Microneedling in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Treatment time 30 to 45 minutes

Sessions 3 to 6, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart

Downtime 1 to 2 days (RF, 1 to 3 days)

Results last 6 to 12 months (RF, 1 to 2 years)

What is microneedling, and how is RF microneedling different?

Short answer

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses ultra-fine sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin. Your body repairs them by producing new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy through the needles, heating the deeper dermis for stronger remodeling of scars, deeper wrinkles and firmness.

Acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores and dull, uneven skin develop as collagen declines and sun damage accumulates. Topical products work at the surface and cannot reach deeply enough to rebuild that structure. Microneedling reaches the upper dermis, where collagen is made.

We offer two levels. Classic microneedling with the Delasco Pen, a medical-grade device, relies on precise mechanical stimulation rather than heat. Exion fractional RF microneedling pairs microneedles with monopolar radiofrequency and AI-guided energy delivery in a single pass, for concerns that need deeper treatment.

Both are minimally invasive, both are safe for all skin types and tones, and both work best as a series. Dr. Cappel recommends the right option for your skin at consultation.

Key concerns addressed

What microneedling treats

Both treatments rebuild collagen from within, so they improve several concerns at once.

Acne scars

Atrophic boxcar, rolling and ice pick scars come from lost collagen. New collagen remodels scar tissue and fills in depressions. Clinical studies show microneedling can reduce acne scars by 50% to 70%. See also acne scar treatment.
Fine lines and wrinkles

Renewed collagen and elastin plump the skin from within and soften lines. RF energy reaches deeper to smooth static wrinkles caused by collagen loss and sun damage.
Enlarged pores

Pores look larger when the collagen around them weakens. Firmer skin tightens the pore opening for a more refined complexion.
Uneven texture and tone

Faster cellular turnover and new collagen reveal smoother, brighter, more even skin. See texture and pores.
Stretch marks

Stretch marks are a form of scarring from rapid stretching. Collagen remodeling improves their appearance, texture and color.
Firmness

Exion RF microneedling heats the deeper dermis, tightening the skin and improving firmness along with texture.

Microneedling pen being used on a patient's cheek

How does microneedling work?

The needles create controlled micro-injuries that pass through the epidermis into the upper dermis. That triggers the body's natural wound healing in three phases: inflammation, proliferation and remodeling.

During proliferation, fibroblasts produce new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. During remodeling, that new tissue is organized and strengthened, so the skin becomes smoother, firmer and more even over the following weeks. No synthetic substances or foreign materials are involved.

The micro-channels also let serums and growth factors applied during treatment penetrate more deeply.

What does Exion RF microneedling add?

Exion fractional RF inserts microneedles to a controlled depth and delivers monopolar radiofrequency energy through them, heating the deeper dermis. Monopolar RF penetrates deeper than bipolar RF, which drives stronger collagen stimulation and scar remodeling.

Traditional RF microneedling needs several passes over the same area. Exion treats in a single pass, with artificial intelligence keeping energy delivery consistent in depth and temperature. That shortens treatment, reduces discomfort and keeps results predictable.

Exion fractional RF is FDA-cleared for fractional treatment of the skin. Downtime is one to three days, compared with one to two for classic microneedling.

Exion RF microneedling tip with a blue light on the skin

Which one is right for me?

The choice depends on how deep your concern goes and how much downtime you can take. Many patients start with classic microneedling for texture and early lines; deeper scars and wrinkles often call for Exion.

Classic microneedling: acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, texture and stretch marks; 3 to 6 sessions; 1 to 2 days of redness
Exion RF microneedling: deeper acne scars, deep wrinkles and firmness; 3 to 4 sessions; 1 to 3 days of downtime
Either: any skin type or tone, including darker skin

Is microneedling safe for darker skin?

Yes. Lasers that rely on heat can cause burns and hyperpigmentation in darker skin. Classic microneedling uses mechanical stimulation instead, which makes it safe and effective for all skin types, including Fitzpatrick types V and VI. Exion RF microneedling is also safe for all skin types.

The most common side effects are temporary redness, swelling and mild sensitivity. Some patients have minor pinpoint bleeding or bruising. Infection and scarring are extremely rare when aftercare is followed.

