Microneedling MAX
Collagen Facial · Hillcrest
Dermapen 4 Microneedling in San Diego
Microneedling MAX is collagen induction by our skin therapists: Dermapen 4 microneedling with corrective growth-factor serums, for acne scars, fine lines, pores and texture, fully customized to your skin at every visit. Numbing, an EGF + PDRN calming mask and red light therapy are included. No blood draw.
Questions? Text us at 866.956.1605 or compare both options.
- 4.9★ on Google
- Dermapen 4, FDA cleared
- Numbing included
- Open daily 9am–9:30pm
- Free dedicated parking
Microneedling MAX
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses a pen of fine sterile needles to make thousands of tiny, controlled channels in the skin. Your skin answers by making new collagen and elastin, so scars, lines and texture look smoother over the following weeks. Our MAX session is performed by licensed skin therapists (also called estheticians) and fully customized to your skin: it pairs the Dermapen 4 with growth-factor serums and a calm-down finish.
Dermapen 4, FDA cleared
The fourth-generation Dermapen. Depth is set zone by zone, so thin skin around the eyes and thicker skin on the cheeks each get the right treatment.
Corrective serums
Professional growth-factor serums go into the fresh micro-channels, right when your skin can take them in best.
Comfort included
Professional numbing is part of every session, never an upcharge. Most clients describe the treatment as a light vibration.
Calming mask + red light
An EGF + PDRN calming mask and Ruby Lux red light therapy settle redness before you leave. Both are included in every session.
Who it’s for
What Microneedling Treats
A strong fit when you want to rebuild skin, not just brighten it. Depth is customized to your skin at every visit.
Acne scars
Rolling and boxcar scars look softer and shallower over a series. The Dermapen 4 is FDA cleared to improve the look of facial acne scars.
Fine lines & wrinkles
New collagen and elastin help fine lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead look softer.
Rough texture & large pores
Skin looks smoother and more refined, and makeup sits more evenly.
Sun damage & uneven tone
Helps fade the look of sun spots and post-breakout marks for a more even complexion.
Neck lines & crepey skin
The neck ages right along with the face. Add it for $60 and treat both in one visit.
Tired, dull skin
A visible refresh in texture and glow that keeps improving for weeks after each session.
Wait to book if you’ve tanned or burned in the last 10 days, had a facial in the past 2 weeks or a peel in the past 30 days, or have an active cold sore, skin infection or inflamed breakouts. Want glow this week instead? Try the no-needle Korean Glass Skin Peel.
How it works
What Happens During Your Microneedling Session
Seven steps. Numbing, serums, the EGF + PDRN calming mask and red light are all included.
Skin check & cleanse
Your skin therapist reviews your skin, goals and timing rules, then cleanses and preps so every micro-channel starts clean.
Professional numbing
Numbing cream goes on and is given time to settle fully while you relax. Included, never an upcharge.
Dermapen 4 microneedling
The pen works across your face (and neck, if you add it) zone by zone, with depth adjusted for each area.
Growth-factor serums
Professional corrective serums are applied while the micro-channels are open, so they reach deeper than they could on intact skin.
EGF + PDRN calming mask
A soothing mask with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and PDRN cools the skin and takes down redness before you get up. Included in both options.
Ruby Lux red light therapy
Red light calms the skin further and supports the collagen response. Included in both options.
Your aftercare plan
You leave with clear at-home steps, including the sun rules that protect your new collagen.
Full Face takes about 55 minutes. Full Face & Neck takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Skin therapist or nurse?
Microneedling MAX vs. Med Spa Microneedling
Same Hillcrest address, two different treatments. Here’s the honest difference so you can choose the right one.
| Treatment | Performed by | What goes into the skin | Blood draw | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microneedling MAXThis page | Conjure skin therapist, skincare studio | Growth-factor serums, plus an EGF + PDRN calming mask and red light | No | $199 face · $259 face & neck |
| Microneedling with PRP | Satori Medical Aesthetics registered nurse, med spa | Your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) | Yes | $649 per session |
| GlowTox (Botox Facial) | Satori Medical Aesthetics registered nurse, med spa | PRP plus topical micro-droplets of Botox | Yes | from $599 |
Choose Microneedling MAX for skin therapist microneedling with corrective serums and a calming mask, no blood draw and a lower price. Want PRP? Book Microneedling with PRP at our med spa, where registered nurses apply your own platelet-rich plasma, or ask about GlowTox for added micro-Botox. Need tightening for loose skin? That’s Morpheus8 RF microneedling.
Prices
Microneedling Prices
Two options, one listing, and every session is fully customized to your skin. Included in both: numbing, growth-factor serums, an EGF + PDRN calming mask and red light therapy.
Full Face
55 min
$199
Dermapen 4 microneedling across the full face for scars, lines, pores and texture.
- Numbing included
- Growth-factor serums
- EGF + PDRN calming mask
- Ruby Lux red light therapy
- Aftercare plan
Full Face & Neck
1 hr 15 min
$259
Add the neck for just $60Everything in Full Face, plus the neck, where fine lines and crepey skin show early.
- Everything in Full Face, including the calming mask and red light
- Neck treated in the same visit
- Even results from face to neck
Planning a series? Most clients see their best results from 3 sessions about a month apart, then 1 or 2 a year to maintain. Your skin therapist will map out your timing at your first visit.
