Microneedling
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles
Microneedling is a rejuvenating skincare treatment that uses tiny needles to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. (1) This minimally invasive treatment is a gentle and well-tolerated way to stimulate the production of collagen. Over time, microneedling can help soften and reduce the appearance of acne scars, pigmentation concerns, uneven texturing, and more, restoring a luminous and refreshed glow from within.
If you are ready to restore your complexion, Zarrabi Plastic Surgery can help! Our microneedling treatment is performed by our Nurse Practitioner, Sherry Sanvictores. She has more than 21 years of experience in general and cosmetic dermatology and is one of the most coveted aesthetic specialists in all of Southern California. When she is not helping patients enhance their inner beauty, she can be found working as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the UCLA School of Nursing, training the next generation of nurses.
If you are ready to schedule your personal consultation, we encourage you to submit our online contact form. If you have any questions, please call our Beverly Hills and Santa Monica offices at (310) 584-9990.
Contents
About Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a treatment designed to revitalize the health and appearance of your skin by creating controlled punctures to stimulate your body’s natural regenerative properties. (2) At our office, we use a specialized device called the SkinPen, a dermal pen fashioned with rows of fine needles. This pen creates micropunctures and can be adjusted for different levels of skin penetration. Nurse Sherry Sanvictores can perform this treatment to effectively enhance the appearance of the face and areas of the body.
Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated growth factor and protein serum that can further stimulate collagen and elastin production. We create PRP using a small sample of your blood by processing it through a centrifuge. This separates the plasma from other components of the blood. Once separated, Nurse Practitioner Sherry Sanvictores will carefully administer the PRP over the treatment area so that it absorbs into the microchannels.
Microneedling for Hair Loss
Microneedling can treat more than just the skin; it can also stimulate hair growth on the scalp. When we microneedle the scalp, we target thinning and shedding by activating the hair follicles. We often combine microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy to extend the hair growth phase and promote new, natural hair that blends seamlessly with your existing hair.
Benefits
Microneedling offers numerous benefits, each of which can contribute to improved skin health and heightened confidence. Several of these benefits include:
- Neocollagenesis Stimulation: Microneedling can enhance the production of collagen and elastin, key proteins that enhance the elasticity and youthful appearance of your skin.
- Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles: This treatment can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as the skin renews itself.
- Improved Skin Texture: Microneedling aids in smoothing the texture of rough skin, resulting in a softer, smoother, more refined feel.
- Minimizes Acne Scars: This procedure can help break down old scar tissue, allowing the skin to regenerate itself.
- Enhanced Product Absorption: After microneedling, topical solutions and skincare products can penetrate deeper into the skin, maximizing their effects.
- Safe for Most Skin Types: Microneedling is considered safe for most skin types and textures, making it a widely accessible treatment.
- Hair Restoration: This treatment can be performed on the scalp to help restore hair growth in areas experiencing thinning or shedding.
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients can return to their schedules as normal following their appointment.
- Versatile Treatment: Microneedling can be used to address a wide range of skin concerns, making it an effective treatment for most conditions.
Candidates
Candidates for microneedling include anyone interested in enhancing their skin’s health and quality. This treatment can be performed on most skin tones and types. All candidates interested in microneedling should be in good general health with realistic expectations about their results.
We do not typically recommend this treatment for pregnant women or individuals with active acne, herpes labialis, warts, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.
We encourage all prospective patients to schedule a consultation to determine their eligibility for this treatment.
Personal Consultation
Before proceeding with your microneedling treatment, you will need to attend a personal consultation. During this consultation, Nurse Practitioner Sherry Sanvictores will examine your medical history and discuss your specific skin concerns and goals. She will also evaluate the condition and quality of your skin. Throughout this consultation, you will learn more about microneedling and how it can enhance your skin’s health and appearance. Nurse Practitioner Sherry Sanvictores will then develop a tailored treatment plan.
If you are ready to schedule your personal consultation, we encourage you to submit our online contact form. If you have any questions, please call either of our offices at (310) 584-9990.
