Microneedling in Newport Beach
Microneedling is one of the most effective skin quality treatments available — not because it is complicated, but because it works with the skin’s own healing biology. Controlled micro-injury. Controlled repair. Progressively better skin with each session.
Microneedling uses a device with fine needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin surface. These controlled micro-injuries trigger the skin’s wound healing response — stimulating collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and tone, and creating channels through which active ingredients can penetrate far more deeply than topical application allows. The result is skin that improves progressively with each session, building quality from within rather than simply treating the surface.
At Plump Medical Spa in Newport Beach, Dr. Amir Mortazavi, MD offers microneedling as a standalone skin quality treatment for the face and neck, and as a component of combination protocols with CO2 laser, FraX erbium resurfacing, or exosomes for patients wanting more comprehensive results in a single session.
Microneedling and RF microneedling are not the same treatment. Standard microneedling creates micro-channels and relies on the skin’s collagen response. RF microneedling (PiXel8) adds radiofrequency energy at the needle tips for deeper dermal heating and significantly more skin tightening. For patients whose primary concern is laxity, RF microneedling produces a more impactful result. For patients wanting texture, pigmentation, and skin quality improvement with minimal downtime, standard microneedling is an excellent and more accessible option.
What microneedling treats
Combination protocols
Microneedling channels are one of the most effective delivery systems for active ingredients and energy modalities — the skin is primed and receptive immediately after needling. Dr. Mortazavi builds combination protocols for patients wanting more comprehensive results than standalone microneedling achieves.
Microneedling + Exosomes
Exosomes — extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells — are applied immediately after microneedling while the channels are open. This dramatically enhances their penetration and collagen-stimulating effect. The combination produces superior skin quality improvement compared to either treatment alone and accelerates the healing response.
Microneedling + CO2 Laser
Microneedling can be performed in the same session as fractional CO2 laser to address both the dermal collagen component and the epidermal surface simultaneously. The combination is staged within the session to maximize the benefit of each modality without unnecessarily extending recovery.
Microneedling + FraX Erbium
FraX fractionated erbium laser addresses surface pigmentation and texture; microneedling drives deeper collagen stimulation. The combination is particularly effective for patients with both pigmentation irregularities and skin quality concerns who want comprehensive improvement in a single session.
Microneedling vs. RF microneedling — which is right for you
Texture, quality, pigmentation
Best for patients whose primary concern is skin quality — texture, tone, fine lines, and pigmentation. Minimal downtime of 24 to 48 hours. Safe for all skin types. An excellent entry point for skin improvement and a strong foundation for combination protocols with laser or exosomes.
Tightening, laxity, acne scars
Best for patients whose primary concern includes skin laxity, early jowling, or significant acne scarring where deeper collagen remodeling is needed. The radiofrequency energy adds a tightening dimension that standard microneedling cannot match. Safe for all skin types with 24 to 48 hours downtime.
What to expect
Treatment
Topical numbing cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before treatment. The microneedling device is passed across the face and neck at a depth customized to the patient’s skin thickness and concern. The full face and neck takes 30 to 45 minutes. When combined with exosomes, the active solution is applied immediately after needling and massaged in while the channels are still open.
After treatment
Redness and mild swelling similar to a moderate sunburn for 24 to 48 hours. Most patients are comfortable returning to normal activities within 24 hours. Mineral makeup can be applied the following day. Avoid active skincare ingredients — retinoids, acids, vitamin C — for 48 hours after treatment. SPF is essential.
Results and sessions
Improvement begins within 2 to 4 weeks as collagen production increases. Results continue to build for 3 to 6 months after each session. Most patients need 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for meaningful improvement. Patients who maintain regular microneedling as part of their skin routine find skin quality continues to improve over time.
Microneedling is one of the most accessible and consistently effective skin quality treatments in the practice — and at $250 per session, one of the most value-driven. For patients wanting to combine it with CO2, FraX, or exosomes for enhanced results, Dr. Mortazavi builds the protocol around what that patient’s skin actually needs rather than defaulting to the most aggressive option. All treatments performed personally.
Frequently asked questions
What is microneedling?
Microneedling uses a device with fine needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, triggering a controlled wound healing response that stimulates collagen and elastin production. It improves skin texture, tone, fine lines, and pore size, and creates channels through which active ingredients penetrate far more deeply than topical application alone allows.
What is the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?
Standard microneedling creates micro-channels and triggers collagen production through the skin’s healing response. RF microneedling (PiXel8 at Plump) does this and simultaneously delivers radiofrequency heat energy into the dermis through the needle tips, producing significantly more collagen remodeling and skin tightening. For laxity and significant scarring, RF microneedling produces a more impactful result. For texture, tone, and general skin quality with a lower price point, standard microneedling is excellent.
Is microneedling safe for all skin types?
Yes. Microneedling is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types including darker complexions. Because it creates mechanical micro-injury rather than delivering heat or light energy to the skin surface, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is significantly lower than with laser treatments. It is one of the few resurfacing modalities that is genuinely safe and effective across all skin types.
What are exosomes and why add them to microneedling?
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells that carry growth factors and signaling molecules involved in tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Applied to the skin immediately after microneedling while the channels are open, they penetrate deeply into the dermis where they significantly enhance the healing and collagen-stimulating response. The combination produces superior skin quality improvement compared to microneedling alone and is particularly beneficial for patients wanting to maximize results from each session.
How many sessions do I need?
Most patients need 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for meaningful improvement. Results continue to develop for 3 to 6 months after each session as collagen remodeling builds. Patients who incorporate microneedling as a regular part of their skin maintenance typically see progressive improvement in skin quality over time.
How much does microneedling cost at Plump?
Standard microneedling for face and neck at Plump Medical Spa in Newport Beach is $250 per session. Combination protocols with exosomes, CO2 laser, or FraX erbium resurfacing are priced based on what is added and discussed at consultation.
Related treatments
Microneedling is often combined with or upgraded to these treatments.
Schedule a consultation
Microneedling for face and neck is available at Plump Medical Spa in Newport Beach, serving patients throughout Orange County and Southern California.
4667 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 310 — Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 568-7544 — info@plumpmedicalspa.com
Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm — By Appointment Only