the cost — as well as risks — is higher. Our office instead opts for microneedling with exosomes, which is both safer and yields better clinical results.

What Is SkinPen Microneedling? Is it different from “regular” microneedling?

SkinPen microneedling simply refers to microneedling done with a SkinPen device. There are a number of microneedling devices on the market, but SkinPen was the first FDA-approved and is considered the “gold standard” in microneedling by skin care professionals. The benefits of SkinPen are well-documented and clinically-backed.

Am I a good candidate for microneedling?

The best way to know whether you are a good candidate for microneedling is to schedule an in-person consultation with a provider. However, in general, microneedling is beneficial for clients with uneven skin texture due to acne scarring, clients with enlarged pores, clients with fine lines and wrinkles, and anyone who wants to “level up” their skin. It is safe for all skin colors and ethnicities, and is well tolerated by all ages. We may recommend alternative treatments, however, if you currently are experiencing active breakouts or are pregnant.

Microneedling is also not recommended for those with clotting or bleeding disorders, or who take medicine to thin their blood. You may also want to avoid microneedling if you have conditions that affect your skin, like eczema or diabetes, or if you have a weakened immune system.

How long does microneedling last? Is microneedling permanent?

The effects of microneedling on acne scarring and uneven skin texture is permanent. Once you have completed your round of treatment (typically 3-6 sessions spaced one month apart) your skin will always be noticeably smoother at the treatment sites. Microneedling for things like fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores will likely require yearly maintenance sessions.

What can I NOT do before my appointment?

We recommend stopping use of retinoids at least 3 days before treatment — and even one week before for sensitive skin. You should also not use any harsh actives, like salicylic acid, in the days leading up to your appointment.

What can I not do after my microneedling appointment?

Similarly to pre-treatment care, you should stop the use of retinoids and actives for at least one week after your appointment. (Longer if your skin has not returned to baseline after 7 days). You must avoid sun exposure while your skin heals as it is extra sensitive to UV light during this time. Be sure to reapply SPF 50 or above every two hours. You also should never pick or peel at your skin while it flakes, as this can increase your risk for hyperpigmentation. If your skin itches as it heals, apply a gentle moisturizer to the affected areas.

Can I get microneedling if I have acne or active breakouts?

It’s not recommended. Microneedling can puncture active breakouts and spread bacteria, making the breakout worse. However, if you have a localized breakout (i.e. on one specific spot on your face) a skilled provider can work around it. Typically, our providers will first address breakouts and acne with several Salt Facial treatments and a customized at-home skin care plan. We will then move on to microneedling for skin texture and acne scars once the active acne is controlled.

Will I “purge” after microneedling?

Some clients — though not all — will experience a period of purging after their treatment. You may notice pimples or “zits” pop up where they weren’t before, which should resolve in a week or so. This occurs because your skin is regenerating, and for some people this will cause oil and bacteria beneath the surface to get pushed “up and out.”

Microneedling and acne scars — does it really help?

Yes! Microneedling is one of the absolute best treatments available for acne scarring (in fact, it is one of the foundational treatments in our Acne Scar Bootcamp). Your provider will increase needle depth to target and resurface the scar tissue.

How long will my skin be red afterwards?

For most clients, the initial redness will subside within 24 hours. Your skin will begin to feel dry and tight by about Day 3 and you will experience flaking for several days. Your skin will return to baseline — albeit perhaps a little dryer than usual — by Day 7. Clients note that they see a distinct glow and “wow factor” to their skin by the 2-week mark.

Does microneedling tighten loose skin?

Yes! In fact skin tightening is one of our favorite uses for SkinPen microneedling, especially on the neck and lower face. A series of 4-6 treatments spaced 4-5 weeks apart is recommended to see visible and lasting results.

Can I wear makeup after microneedling?

You should not put anything on your face – including makeup — for 24 hours post your treatment. This is because you must allow time for the tiny micro-channels (aka, wounds) to close and heal in order to prevent risk of infection. Makeup after the first 24 hours is fine, though your face will begin to flake and peel by about Day 3. Because of this, most of our clients prefer to stick to simple moisturizer and SPF the week after their appointment. See our entire blog post on Makeup after Microneedling.

How much does microneedling cost?

The honest answer is: It depends. Microneedling in Beverly Hills/microneedling in L.A. will be priced differently than microneedling in, for example, Kansas City or Tallahassee. And as with all aesthetic treatments, the skill level of your provider has a tremendous effect on cost of treatment. Additionally, the device used will also affect pricing. Quality, FDA-approved devices cost your provider more than a less trustworthy brand, and that cost is necessarily carried over into cost of treatment. Most reputable offices in Los Angeles charge anywhere from $450-$500/session.

Do you offer microneedling packages?

Data shows that optimal results are achieved after three or more microneedling sessions, so we always encourage patients to purchase a package. When you pre-pay for three or more sessions you will be sent home with a full-sized bottle of SkinMedica recovery cream ($72 value). The recovery cream is specifically formulated for post-treatment skin and enhances final results.

MICRONEEDING + EXOSOMES

Adding exosomes to your microneedling session both speeds up recovery time and enhances your results (think PRP, but better). Learn more about our microneedling + exosomes treatment here.

 

Other treatment options microneedling downtown los angeles

As you consider microneedling and your options for renewing your skin, you might also be interested in a SaltFacial™, dermaplaning and microdermabrasion or a chemical peel.

Have any further questions? Check out our blog entry on microneedling.