Preparation
To prepare for your microneedling session, you will need to refrain from taking any medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties. Nicotine use, if applicable, should be discontinued several weeks in advance, as smoking can affect your ability to recover. You may also need to modify your skincare routine to avoid harsh products, such as chemical peels, exfoliants, or retinoids. Your caffeine and alcohol intake should also be limited at least three days before treatment. Any further instructions will be provided by Nurse Practitioner Sherry Sanvictores during your consultation.
Procedure
On the day of your appointment, you should arrive at our office with clean skin, free from any fragrances, skincare products, or makeup.
Nurse Practitioner Sherry Sanvictores will cleanse your skin and apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, she will pass the SkinPen over the targeted areas. The SkinPen is automated and will administer the needles to the skin at a controlled rate to guarantee consistency across the treatment area.
Following this, hyaluronic acid will be applied to moisturize and nourish your skin. The created microchannels allow the serum to penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing its effectiveness. We may also add platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to your treatment for further rejuvenation. Adding this specialized serum can help stimulate collagen production on a cellular level, accelerating your skin’s renewal. You can expect your procedure to last between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your concerns.
Recovery
Nurse Practitioner Sherry Sanvictores will provide you with tailored post-treatment instructions to guide your recovery. You should avoid touching your face immediately after your appointment to prevent irritation. The skin may be red, flaky, or dry following your microneedling session, similar to that of a sunburn. This is common and will resolve as your skin regenerates. We will recommend certain topical moisturizers to use as your skin heals for the best results. When going outside, you should also wear the proper sun protection.
You will be able to return to your schedule immediately after your appointment, but some patients prefer taking one to two days away from work to allow any redness to subside. You should avoid wearing makeup until your skin heals.
Results
Over the following weeks, you will be able to notice continuous improvement in the appearance of your skin as your collagen levels rise. You will be able to enjoy a clearer, brighter, and more radiant complexion as your skin renews itself. While you can see significant benefits after just one session, the most optimal results can be achieved after a series of three to four treatment sessions spaced two to four weeks apart.
Corresponding Procedure
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a procedure that utilizes a special chemical solution to rejuvenate your skin. This treatment is designed to remove the outermost layer of your skin to stimulate collagen production and cellular turnover, restoring a more youthful appearance. This treatment is ideal for addressing concerns like uneven skin tone or texture, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and even rosacea. When paired with microneedling, patients benefit by reducing the outer layers of damaged skin and stimulating the healing process simultaneously.
Cost of Microneedling in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills
The cost of your microneedling treatment will vary depending on the areas being treated and the skin conditions being addressed. Nurse Practitioner Sherry Sanvictores will discuss the cost of your microneedling session after evaluating the condition of your skin. Zarrabi Plastic Surgery is also partnered with Cherry Financing to offer flexible financing plans.
To learn more about the cost of your tailored microneedling treatment, please schedule a consultation at either our Santa Monica or Beverly Hills office by contacting us online or calling (310) 584-9990.
FAQ
Does microneedling hurt?
Because we administer a topical anesthetic, most patients have a comfortable procedure. The sensation of the procedure itself is often described as light pricking or scratching.
How many microneedling treatments do most patients need?
While many patients experience improvements after just one treatment, a series of treatments may be recommended to address more significant skin concerns.
What is recovery like after a microneedling session?
Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, it is advisable to avoid physical activities and excessive sun exposure for several days following the appointment.
Can I combine microneedling with other skin rejuvenation treatments?
Yes, microneedling can safely be combined with treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapies for more comprehensive results. Nurse Practitioner Sherry Sanvictores can make personalized suggestions based on your goals during your personal consultation.
References
- Litchman G, Nair PA, Badri T, Kelly SE. Microneedling. Nih.gov. Published September 26, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459344/#article-38285.s5
- Jaiswal S, Sugat Jawade. Microneedling in Dermatology: A Comprehensive Review of Applications, Techniques, and Outcomes. Cureus. 2024;16(9). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.70033
