Hey everyone! I had my third microneedling appointment yesterday in La Jolla with Dr. Zoe at Perfect Face. I found Dr. Zoe via Instagram back in April after I had Ozzy. I was so impressed to learn she’s also a anesthesiologist and was in the Navy. I mean…she’s the real deal!
Dr. Zoe applied a medical grade numbing cream to my entire face and neck. We waited 30 mins until I was nice and numb. When you see Zoe in person, you will stare at her face. Not one pore or wrinkle to be found, trust me I looked. Just this beautiful healthy glow and smooth skin. She works out of her La Jolla office 2 days a week and books up SUPER quick, so if you’re in Southern CA or coming to visit this summer, call ahead! Let me answer some common questions about microneedling.
What is microneedling?
She uses a device called a Collagen P.I.N to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries to your face (you can also do neck, chest, hands, etc). By doing this it triggers the skins natural repair process to take over and produce new collagen and elastin. This will improve scarring, lines, sun damage, and will also tighten the skin.
Did it hurt?
NOT. AT. ALL. I do think I have a high tolerance for pain, but I didn’t feel anything. Not exaggerating either. I even told Dr. Zoe I felt relaxed having it done. Make sure you are seeing a real doctor that can provide proper numbing if pain a concern of yours.
How many treatments do you need to see results?
Everything I’ve read and seen, just one to see results. Obviously you will see even greater benefits if you do more than one. I just completed my 3rd treatment. My concerns are sun damage and to brighten under my eyes and tighten that delicate skin around my eyes.
What’s the downtime?
Right now it looks and feels like I have a bad sunburn. I can wear MINERAL (I use this every day) makeup up after 24 hours. After 4 days you can resume normal makeup application. I think it’s best to avoid going places for the first 48 hours. Although I went to Costco last night a couple hours after mine and just accepted the staring, we needed groceries, badly;)
How much does microneedling cost?
Price varies depending on the state/city you are in. Dr. Zoe charges $400 per treatment and it includes all your aftercare products. Make sure you are seeing a licensed professional for this.
Is microneedling the same as microdermabrasion or the PMD you use?
No! they are totally different. Microdermabrasion is used to exfoliate your skin and clean out your pores. It can be done weekly and I personally think the PMD at home treatment is just as beneficial as a professional treatment.
Do at home microneedling tools work the same as a in-office treatment?
I can’t 100% answer this, because I have not tried a at-home microneedling tool. There are several on the market ranging from $25-$300. I do know at home treatments don’t go past the epidermis layer of your skin. I also know to get the results I get from microneedling my skin needs to be completely numb in order to go deep into the dermal layer of the skin. Again, I have not tried at home microneedling tools and will do so in order to give you a proper opinion. Stay tuned for that.
Do you do the PRP (platelet rich plasma aka vampire facial) with your microneedling?
I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m looking forward to it. According to Dr. Zoe, the addition of PRP can significantly decrease recovery time, which is awesome. Maybe even better though, is the huge bump in the glow factor that she says comes from using the power of your body’s own blood. Platelets are integral to our body’s healing process and since they are loaded with growth factors that send a variety of signals to the skin, PRP treatments seem to do it all: increase dermal collagen levels, increase the thickness of the skin’s superficial layer, accelerate tissue repair, treat hyperpigmentation, minimize scarring, boost skin glow, tightness, firmness and smoothness.
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The only place I can find up by me (San Luis Obispo) is a plastic surgeons office and they use Rejuvapen. Do you know if that’s similar to what you had done? Thanks so much!
This was soo helpful! I have an appointment next week at my dermatologist and this was going to be on the docket for potential upcoming treatments. Sounds like its a winner!!
So helpful! I kept getting confused when I’d see people show themselves getting it done because I didn’t know if they were doing just the microneedling or the vampire facial. So if I’m understanding this right, Dr. Zoe does yours so deep that your face bleeds a little?
Yes, it bleeds from every pore. That’s the benefit of going to a medical doctor for treatment. They can safely go deep into your skin. Try it!
I have done 2 of 3 scheduled microneedling treatments and I am loving the results! The only thing I’d love to add is that the first time the pain was tolerable, just uncomfortable. But the second time I thought I was going to die! I was on my period and that can change your pain sensitivity from what I understand. I found that out the hard way. And that was with about 45 minutes of numbing cream before hand! I would suggest not scheduling right before or during your period just in case!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for sharing. I have my first micrneedling appointment coming up and I’m nervous and thinking of canceling. Is there scabbing? How long did you have to wait before working out and sweating? Did you get your neck done too? Do you have any pics you’d feel comfortable sharing of right after and then a few days after?