Microneedling in Del Mar
Maybe you've noticed that your skin doesn't bounce back the way it used to — fine lines settling in around the eyes, texture that makeup no longer smooths over, or acne scarring that has outlasted the breakouts themselves. For many of our Del Mar patients, this is the moment they start looking for something more meaningful than another serum, but less involved than a surgical procedure. Microneedling sits comfortably in that middle space, working with your skin's own repair process rather than covering anything up.
Microneedling is a treatment that uses very fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels in the surface of the skin. These tiny injuries are intentional and superficial, and they signal your body to respond the way it does to any wound — by producing fresh collagen and elastin, the two proteins most responsible for firmness, smoothness, and resilience. Over the following weeks, that new collagen continues to build, which is why results tend to reveal themselves gradually rather than all at once.
Because the treatment relies on your own biology, it addresses a wide range of concerns without introducing anything foreign into the skin. Patients come to us for enlarged pores, uneven texture, dullness, fine lines, and the lingering marks left behind by acne. It can be used across the face and is often part of a longer-term plan rather than a single event. In our studio, microneedling sits alongside neurotoxins and dermal fillers, and it's frequently the piece that addresses skin quality while those other treatments address movement and volume.
Most healthy adults who want to improve skin texture and tone are reasonable candidates, which is part of what makes microneedling so widely used. It tends to suit people who aren't looking for a dramatic change, but who want their skin to look more like itself — clearer, smoother, more even. During your complimentary consultation, we review your skin history, any past treatments, current skincare, and what you're hoping to change.
That consultation matters more than people expect. Sarah Garces, NP-C, our Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and Facial Balancing Specialist, looks at the whole face rather than a single problem area, which is the philosophy Muse was built on. Some patients arrive convinced they need one thing and leave with a plan that sequences treatments differently, or that pairs skin work with cosmetic dentistry from Dr. Darian Anderson. Because both specialties live under one roof here, Del Mar patients don't have to coordinate between separate offices or hope the plans align. Our Medical Director, Monica Kieu, D.O., FACS, oversees the medical side of our practice.
What Treatment Day Looks Like
We begin by thoroughly cleansing the skin and applying a topical numbing agent, which needs time to take full effect. Once you're comfortable, the microneedling device is passed methodically across the treatment areas, with needle depth adjusted according to the region of the face and the concerns being addressed — the skin under the eyes, for example, calls for a different approach than the cheeks or forehead.
Here's what Del Mar patients can generally expect through the process:
- A complimentary consultation before any treatment is scheduled
- Topical numbing applied and given time to work
- A treatment session focused on your specific concerns and skin goals
- Redness and a warm, tight sensation afterward, similar to a mild sunburn
- Gradual improvement as new collagen develops over the following weeks
- A recommended plan, which may include a series of sessions spaced apart
Most patients describe the sensation as pressure or vibration rather than pain. We talk you through each area as we go, and we go at a pace that lets you ask questions.
Aftercare and the Weeks That Follow
Immediately afterward, your skin will look flushed and feel sensitive. We'll give you specific instructions for your skin, but generally the first day or two call for gentleness: keep the skin clean, skip active ingredients like retinoids and acids, avoid heavy makeup, and protect yourself from sun exposure. That last point deserves extra attention for those of us living near the coast, where sun is part of daily life year-round — diligent sun protection helps preserve what the treatment is building.
Redness typically settles within a day or several, and skin may feel slightly rough or dry as it renews. Results continue developing well past that point, which is why we often recommend a series of sessions rather than judging the outcome from one.
Payment, Financing, and Getting Started
We're an out-of-network, fee-for-service studio and do not bill insurance. We welcome self-pay patients, and we'll discuss costs openly before you commit to anything. For those who prefer to spread payments over time, we offer financing through Cherry.
We serve Del Mar along with Solana Beach, Encinitas, La Jolla, and greater San Diego. Your consultation is complimentary, so reach out and we'll talk through whether microneedling fits what you're after.