YOUR TREATMENT GUIDE
Microneedling
Microneedling makes controlled small punctures in skin. It may improve selected scars and texture. Standard microneedling does not deliver the heat used in RF microneedling.
General patient education. Your clinician’s written instructions take priority because your device, product, medical history and treatment intensity may differ.
Before your appointment
- Tell us about cold sores, active acne/infection, healing problems, medicines and recent treatments. For RF, disclose implanted electronic devices and metal near the treatment area.
- Avoid tanning and ask when to pause retinoids or exfoliating products. Arrive with clean skin; your clinician decides whether treatment is suitable.
What happens at your visit
The clinician assesses your skin, cleans it and discusses numbing. A device passes over the selected areas. Ask about sterile technique and a new needle cartridge for every session.
Aftercare & recovery
- Use only the gentle cleanser and skincare your clinician recommends while the skin barrier recovers. Avoid makeup for at least the initial 24 hours, or longer if instructed.
- Avoid heat and strenuous exercise for the first day, and avoid swimming, scrubs and irritating products until cleared. Do not pick peeling skin.
- RF can require different recovery instructions from conventional microneedling. Ask when to resume sunscreen, active products and normal activities.
Results & follow-up
Redness, tightness, sensitivity and some peeling may occur. Improvement is gradual and a series may be considered. The depth and area influence downtime.
Your questions, answered
Is it suitable for active acne?
An active infection, cold sore, inflamed breakout or open wound may require postponement. A consultation helps distinguish treating acne from treating scars left by acne.
Can I use my regular skincare?
Avoid irritating products and use only the recommended aftercare while healing. Ask when to resume retinoids, acids, exfoliation and makeup; timing depends on the depth and skin response.
Can I combine it with PRP or serums?
Ask what will be applied and why. FDA-authorized microneedling devices are not approved to deliver cosmetics, medicines or blood products such as PRP into skin. Combination risks and expected benefit need a separate discussion.
Are results permanent?
Aging, sun exposure and the underlying skin condition continue. A series or maintenance may be discussed, but improvement and duration cannot be guaranteed.
What are the risks?
Bleeding, bruising, irritation, pigment changes, infection and cold-sore reactivation can occur. Ask about your history of scarring, immune problems or slow healing.
Is a home roller equivalent?
No. Do not try to reproduce a clinical procedure at home or use a roller on healing skin. Depth, hygiene and assessment affect safety.
Planning your visit
How much will it cost, and is insurance accepted?
Ask for an individualized estimate before treatment, including the proposed course, follow-up and any separate products or prescriptions. Cosmetic services are generally self-pay; medically necessary care depends on your plan and eligibility. Do not assume a consultation is free.
Can I have treatment at the first visit?
An assessment comes first. Same-day treatment depends on suitability, preparation, availability and informed consent. Tell us about upcoming travel or events when arranging your visit.
What if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication?
Tell the clinician before booking a procedure. Elective cosmetic treatment may be deferred. Bring a complete medication and supplement list; never stop prescribed medicines just to prepare for a cosmetic visit without the prescriber’s advice.
Can I see before-and-after results?
Ask whether consented, real patient examples are available for your treatment and skin type. Lighting, angle and timing affect comparisons. Illustrative website images are not proof of a treatment outcome or a promise of your result.
Who do I contact afterward?
Call 510-777-1000 during Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM or Saturday 9 AM–2 PM Pacific. If we are assisting another patient, leave your name and callback number. For urgent symptoms after hours, seek prompt medical care instead of waiting for a message response. Call 911 for an emergency.
When to get help
Contact the clinic for blisters, burns, persistent numbness, worsening pain, pus or spreading redness.
For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, get medical care promptly. Call 911 for breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms or another emergency. The website form is not monitored for urgent medical concerns.
Still have a question?
Our team can help you arrange a visit and clarify your treatment instructions. Hablamos español.
Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM · Saturday 9 AM–2 PM · Pacific Time
Patient education sources
Information checked October 28, 2026. These references provide general education, not Osita-specific treatment protocols.