in Santa Monica, California
Get Your Glow Back
As we age, collagen production slows, and skin can look dull, lined, or uneven. At Self Care LA, microneedling is a medical-grade skin treatment that helps your skin do what it’s designed to do—repair itself. Tiny, controlled micro-injuries stimulate new collagen and elastin, improving texture, tone, and overall radiance with minimal downtime.
Led by board-certified physician Bharat Kothakota, MD, MPH, our team offers traditional microneedling with MicroPen EVO, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and RF microneedling with Morpheus8 for patients who need deeper tightening. We’ll match the method to your skin and goals for natural-looking results.
Collagen, But Make It Yours
Microneedling—also called collagen induction therapy—uses very fine, medical-grade needles to create thousands of tiny channels in the skin. Your body responds by producing new collagen and elastin, which helps smooth fine lines, soften acne scars, refine large pores, and improve overall skin texture. Most patients describe the feeling as a light vibration with a prickly sensation, not painful, thanks to a topical numbing cream applied before treatment.
Microneedling also boosts product penetration. Those micro-channels allow medical-grade serums—like hyaluronic acid or your own PRP—to reach deeper layers for better hydration and faster renewal. It’s a simple, effective treatment for skin that looks tired, uneven, or rough from sun damage and the natural aging process.
Refinement, Not Reinvention
We offer three proven options. Traditional microneedling with MicroPen EVO focuses on texture, pores, and fine lines. Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (often called a “vampire facial”) uses your own growth factors to accelerate healing and stimulate more collagen production. For patients with laxity or etched-in lines, Morpheus8 RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat below the surface to tighten and remodel at a deeper level. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the right approach and a treatment plan for maximum results.
Target What Actually Bugs You
Collagen production declines with age, and lines form more easily. Microneedling encourages fresh collagen and elastin, softening fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks while improving skin firmness.
Old breakouts can leave an uneven texture that makeup doesn’t hide. Microneedling helps break up scar tissue and replace it with new collagen, gradually smoothing the look of pitted or boxcar scars.
If pores and rough texture are your top concerns, microneedling tightens their appearance and polishes the surface so skin looks smoother and more even in photos and in person.
Sun exposure and past inflammation can leave uneven tone. Microneedling supports faster cell turnover to fade dark spots and improve overall skin tone without harsh peels.
On the body, microneedling can soften the look of stretch marks by stimulating new collagen where the skin has thinned or separated, improving color and texture over time.
On the scalp, microneedling may support hair growth by increasing blood flow and enhancing the penetration of topical solutions. When combined with PRP, many patients notice thicker-looking hair in treated areas.
Why This Works So Well
Patients choose microneedling because it works with the skin, not against it. You can expect a fresher surface, more refined texture, and a healthier glow with minimal downtime. Improvements are gradual and natural because they come from your own collagen production.
Another advantage: flexibility. Microneedling is safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin and those with melanin-rich tones, because it doesn’t rely on heat or harsh chemicals. It pairs well with other treatments, such as Morpheus8, Clear + Brilliant, or Botox, and fits neatly into a long-term skin health plan.
See If You’re A Fit
Most healthy adults seeking smoother texture, smaller-looking pores, or softer lines are good candidates. It’s also a strong option for acne scars, sun damage, and stretch marks, and it can be tailored for the face, neck, chest, and body. If you’ve been told you have “stubborn texture,” this is often the most direct route to change.
We may delay treatment if you have active acne or infection in the area, a history of keloids, recent isotretinoin use, open wounds, or if you’re pregnant or nursing. Bring a list of medications and products to your visit; we’ll review what to pause in the days prior and map out the safest path forward.
Here’s How We Do It
Plan for about 45–60 minutes in the office. We’ll cleanse the skin and apply a prescription-strength numbing cream for 20–30 minutes so the session is comfortable. Your provider then glides the MicroPen EVO over the treated area, creating small punctures at a controlled depth. If you’re adding PRP, we’ll draw a small amount of blood, spin it to concentrate your platelets, and apply it during or immediately after the passes.
Most patients feel a light buzzing or scratching sensation. After treatment, we apply a soothing, medical-grade serum or mask to calm redness and support early healing. You can head back to regular life the same day with simple aftercare.
The Day-After Playbook
Expect mild redness and warmth—similar to a gentle sunburn—for a few hours, sometimes up to 24–48 hours. Skin may feel tight or lightly rough as it renews. Keep your skincare simple: a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid), bland moisturizer, and a zinc-based SPF. Avoid makeup on the first day if possible.
Hold retinoids, acids, exfoliants, and heat exposure (hard workouts, hot yoga, steam, saunas) for 24–48 hours. Skip facials, waxing, or lasers for one week. These small steps protect the new collagen forming beneath the surface and help you get the most out of your treatment.
How Fast You’ll Notice
Many patients notice a healthy glow and smoother feel within a week. As collagen production ramps up, texture continues to improve over the next 4–6 weeks. For acne scars, stretch marks, or deeper lines, we typically recommend a series of three sessions spaced about a month apart, followed by maintenance a few times per year.
If laxity is a concern, your provider may suggest Morpheus8 to stimulate more collagen at deeper layers. We’ll set expectations clearly so you know when to look for changes and how follow-up treatments build on each other for lasting results.
What It Costs—And Why
Pricing depends on the area, method, and number of sessions. Traditional microneedling for the face typically costs less than microneedling with PRP, while Morpheus8 sits at a higher tier due to the added radiofrequency technology and depth. During your consultation, you’ll receive a clear quote and a plan that outlines how many sessions are recommended for your goals.
We also bundle series for value and to support consistency, since collagen works on a schedule. If you’re deciding between options, we’ll walk through traditional microneedling, PRP add-ons, and RF microneedling so you can choose the path that fits your skin, timeline, and budget.
During your session for microneedling Santa Monica aesthetics expert Dr. Bharat Kothakota and his team will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and design a plan for exceptional, natural-looking results. Call (323) 337-3445 (323) 238-9284 or book online to schedule a private consultation at our Montana Avenue office.
With numbing cream, most patients describe it as a tolerable prickly vibration.
Yes. Because it’s heat-free, microneedling is safe for all skin types with appropriate technique and aftercare.
Yes. It pairs well with PRP, Morpheus8, Clear + Brilliant, and injectables, spaced appropriately.
Most plans start with three sessions, four weeks apart, then maintenance.
Schedule your appointment at Self Care LA today!
Ready to offer your skin a second chance? Our aesthetic specialists have years of experience delivering stunning outcomes. Schedule your consultation in Santa Monica today. We can’t wait to treat you to the self-care you deserve.
1426 Montana Avenue, Suite 2, Santa Monica, CA 90403