Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin to produce new collagen and elastin, improving acne scars, texture, pores, and fine lines. At Santa Barbara Face & Body in Santa Barbara, California, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon performs SkinPen® Elite microneedling as a minimally invasive treatment that is safe for all skin tones.
SkinPen® Elite microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering a healing response that produces new collagen and elastin. It improves acne scars, uneven texture, enlarged pores and fine lines with little downtime and is safe across all skin tones. When appropriate, it may be combined with regenerative applications such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or PDGF-BB (Ariessence). It is typically done as a short course.
What it does
Microneedling prompts the skin to rebuild its own collagen, from the inside.
- Softens acne scars. Breaks up and rebuilds collagen to improve the look of atrophic acne scars.
- Refines texture and pores. Smooths rough texture and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Improves fine lines. Builds collagen that softens early fine lines and dullness.
Because it works by stimulating your own healing rather than removing the surface, it is gentle and, importantly, safe across all skin tones.
How it works
A device with fine, sterile needles is passed over numbed skin, creating controlled micro-channels at a depth matched to your concern. The skin responds as it would to any small injury, by producing new collagen and elastin over the following weeks. When appropriate, treatment may be combined with regenerative applications such as PRF or PDGF-BB (Ariessence). Downtime is minimal, usually a day or two of redness, and results build gradually.
Because collagen builds over time, microneedling is usually planned as a short course of sessions spaced weeks apart, which the consultation maps out.
Microneedling or laser, and why it is a real choice
They both rebuild collagen, but they suit different skin and different goals.
| Microneedling | CO2 laser | |
|---|---|---|
| How | Micro-injury, needles | Ablative laser energy |
| Downtime | Minimal, a day or two | About one to two weeks |
| Strength | Gentle, gradual | Powerful, dramatic |
| Skin tones | Safe for all | Higher pigment risk in darker skin |
| Sessions | Usually a short course | Often one deeper treatment |
Microneedling suits gradual improvement and every skin tone, while CO2 laser suits deeper resurfacing for suitable skin. A facial plastic surgeon helps you choose based on your skin and how much downtime you can take.
What microneedling works with
This is what the consultation assesses, because the goal and your skin decide the plan.
| What you have | What it means | The plan |
|---|---|---|
| Acne scars, rough texture | A core indication | A course of microneedling |
| A deeper skin tone | Tone-safe treatment | Microneedling suits well |
| Want a regenerative boost | Combine when appropriate | PRF or PDGF-BB (Ariessence) |
| Deep wrinkles, heavy damage | Beyond microneedling | A stronger option like laser |
| Active acne or infection | Not ready to treat | Treat that first |
The value is not the list. It is that a facial plastic surgeon matches the treatment to your skin and goal, and is honest when microneedling is enough and when a stronger option fits better.
On the face and the scalp
On the face, SkinPen® Elite microneedling is physician-performed and may be incorporated into individualized protocols for skin remodeling and collagen induction. When appropriate, treatment may be combined with regenerative applications including platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or PDGF-BB (Ariessence).
SkinPen® Elite scalp microneedling may also be incorporated into individualized biologic hair-regeneration protocols, including combination treatment with PRF or PDGF-BB (Ariessence) when appropriate. As the evidence evolves, additional regenerative approaches may be incorporated when they are appropriate for you.
Why Santa Barbara Face & Body
Microneedling is offered nearly everywhere, and the difference is depth of expertise, matching the needle depth and the plan to your skin, and knowing when it is the right tool. Dr. Pontius is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, and she uses microneedling where it genuinely helps, is candid when a stronger treatment would serve you better, and values that it is safe for every skin tone she treats. Skin-type-aware, natural results are the standard here.
- Have acne scars, rough texture, enlarged pores, or early fine lines
- Want gradual, natural improvement with little downtime
- Have a deeper skin tone and want a tone-safe option
- Are willing to do a short course of sessions
- Have deep wrinkles or heavy damage, where a stronger option fits
- Have active acne or a skin infection to treat first
- Have a scarring or keloid tendency, worth discussing
- Are on certain medications that affect healing
What to expect
Dr. Pontius examines your skin and texture, asks what bothers you most, and determines the right needle depth and plan, including whether combining regenerative applications such as PRF or PDGF-BB (Ariessence) makes sense. She explains that results build gradually over a course, what the day or two of redness involves, and the sun protection afterward. If a stronger treatment would serve you better, she will say so. You leave with a realistic, skin-specific plan.
What it costs
Microneedling is quoted by the plan, not by a shelf price, because it depends on the area, whether regenerative applications such as PRF or PDGF-BB (Ariessence) are added, and how many sessions your plan involves. You will have that number in writing at your consultation, before anything is scheduled.
- What it is
- Collagen induction therapy using fine needles
- Treats
- Acne scars, texture, pores, fine lines
- Options
- May be combined with PRF or PDGF-BB (Ariessence) when appropriate
- Downtime
- Minimal, usually a day or two of redness
- Performed by
- Dr. Allison Pontius, board-certified facial plastic surgeon
Microneedling in Santa Barbara, CA
Microneedling gently prompts your skin to renew itself — improving texture, firmness, and overall quality with little downtime. In our Santa Barbara practice, Dr. Pontius tailors each treatment to your skin, building results that look fresh and natural rather than overdone. If you’d like smoother, healthier-looking skin, we’d love to help. Fill out the form below or call us at (805) 764-9074.