
Microneedling is collagen-induction therapy that creates tiny channels to boost glow, soften fine lines, and refine early texture, with recovery that varies. At SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, every plan is set by dermatologist-trained providers following the SOM Method.
Microneedling at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas typically costs about $350–$500 per session, confirmed in consultation, usually as a series of three. It uses fine needles to create micro-channels that support collagen remodeling for glow, fine lines, pores, and early texture. Downtime and suitability vary with skin type, history, treatment depth, and healing response. PRP may be discussed separately when appropriate. Dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method.
~$350–$500
3, a series
30–45 min
Varies by depth
2–3 months
Individual review
30–45 minutes
2–3 months
3 sessions a series
Varies by depth
Collagen induction
Dermatologist-trained provider
Microneedling uses a precise pen of fine needles to create thousands of tiny micro-channels in the skin. This controlled stimulation prompts your body to produce new collagen and elastin, improving glow, fine lines, pores, and early texture.
Standard microneedling is often a lower-intensity option than RF microneedling. Downtime, suitability, and pigment risk vary with skin type, history, treatment depth, and healing response. PRP may be discussed as a separate adjunct when appropriate. A SOM provider personalizes the plan after candidacy review.
Planned within a dermatologist-led center and delivered by dermatologist-trained providers.
A lower-intensity option; downtime varies by depth and healing.
Dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method.
Skin type, history, pigment risk, and treatment depth are reviewed.
PRP is a separate adjunct discussed only when appropriate.
• Dull tone and early texture
• Fine lines and large pores
• Mild acne scarring
• Prefer a lower-intensity option after review
• Many skin tones, after individualized review
• Maintenance between stronger treatments
• Active acne breakout or infection in the area
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Recently on isotretinoin (Accutane)
• History of keloid scarring
• Want deep laxity correction (consider Morpheus8)
• A bleeding disorder or blood thinners (ask first)
A consultation with a dermatologist-trained SOM provider confirms that microneedling fits your skin type and texture goals.

At SOM's dermatologist-led aesthetic center, dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method for every microneedling protocol and treatment.
New patient rate
Available after first visit
PRP may be discussed separately; series pricing available
Final pricing is confirmed in consultation. 0% APR financing through Cherry and CareCredit for qualifying patients.
Your SOM provider reviews your skin and goals and sets needle depth.
We cleanse and apply numbing cream so microneedling stays comfortable throughout.
About 30 to 45 minutes. The pen creates micro-channels; PRP is discussed separately when appropriate.
Redness and recovery vary; results build over a series.
Avoid sun and self-tanner before your session. Pause retinoids a few days prior if advised. Avoid blood thinners for 48 hours, and arrive with clean skin and no makeup.
• Avoid sun and self-tanner before treatment
• Pause retinoids a few days before if advised
• Avoid blood thinners 48h prior (reduce bruising)
• Clean skin, no makeup
• Plan a series for best results

Microneedling takes about 30 minutes after numbing. A dermatologist-trained SOM provider passes a device with fine needles over the skin to create controlled micro-channels that trigger collagen. You will feel light pressure and vibration; a serum is often applied.
• ~30 min, after numbing
• Fine needle micro-channels
• Triggers collagen
• Light pressure and vibration
• Serum often applied

Skin looks pink, like a mild sunburn, for 1 to 2 days. Avoid makeup for 24 hours, pause active skincare for a few days, avoid sun, and use SPF. Texture, pores, and fine lines improve gradually; a series gives the best result.
• Pink, mild-sunburn look 1–2 days
• No makeup 24h
• Pause active skincare a few days
• Avoid sun, daily SPF
• Series for best result

• Apply sunscreen daily and reapply outdoors
• Keep skin clean and hydrated
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser the first day
• Follow the recovery guidance provided for your treatment depth
• Complete the series for best results
• Call us right away with any unusual symptoms
• Do not sun-tan or use self-tanner before or after
• Do not touch or pick treated skin
• No makeup for 24 hours
• No saunas, hot yoga, or sweating for 24 hours
• Avoid retinoids and exfoliants for a few days
• Do not replace medical review with online advice
Standard microneedling may improve selected atrophic acne scars, uneven texture, and fine lines through controlled skin punctures and remodeling. It does not treat every scar or pigment disorder, and depth should follow a skin assessment.
Standard microneedling uses mechanical needles without RF heat; RF microneedling adds energy at selected depths. The latter may address different texture or firmness goals, but adds its own risks and is not automatically the better option.
Some microneedling plans start with about three sessions spaced several weeks apart, while deeper scars may need more or a different procedure. Improvement develops over weeks to months, and the plan is adjusted to skin response rather than a guaranteed session count.
The existing SOM estimate is about $350–$500 per standard microneedling session, with any recommended additions priced separately. Treatment area, depth, and the number of visits determine your exact quote.
PRP may be discussed as an addition, but the FDA has not cleared microneedling devices specifically for use with other products. Ask about the proposed protocol, evidence for added benefit, risks, and extra cost before choosing the combination.
Microneedling can be considered for many skin tones, but pigment changes, infection, bleeding, and scarring are possible. Active infection, inflamed acne, impaired healing, keloid history, medications, and other health factors need review before treatment.
Compare other RF and microneedling treatments.
SOM Aesthetics is at 25 E E St in Encinitas, accessible from Del Mar, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. Call (760) 766-7546.