Dermapen microneedling in Salinas and Carmel

It is uncomfortable rather than painful for most people: a scratching, prickling sensation that is most noticeable over bone. Dermapen recommends treating without anesthetic for the best results. We know that isn't for everyone, and topical numbing is available for comfort. Afterward, expect redness like a sunburn, with tenderness, dryness, or flaking that can last several days depending on treatment intensity.

We use the Dermapen 4 (DP4), which is FDA-cleared for improving the appearance of facial acne scars in adults. It has adjustable depth settings and takes a new sterile, single-use needle cartridge for each treatment, so the procedure is tailored to the areas being treated.

We prefer to schedule them on separate visits, usually about two weeks apart, so each treatment settles on its own schedule and we can judge each result on its own. The exception is a micro-dose MesoTox finish, which is designed to pair with microneedling.

We assess your skin and review medications and recent procedures, then treat to the depth your skin and goals call for. Redness, tenderness, dryness, and flaking can last several days, with recovery varying by treatment intensity, and most people are back to their routine within a day or two with sun protection.

Most people notice the first changes at around twelve weeks, and improvement keeps evolving over the following three to six months as collagen remodels. A series of three to six treatments about four weeks apart, followed by maintenance twice a year, gives the strongest result; the exact number is individualized. Scars can become less noticeable without disappearing completely.

Improved surrounding texture may make pores look less noticeable. Microneedling does not remove pores or permanently close them.

Tell us about active breakouts, cold sores, rashes, impaired healing, recent tanning, and all medicines and skincare products. Follow your personalized instructions for cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and restarting active skincare or makeup.

A light DP peel developed for use within the Dermapen treatment process. It adds a gentle surface-exfoliation step to the visit with minimal to no visible peeling, and it is different from our VI Peels and SkinMedica peels.

Yes, on alternating visits four to six weeks apart rather than the same day: microneedling breaks up pigment and starts collagen remodeling, and the VI Peel then lifts the loosened pigment and slows new pigment from forming. It is our usual plan for melasma that has stalled on peels alone and for acne scarring with dark marks.

The plan depends on your skin and the procedure being performed. We may adjust or omit a step if your skin is irritated or the combination is not appropriate that day. Your clinician will explain what is included in the treatment you book.

The exosome treatment with a post-treatment mask at your visit, plus BENEV Exobalm and a take-home cream for the week after. It is priced separately from the microneedling series, and you can add it to any session.

In a randomized split-face trial, exosomes applied after fractional laser resurfacing improved acne scar scores more than the laser alone and reduced redness in the first week, and in a 2025 trial they matched PRP head-to-head (see The research, above). Patients choose the upgrade for a calmer recovery and the extra support for texture and tone; we'll tell you what to expect for your skin at your consultation.

In a randomized trial of 100 men, weekly microneedling added to 5% minoxidil produced about four times the gain in hair count of minoxidil alone over twelve weeks, and later reviews have supported the combination. Exosomes have outperformed placebo in a randomized trial, and PRP has done the same across thirteen; the numbers are under The research in the hair section. We assess your pattern of hair loss first and build the plan from there.