Microneedling San Diego
Microneedling
Achieve more vibrant, youthful-looking skin using the Eclipse MicroPen® Elite. This treatment, also known as collagen induction therapy, is designed to gradually improve the tone and texture of your skin with minimal downtime. The MicroPen®Elite is ideal for treating and improving a variety of skin conditions to include fine lines, skin texture, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Unlike lasers, there is no heat generated with the treatment, so it is safe for all skin types.
How does microneedling work?
The Eclipse MicroPen® Elite is a cordless device with a patented high-speed motor for fast penetration of the needles. A topical hyaluronic acid (HA) peptide gel is applied to clean skin to help the tip glide across the skin while delivering topical HA deep into the skin. As the tip is applied to the skin, thousands of superficial micro-channels are created every second. These micro-channels in your skin stimulate collagen remodeling as well as enhance absorption of your anti-aging skin care and pigment lightening products. The adjustable needle depth allows MicroPen® professionals to customize the treatment for optimal clinical results.
“I have been going to Dr. Gallus since 2019 for treatments including Botox, fillers, IPL, and microneedling with radio frequency. My results since switching to Dr. Gallus have been better than my previous aesthetic doctor. I look much more natural and have very little, if any bruising after injectables. Also, I love the office staff! It’s a very down to earth, relaxed and fun atmosphere.”
—Actual patient of Dr. Gallus
How is microneedling done?
After cleansing your skin, a topical numbing cream is applied for approximately 30 minutes. A sterile applicator containing 12 tiny micro-points is attached to the Eclipse MicroPen®. Your skincare professional will apply a thin layer of gliding serum to your skin and select the appropriate treatment setting based on your unique needs. Next, in a single motion, the pen will be gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding until the entire treatment area has been covered.
The procedure takes from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the area treated as it is popular to treat the neck and décolleté with microneedling. Once the treatment is completed, the area is cleansed and Alastin® Skin Nectar is applied to promote quick healing. Next sunscreen is applied, and you are on your way to daily activities.
Does microneedling hurt?
Many of our San Diego microneedling patients wonder if the micro-needles will hurt during their treatment. Rest assured, most patients report the discomfort from microneedling treatments as being very minimal. We will apply a numbing cream before the treatment begins, cooling air during the treatment, and cooling ice packs after to minimize any discomfort. We also offer Pro-Nox, a patient-controlled pain management system that allows you to administer your own pain relief during your treatment. Learn more about Pro-Nox here»
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Promotes the regeneration of skin cells to improve overall skin texture
- Effectively reduces the appearance of acne scars and post-surgical scarring
- Fades hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and evens out skin tone
- Acne Scars: Scarring that occurs as a result of acne, which microneedling can help reduce by stimulating collagen production and skin regeneration.
- Collagen Induction Therapy: Another term for microneedling, highlighting its ability to stimulate the production of collagen, thereby improving skin texture and firmness.
- Dermaroller: A handheld device used in microneedling, equipped with a roller containing hundreds of tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin.
- Downtime: The period of recovery after a procedure, where microneedling typically has minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities more quickly than after more invasive procedures.
- Elastin: A protein in the connective tissue of the skin that allows it to return to its original shape after stretching or contracting.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Early signs of aging that can be minimized with microneedling through the promotion of new skin cells and increased collagen production.
- Hyperpigmentation: Darkened areas of the skin caused by excessive melanin production.
- Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy): A cosmetic procedure that uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin, stimulating natural collagen production and skin rejuvenation.
- Non-Surgical: Refers to treatments that do not involve surgery or incisions, such as microneedling, which is minimally invasive and does not require extensive recovery time.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A condition where the skin becomes darker in areas that have been injured or inflamed.
- Serums: Specialized skincare products applied to the skin before or after microneedling to enhance the treatment’s benefits, such as hyaluronic acid for hydration or vitamin C for brightening.
- Skin Texture: The surface quality of the skin, which can be improved with microneedling by reducing roughness and promoting a smoother appearance.
- Stretch Marks: Streaks or stripes on the skin caused by rapid stretching. Microneedling can help diminish the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
- Sun Damage: Skin damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, leading to premature aging.
Recovery & Results
You may experience some mild redness, swelling and a warm sensation that day but most patients are able to apply makeup the next day. It is important to combine the treatments with a skin care regimen as your skin may be dry and flaky for a few days as you heal. The treatment is most effective in a series of 3 -6 treatments every 4-6 weeks depending on the treatment goals.
Each patient has unique skin needs and requirements. The safety and control features of the Eclipse MicroPen® Elite lead to predictable, consistent results. Compared to lasers and dermal rollers, MicroPen® can deliver reliable and improved outcomes for virtually every patient.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Schedule your consultation!
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus holds over 15 years of experience as a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. Her priority is taking the time to listen to your goals and partner with you to develop the best and safest treatment plan that will optimize your results and leave you looking and feeling your best. To schedule your personal consultation, call our office at 858-224-2281 or reach out online.
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References »
Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2016. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185468.
Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Aug 8;10:289-298. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S142450. PMID: 28848356; PMCID: PMC5556180.
El-Domyati M, Barakat M, Awad S, Medhat W, El-Fakahany H, Farag H. Microneedling Therapy for Atrophic Acne Scars: An Objective Evaluation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Jul;8(7):36-42. PMID: 26203319; PMCID: PMC4509584.
Claytor RB, Sheck CG, Chopra V. Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009466.
Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):244-54. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185468.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Jul 8, 2025
