Microneedling
Acne scars, fine lines, and rough texture share a common problem: the skin’s collagen has been disrupted and never fully rebuilt. Microneedling uses very fine needles to create controlled micro injuries that prompt the skin to produce new collagen and elastin as it repairs itself. Patients visit the Beverly Hills office from West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Century City, and across Los Angeles for microneedling treatment.
Dr. Kami Parsa’s interest in how skin heals extends beyond the treatment room. He wrote HEAL, a book on recovery, and lectures on nutrition before and after surgery, both of which reflect the same principle behind microneedling: the result depends on how well the body repairs what was deliberately disturbed. He is an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than 20 years of clinical experience and an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
“Microneedling works by asking the skin to heal. That means the aftercare, the sun protection, and your general health matter as much as the treatment itself.” — Dr. Kami Parsa
Description: Microneedling along with LED red/blue light treatment can reduce the appearance of stretchmarks. This combination therapy is also great for reducing the appearance of scars and age spots.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, sometimes called collagen induction therapy, uses a device with fine sterile needles that move rapidly in and out of the skin. Each needle creates a microscopic channel that triggers the skin’s repair response, prompting new collagen and elastin without the heat used in energy based treatments. The channels also allow topical products applied during treatment to absorb more effectively.
Needle depth is adjusted for the area and the concern, with shallower settings around the eyes and deeper settings for scars. Microneedling devices are FDA-cleared for specific uses, including the improvement of facial acne scars and wrinkles, depending on the device.
What Microneedling Can Treat
- Acne scars and other depressed scars
- Fine lines and early wrinkles
- Uneven texture and enlarged pores
- Stretch marks on the body
- Overall dullness and skin quality
For laxity or deeper scarring, Morpheus8 adds radiofrequency energy beneath the surface, and the Duplex® Procedure pairs that with laser resurfacing. Scar-specific options are on the Scars page.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Microneedling may be a good fit for adults who:
- Have acne scars, texture concerns, or early lines
- Want collagen stimulation without heat or light energy
- Can plan a day or two of redness and commit to a series
- Are in good general health
Because microneedling does not target pigment, it can be used across a wide range of skin tones, though careful technique still matters, since inflammation can trigger darkening in deeper tones. It is not appropriate over active acne, cold sores, skin infections, or open wounds, or for anyone with a bleeding disorder, a tendency to form raised scars, or recent isotretinoin use. It is avoided during pregnancy.
What to Expect During Microneedling
Your visit begins with a skin assessment by Dr. Parsa or licensed members of his clinical team. A topical numbing cream is applied and left in place for about 30 minutes. The device is then passed over the treatment area in sections, and most patients describe the sensation as light sandpaper moving across the skin, with more pressure felt over bone.
Afterward the skin looks red and flushed, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn, typically for 12 hours to three days. Mild swelling, tightness, or light flaking can follow. Keep the skin clean, avoid makeup for about 24 hours, and avoid sun exposure, heat, and strenuous exercise while it settles. Most patients notice an immediate glow, with visible improvement developing over two to four weeks and continuing for up to six months as collagen rebuilds. A series of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is typical, and deeper scarring or stretch marks may take more.
Risks and When to Seek Care
Common effects include redness, swelling, tightness, dryness, and light flaking. Less common risks include infection, cold sore outbreaks, acne flares, milia, prolonged redness, and darkening after inflammation. Scarring is rare but possible with aggressive treatment or picking at healing skin. Contact the office if you notice spreading redness, pus, unusual pain, blistering, or pigment changes that do not settle.
Why Choose Dr. Parsa’s Practice for Microneedling in Beverly Hills
- Depth Matched to the Concern: Settings are adjusted for the area, with shallower depths near the eyes and deeper work for scars.
- Honest Escalation: When scarring or laxity needs energy based treatment, those options are available in the same practice.
- Sterile Single Use Tips: Each treatment uses a new sterile needle cartridge.
- Aftercare Guidance: Instructions cover the healing window, and the practice’s Pre and Post Procedure Instructions are online.
- Plans, Not One Offs: Microneedling is scheduled as a series with a defined endpoint rather than sold indefinitely.
Schedule a Microneedling Consultation in Beverly Hills
If acne scars, texture, or early lines are bothering you, a consultation will determine whether microneedling or a stronger treatment fits your skin. Visit the office at 465 N Roxbury Dr, Suite 1011, in Beverly Hills, or request your consultation online.
Medically reviewed by Kambiz K. Parsa, M.D. on
- What is MicroNeedling?
- What does it feel like?
- What can I expect after a MicroNeedling procedure?
- When will I see the results?
- How many treatments will I need?
The Eclipse MicroPen uses a sterile needle-tip containing 12 tiny micro-needles to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin. This initiates the skin’s repair process to naturally produce collagen and elastin, ideal for smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, traumatic scars, and stretch marks. Micro-channels created by the treatment allow for optimal absorption of topical products and combination treatments, enhancing their effects in the deeper layers of skin.
Go To TopMicroNeedling feels similar to sandpaper being moved across the skin. Topical numbing may be applied prior to your procedure, but no anesthesia or medications are necessary.
Go To TopThe skin will be red and flushed, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn, for 12 hours to 3 days. You may also experience mild swelling, tightness, and/or mild peeling. Side effects are temporary and typically resolve within 3 days. Total healing time depends on the depth of the treatment, skin type, and skin condition, and some patients may heal completely in 24 hours.
Go To TopPatients typically notice an immediate glow, but visible improvement will take about 2-4 weeks and can continue for up to 6 months.
Go To TopA series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is ideal for optimal results. Some conditions like deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, and acne scars may need 6-8 treatments.
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