Microneedling
Conveniently located to serve Newport Beach and Orange County
Microneedling is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure for skin rejuvenation that involves controlled injury to the skin to stimulate the production of new collagen. At The Ocean Clinic Dermatology & Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, California, microneedling is performed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Reinstadler and board-certified physician assistant Sarah Baca.
What is Microneedling Used to Correct?
The Collagen PIN® microneedling pen is a safe and effective device for treating the appearance of:
- Lines and wrinkles
- Uneven tone and texture
- Skin discoloration
- Photo-aging
- Acne
- Scarring
- Stretch marks
Microneedling can be used on patients of all skin types and treats most areas of the body, including the face, neck, and décolleté. It can even be performed on the abdomen and upper thighs, making it an ideal complement to body contouring treatments.
Am I a Good Candidate For Microneedling in Orange County?
You are likely an ideal candidate for microneedling if you’re experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, have realistic expectations, and are in good overall health. While microneedling is safe for almost everyone, it is not recommended for those with active acne, wound-healing problems, or skin infections. People with these conditions must wait until they get medical clearance before undergoing microneedling.
Before and After Images
Microneedling Preparation
The first step to any microneedling treatment is to come in for a consultation to make sure you qualify. During this initial appointment, you will discuss your medical history (including history of cold sores), cosmetic goals, and expectations. We’ll provide pre- and post-treatment instructions, discuss the risks, and go over the cost of the treatment plan.
The average preparation steps include:
- One week before treatment, discontinue use of any prescription or over-the-counter topical retinoic acid (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Differin, Adapalene, Tazorac, Tazarotene, retinol, etc), Bleaching Cream (HQRA+), and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids). Please inform us of all prescription and OTC skin care products you use.
- Notify us if you have a history of cold sores (oral herpes), as you’ll need to take an oral antiviral medication starting at least one day prior to the procedure and continuing for one week for prevention. Please contact the office for a prescription.
- Avoid excess sun exposure, laser or IPL treatments, and chemical peels for one month prior to treatment.
- Starting one week before treatment, avoid blood-thinning agents such as Aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, and Vitamin E oil, as well as anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, and Aleve. You may resume the day after treatment.
- Avoid shaving the day of the procedure and avoid waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the areas being treated for seven days prior.
The Microneedling Procedure
A topical numbing cream is applied to the skin 30-45 minutes before the procedure. Next, Dr. Amy Reinstadler or Sarah Baca, PA, will carefully move the Collagen PIN® device over each treatment area for thorough collagen induction. Most patients report a mild vibrating sensation, with little to no discomfort. The treatment takes approximately 30 minutes. 3-6 treatments are typically scheduled at approximately 4-week intervals.
After Microneedling
During the initial recovery period, most patients experience mild redness, skin tightness, sensitivity, and pinpoint bruising, which will resolve within 24 hours. Little evidence of the procedure usually remains after three days. Avoid sweat-inducing activities for 24 hours and excessive sun exposure for 72 hours. Most patients resume their regular activities within a day, making microneedling an ideal choice for those with active lifestyles.
Our team will provide you with a post-care kit with specific instructions. Be sure to only use the products in this kit (rather than your usual at-home skincare solutions) for the first four days after treatment; you can resume your normal skincare routine on day five.
Microneedling Benefits
- Stimulates natural collagen production
- Improves overall skin texture and appearance
- Minimally invasive with little downtime
- Safe for all skin types
- Adjustable treatment depths for personalized care
- Can resume normal activities within a day
- Treats multiple areas of the face and body
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
The cost of microneedling depends on the size of the treatment area(s) and the number of areas targeted. The price also varies based on the number of treatment sessions required.
Frequently Asked Questions
At-home dermarollers are outdated devices with fixed, reusable needles that penetrate at angles causing skin tearing, have limited depth options, and pose higher risks of infection and adverse effects. The Collagen PIN® microneedling pen uses sterile, disposable needle tips with adjustable depths (0.1-3mm) that penetrate vertically, allowing for safer, more precise, and individualized treatments with superior results.
Microneedling is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as a precautionary measure, even though the procedure itself doesn’t involve chemicals. It’s best to wait until after you’ve finished breastfeeding to begin treatments.
Plan your last microneedling session at least 2-3 weeks before any important event to ensure complete healing and optimal results. Some patients experience delayed reactions or longer healing times, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Learn More About Orange County Microneedling
Discover how to achieve vibrant, youthful-looking skin with microneedling in Newport Beach by contacting The Ocean Clinic Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. We provide incredible results with our skincare treatments and products.