Treatment overview

What to expect, from consultation to results

01
Consultation

Dr. Cappel assesses your skin, discusses your goals and builds a personalized plan, including whether classic or RF microneedling fits best.
02
Preparation

Avoid sun, tanning, retinoids and acids for at least one week. Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.
03
Numbing

Topical numbing cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before treatment for comfort.
04
Treatment

The device is passed over the area in a systematic pattern, felt as light scratching or pressure. 30 to 45 minutes.
05
Recovery

Expect redness like a mild sunburn for 1 to 2 days (1 to 3 with RF). Makeup can usually go on after 24 hours.
06
Results

Glow is immediate; full results build over 4 to 8 weeks as collagen forms, and keep improving for months.

Suitability

Is microneedling right for you?

A good fit if

You have boxcar, rolling or ice pick acne scars
You want to soften fine lines, wrinkles and signs of aging
You have enlarged pores, rough texture or stretch marks
You have any skin type or tone, including darker skin
You want natural, progressive results with minimal downtime
You can commit to a series of treatments

Not the right treatment if

You are pregnant
You have an active infection or open wound in the area
You have a history of keloid scarring
You take blood thinners, or isotretinoin (Accutane) for classic microneedling

Dr. Cappel reviews your medical history first. For other resurfacing options, see chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing.

Compared

Microneedling compared with other resurfacing options

Microneedling, RF microneedling, chemical peels and ablative laser compared
Treatment	How it works	Downtime	Best for
Microneedling	Ultra-fine needles create micro-injuries that stimulate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid	1 to 2 days	Acne scars, fine lines, pores and texture; all skin types
Exion RF microneedling	Microneedles deliver monopolar RF for deep collagen remodeling in a single pass	1 to 3 days	Acne scars, deep wrinkles, pores and texture; all skin types
Traditional RF microneedling	Microneedles with bipolar RF; multiple passes	1 to 3 days	Tightening and texture; shallower than Exion
Chemical peels	Acids remove the surface layer to improve tone and texture	3 to 7 days for medium-depth peels	Mild texture and pigmentation; less effective for deep scars
Traditional ablative laser (CO2)	Laser removes the entire surface layer of skin	7 to 14 days	Severe wrinkles and scars; more downtime and risk, especially for darker skin

Results

Before and after

Results for this treatment, photographed before treatment and at review.

Before After

Exion RF Microneedling · Female, age 35 to 44

Individual results vary. Photographs depict actual outcomes for specific patients and are not a guarantee of the results any individual patient will experience.

Cost

What microneedling costs at Dermagnify

Pricing

The cost depends on the areas treated and the number of sessions in your plan. Classic microneedling is usually 3 to 6 sessions and Exion RF microneedling 3 to 4, each spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. We give you transparent pricing at your consultation, with package pricing and flexible payment options available.

Costs vary with the number of sessions and the areas treated. We give you transparent pricing at your consultation, before any treatment. Cost and payment options

Questions

Questions about Microneedling

Microneedling uses fine needles alone to trigger collagen production. RF microneedling, such as Exion, also delivers radiofrequency energy through the needles to heat the deeper dermis, which gives stronger remodeling for deep acne scars, wrinkles and firmness with slightly more downtime.

Many patients notice a glow and smoother texture right away. Full results develop over 4 to 8 weeks as collagen forms, and most patients see visible improvement after 2 to 3 sessions. RF microneedling results keep improving for up to 6 months after the final session.

Topical numbing cream is applied first. Most patients describe a tolerable light scratching or vibrating feeling with microneedling, and pressure with mild prickling with Exion RF microneedling.

One to two days of mild redness and sensitivity, like a mild sunburn, after microneedling; one to three days after RF microneedling. Most people return to work within 24 to 48 hours, and makeup can usually be applied after 24 hours.

Most patients need 3 to 6 microneedling sessions, or 3 to 4 RF microneedling sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Acne scars typically take 4 to 6 microneedling sessions, and severe scarring may need more.

Microneedling results can last 6 to 12 months or longer, and RF microneedling results 1 to 2 years or longer, depending on your skin, age and lifestyle. Sun protection and good skincare help, and many patients choose a maintenance session every 6 to 12 months.

Yes. Microneedling relies on mechanical stimulation rather than heat, so it is safe for all skin types, including Fitzpatrick types V and VI. Exion RF microneedling is also safe for all skin types.

Cost depends on the areas treated and the number of sessions in your plan. We provide transparent pricing at your consultation, with package pricing and flexible payment options.

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