Results & downtime
Microneedling Downtime & Results
Most people are back to normal plans the next day. Here’s what to expect.
Same day
Pink, like a mild sunburn
The EGF + PDRN calming mask and red light take the edge off before you leave. Skin may feel warm and tight that evening.
Days 1–3
Settling down
Most of the pinkness fades within a day or two. Makeup can usually go back on the next day. Light dryness or flaking is normal.
Weeks 2–4
Smoother, brighter skin
Texture looks more refined and skin has a fresh glow as the first new collagen forms.
Every 4–6 weeks
Build with a series
Most clients see their best results from a series of 3 sessions about a month apart, then maintain with 1 or 2 a year.
What you can expect
- Smoother texture and refined-looking pores
- Acne scars that look softer over a series
- Fine lines that look softer
- A more even, brighter tone
What microneedling won’t do
- Erase deep scars in a single visit
- Lift or tighten sagging skin
For loose skin, ask about Morpheus8 RF microneedling at our med spa.
“I finally did a series of 3 microneedle treatments. I had dull, uneven texture and overall aging. I’m 45, and I swear my skin looks like I had a firming facial daily! Completely changed the game for me — tons of compliments and questions at work about what I’m doing for my skin. Doing two a year now to maintain.”
From a verified Square review. Read more on Google and Yelp.
Aftercare
Microneedling Aftercare
Your new collagen is fragile at first. These steps protect it.
Do
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day for 90 days after your last session
- Outdoors in the first 10 days, wear a hat and reapply SPF 30 every two hours
- Keep skin clean and moisturized, following your aftercare plan
Skip
- Unprotected sun for 10 days
- Makeup until the next day
- Picking at any dry or flaking skin
Before you book
Microneedling FAQ
Answers to what people search most about microneedling. Still unsure? Talk to a skin therapist, it’s free.
How much does microneedling cost in San Diego?
Our Microneedling MAX is $199 for the full face (55 minutes) or $259 for the full face and neck (1 hour 15 minutes). Numbing, growth-factor serums, an EGF + PDRN calming mask and red light therapy are included in both, so there's nothing to add on. Many San Diego clinics list microneedling at about $300 to $550 per session, and PRP versions cost more.
What's the difference between this and microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling MAX is a skin therapist treatment at our skincare studio: Dermapen 4 microneedling with professional growth-factor serums and an EGF + PDRN calming mask, no blood draw, from $199. Microneedling with PRP is a medical treatment at our Hillcrest med spa, performed by registered nurses with Satori Medical Aesthetics, who draw a small amount of your blood and apply your own platelet-rich plasma during microneedling. It's $649 per session. GlowTox, the med spa's Botox Facial, adds topical micro-droplets of Botox to PRP microneedling and starts at $599.
Is the Dermapen 4 FDA cleared?
Yes. The Dermapen 4 (DP4) is FDA cleared to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults 22 and older. We also use it to improve texture, pores and fine lines; results vary from person to person and build over a series.
What's included in Microneedling MAX?
Both options include professional numbing, Dermapen 4 microneedling, professional growth-factor serums, an EGF + PDRN calming mask, Ruby Lux red light therapy and a written aftercare plan. Full Face & Neck adds the neck, with the same inclusions. There are no add-ons to buy, and every session is fully customized to your skin, with needle depth set for each area.
Does microneedling hurt?
Professional numbing is applied and given time to settle fully before we start, so most clients describe the treatment as a light vibration. The Dermapen 4 moves quickly and precisely, which also keeps it comfortable.
How much downtime is there after microneedling?
Very little for most people. Expect pink, sunburn-like skin the day of your treatment; the EGF + PDRN calming mask and red light therapy take down much of the redness before you leave. Most of the pinkness fades within a day or two, makeup can usually go back on the next day, and light dryness or flaking is normal for a few days. Plan around the sun rules: no unprotected sun for 10 days afterward.
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
Collagen builds over a series. Most clients see their best results from 3 sessions spaced about a month apart, then maintain with 1 or 2 sessions a year. Texture and glow improve along the way, and deeper acne scars reward the full series.
Should I add the neck?
If your neck shows fine lines, crepiness or sun damage, yes. The neck ages right along with the face, and treating both in one visit keeps your results even. Full Face & Neck is $259, only $60 more than the full face, and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
Microneedling uses no heat or light energy, which is why it's a common choice for deeper skin tones. Your skin therapist adjusts depth zone by zone and reviews your skin history first. If you tend to get dark marks after irritation, tell us at booking so we can plan your treatment.
Who should wait before booking microneedling?
We'll reschedule if you've tanned or burned in the last 10 days, had a facial in the past 2 weeks or a chemical peel in the past 30 days, or have an active cold sore, skin infection or painful, inflamed breakouts. Keep your face out of the sun for 4 days before your visit unless you wore SPF 30 or higher the whole time. Microneedling isn't right if you've recently taken Accutane (isotretinoin) or form keloid scars.
Book Your Microneedling in Hillcrest
Full Face $199 · 55 min · Full Face & Neck $259 · 1 hr 15 min · numbing, calming mask & red light included · 1450 Washington St, San Diego · Open daily 9:00 AM–9:30 PM
