If home skin products are no longer providing effective results, but you don’t want to undergo surgical procedures, consider minimally invasive skin renewal treatments, such as microneedling with SkinPen. Plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schoemann is pleased to offer microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) at his office in Encinitas, CA.
SkinPen microneedling uses several fine needles to effectively and safely create micro-injuries in the needed areas of the skin. Micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural production of elastin and collagen, two proteins that contribute to the appearance and health of your skin. Easily performed with other skin treatments, such as serums or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microneedling can help minimize scars, stretch marks, and pores.
Schedule a consultation at Schoemann Plastic Surgery to learn more about the results of SkinPen microneedling and discover how to customize your treatment to meet your specific needs and goals.
Stimulates your body’s own repair process
Helps with acne scars, fine lines, and large pores
Can be combined with serums or growth factors
Light redness for 1–2 days, no peeling.
Gentle enough for regular use
At Schoemann Plastic Surgery, we offer professional microneedling treatments to stimulate natural collagen production, minimize the appearance of fine lines and scars, and enhance your skin’s overall texture. It’s one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for individuals seeking smoother, brighter, and more confident-looking skin.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a treatment that uses a pen-like device with tiny sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny channels signal your body to ramp up collagen and elastin production, which naturally helps repair and renew the skin’s surface.
The result: firmer, smoother skin with improved tone and texture—without surgery or harsh resurfacing.
Microneedling is performed in-office and takes about 30–45 minutes. We apply a topical numbing cream before treatment to keep you comfortable throughout. Most patients describe the feeling as a light vibration or pressure—not painful, just unusual.
Microneedling is performed in a treatment room, typically lasting around 30–60 minutes, with local anesthesia or a numbing cream, if desired.
However, most patients experience mild to no pain and discomfort. The areas of skin being treated will be cleansed before the SkinPen handpiece is passed evenly over them. After microneedling is complete, a topical treatment, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or a vitamin-infused serum, can be applied to allow nutrients to penetrate deeper into the skin. A moisturizer tailored to your skin type will be massaged in, along with sun protection, as the treated skin will be sensitive after the treatment.
Microneedling is ideal for improving:
It’s also a great way to enhance the absorption of active serums, such as hyaluronic acid or growth factors, which can be applied immediately after treatment for a deeper impact.
Microneedling isn’t just about looking better—it’s about helping your skin work better. It taps into your body’s natural ability to heal, so improvements happen gradually, comfortably, and without dramatic downtime.
For many patients, that makes it a smart, low-stress option that fits into real life.
Microneedling helps refine skin texture, fade mild scars, and soften fine lines—without lasers, chemicals, or deep peeling. That makes it a favorite for those who want visible results but aren’t ready for more aggressive treatments.
By creating controlled micro-injuries, microneedling signals your body to rebuild collagen and elastin—two key components that keep skin firm, bouncy, and smooth. You’re not injecting anything synthetic or removing layers of skin—you’re just helping your body do what it already knows how to do.
Patients often report more balanced skin and fewer clogged pores after a series of treatments. Microneedling is especially helpful for those who deal with congestion, dullness, or lingering post-acne marks that don’t respond well to topical products alone.
Microneedling also improves the absorption of medical-grade serums, which are applied immediately after your treatment. This allows ingredients like hyaluronic acid or growth factors to penetrate deeper, improving hydration and long-term skin health.
You may be a candidate for microneedling if you have light or mild skin issues, such as rough skin texture or low elasticity. Microneedling procedures may also reduce the look of scars, pores, and stretch marks.
You need to be willing to wait a while before seeing the results of your SkinPen microneedling procedure, as elastin and collagen require time to take effect on the complexion. However, you will achieve natural-looking results and gain improved overall skin health.
Whether you’re just starting your skin journey or looking to level up your regimen, microneedling is a reliable, low-downtime option that works with your skin—not against it. Let us help you find the right pace and plan to support your goals.
After a microneedling treatment, you may experience mild redness and swelling for about one day; however, this should resolve quickly on its own. It can take about 1–2 months for the collagen and elastin supply to increase, until you notice significant improvements in the health and appearance of your complexion. You should schedule approximately 3-4 treatments every 4–6 weeks to achieve ideal outcomes and maintain long-term skin health.
Most patients begin to see a fresh glow and a smoother texture within a week. Deeper concerns like scars or wrinkles improve gradually over 3–4 treatments, spaced about a month apart. Because microneedling works by prompting your skin to heal itself, results build over time and are best maintained with regular visits and good skincare habits.
We believe skin treatments should be as personal as your skin itself. At Schoemann Plastic Surgery, you’ll receive care from experienced providers who tailor every treatment to your skin tone, texture, and tolerance—never a cookie-cutter plan.
Our office is designed to feel calm, elevated, and welcoming, so every visit feels like time well spent, not just time out of your day.
Microneedling costs vary depending on the treatment area, the number of sessions, and any additional add-ons, such as growth factors or serums. Most patients achieve the best results with a series of treatments. We’ll review pricing during your consultation, so there are no surprises—just a clear plan.
Most people see visible improvement after 3 to 4 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart. For deeper scars or more advanced skin concerns, a longer series may be recommended. After that, maintenance treatments every few months can help keep your results fresh.
Yes. Microneedling pairs well with treatments like chemical peels, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), or growth factor serums to enhance your results. During your consultation, we’ll help you create a personalized plan that supports your skin goals while ensuring treatments are safe and effective.
Yes—microneedling is generally safe for all skin tones, including deeper Fitzpatrick types, because it doesn’t rely on heat or light like lasers. It’s an excellent option for texture, scarring, or tone concerns without the risk of hyperpigmentation that some lasers carry.
We use a topical numbing cream before treatment to make microneedling comfortable. Most patients describe the sensation as light pressure or a mild prickling. Areas with thinner skin may feel more sensitive, but the process is quick and well-tolerated.
For 24–48 hours after treatment, avoid sun exposure, hot environments (like saunas), makeup, and active skincare ingredients like retinol or acids. Stick to gentle cleansers, hydration, and SPF to help your skin heal smoothly and comfortably.