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Microneedling

Your skin has a remarkable ability to heal and rebuild itself, and microneedling simply gives it the right conditions to do exactly that. This treatment triggers a restorative response deep within the skin, producing real, lasting improvements in texture, tone, and firmness without harsh chemicals or lengthy downtime. Acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, and uneven texture are all concerns our team addresses with precision and clinical confidence.

Dr. Greg Moreno, MD and Dr. Keith Yablonicky, MD bring over a decade of board-certified medical experience to every treatment, ensuring your skin is in highly qualified hands. At MEDHERO, that level of expertise is paired with a genuine commitment to personalized care, because your skin deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Understanding Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, has been used in clinical settings in Europe for over two decades. The concept is straightforward: by creating thousands of controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, you trigger the body’s natural repair response. That response floods the area with growth factors, new collagen, and new elastin, the proteins responsible for firm, smooth, youthful-looking skin. Over time, the dermis becomes thicker, wrinkles appear softer, and overall skin quality improves.

The results microneedling produces go well beyond surface-level improvement. Patients commonly see a reduction in acne scars, surgical scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone after completing a series of treatments. Because the process works by stimulating the skin’s own repair mechanisms, improvements continue building for weeks after each session. This makes microneedling one of the few aesthetic treatments where the full benefit reveals itself gradually rather than all at once.

Our Microneedling Services

We offer two clinically proven microneedling options designed to address a range of skin concerns, from surface texture and tone to deeper issues like laxity and scarring. Our providers will assess your skin during your consultation and recommend the device that best matches your goals and skin type.

SkinPen

The SkinPen is our primary microneedling device and the first FDA-approved, Class II microneedling tool on the market, making it a trusted choice for all skin types. It works by creating thousands of precise micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, triggering the body’s natural repair response to produce new collagen and elastin. Acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and uneven texture all respond well to SkinPen treatments, with most patients completing a series of three to six sessions spaced three to six weeks apart.

Vivace

Vivace takes microneedling a step further by combining the collagen-stimulating effects of fine needle penetration with radiofrequency energy delivered directly into the skin. This dual-action approach generates heat at a deeper tissue level, enhancing skin tightening and firmness beyond what standard microneedling can achieve on its own. Vivace is a strong option for patients dealing with skin laxity, crepey texture, or those looking to accelerate their collagen response for more pronounced rejuvenation results.

Our Microneedling Process

Your Skin Assessment Starts With a Real Conversation

Your first step is a one-on-one consultation where we take a close look at your skin, your concerns, and your goals. Dr. Keith Yablonicky, MD evaluates your skin type, condition, and treatment history to determine if microneedling is the right fit for you. This is also where we discuss which device, the SkinPen or Vivace, is best suited to what you are trying to achieve.

We Build Your Treatment Plan Around Your Skin, Not a Standard Template

No two patients have the same skin, so no two treatment plans look the same here. Our doctor will recommend the most appropriate device, number of sessions, and spacing based on your consultation. A single annual treatment may be enough for some patients, while others with deeper scarring or advanced sun damage may need six or more sessions to reach their goal.

The SkinPen Does the Work, Comfortably and Precisely

On the day of your appointment, a topical numbing agent is applied before treatment begins, so most patients report feeling very little to no discomfort during the procedure. The SkinPen is guided across the treatment area, creating thousands of micro-channels that prompt the skin’s repair response. Sessions are efficient and targeted, covering anything from a focused zone like the chin to broader areas like the full face and neck.

Healing Well Is Part of the Treatment

Immediately after treatment, your skin will look red and feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn, and mild swelling may appear on day two. Our team provides a specialized recovery skincare regimen for the first four days to support healing and minimize infection risk. Avoid excessive sun exposure for 72 hours, skip intense exercise for the first 12 hours, and hold off on your regular skincare products until your skin has recovered.

We Track Your Progress and Adjust as Your Skin Improves

By day four, most patients return to a normal skin tone and can resume makeup and their regular skincare routine. Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on your treatment plan, typically every three to six weeks for a series. Dr. Greg Moreno, MD and our team monitor your progress at each visit and refine your plan as your skin responds and improves.

Why Choose Us for Microneedling

Microneedling produces very different outcomes depending on who performs it and how it is administered. What sets our approach apart is the depth of assessment that happens before any device touches your skin. Dr. Keith Yablonicky, MD evaluates your skin’s current condition, past treatment history, and specific concerns to determine which device, the SkinPen or Vivace, will produce the most meaningful results for you. Neither option is applied on autopilot. Session intervals, needle depth, and post-treatment care are all determined by what your skin actually shows us, and those decisions get revisited at every follow-up. At MEDHERO, every decision our team makes is grounded in how your tissue actually responds, and our team will always give you a straightforward recommendation on which approach serves your skin best.

See What the Right Microneedling Treatment Can Do for Your Skin

Clearer, firmer, more even skin is achievable, and it starts with understanding exactly what your skin needs and which device will get you there. Dr. Greg Moreno, MD and Dr. Keith Yablonicky, MD personally guide every microneedling treatment at MEDHERO, whether that means the precision of the SkinPen or the added tightening of Vivace. Check out our patient reviews on Yelp to see how we have helped others address concerns similar to yours, and find our La Costa or San Clemente office easily through Google Maps.

For skincare tips and treatment education, follow us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for in-depth content on microneedling and skin health. Check our Instagram to see real patient outcomes from SkinPen and Vivace treatments. Call us at 949.218.4455 or 760.652.6071 and our San Clemente or La Costa/Carlsbad team will walk you through your options and put together a microneedling plan specifically for your skin.

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FAQs

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create micro-channels in your skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, encouraging the production of new structural proteins that firm and smooth the skin over time. Combined with radiofrequency energy in treatments like Vivace, microneedling provides enhanced tightening and rejuvenation results.

Does microneedling work?

Yes, microneedling is backed by decades of clinical use and research supporting its effectiveness. The FDA-approved procedure treats acne scars, fine wrinkles, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and uneven pigmentation by promoting skin renewal from within. Many patients notice a visible difference after just one session, and with each follow-up treatment, improvements in texture, tone, and firmness continue to build.

How much is microneedling?

Microneedling costs vary depending on the treatment area, number of sessions recommended, and your individual skin goals. To get accurate details tailored to your specific needs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. Our doctor will walk you through a personalized treatment plan and answer any questions you have during your visit.

Does microneedling hurt?

Most patients find microneedling very tolerable because a topical numbing cream is applied before the procedure begins. Once the numbing agent takes effect, the majority of people report feeling little to no pain, with any discomfort being mild and brief. Deeper treatments targeting scars or advanced sun damage may produce slightly more sensation, but our provider will always adjust the intensity based on your comfort level throughout the session.

How long does microneedling last?

Results from a single microneedling session can last up to one year. Keep in mind that factors like sun exposure, skin aging, and lifestyle habits can influence how long your results hold. Pairing periodic maintenance treatments with a consistent at-home routine that includes daily retinol helps extend and protect microneedling results and keep your skin looking its best.