Skin can change over time due to sun damage, acne, scarring, or the natural aging process, often leaving behind uneven tone, texture, or visible marks. These concerns can be difficult to improve with topical products alone. At Destination Aesthetics™, we offer professional microneedling treatments, including SkinPen®, AQUAGOLD®, PiXel8-RF, and Vivace® RF, to naturally stimulate your skin’s healing response and restore a smoother, healthier appearance. With locations in El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento, CA, our team customizes each session to help you achieve refreshed, radiant skin that feels authentically yours.
Microneedling is a gentle, minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny microchannels to jump-start your skin’s natural healing process. This encourages fresh collagen and elastin production, the building blocks that keep skin firm, smooth, and youthful.
At Destination Aesthetics™, we offer FDA-cleared SkinPen® along with advanced options like AQUAGOLD®, PiXel8-RF, and Vivace® RF microneedling. These treatments can improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, and overall skin texture. Because microneedling works with your body’s own repair system instead of chemicals or fillers, results look natural and continue to improve over time.
At Destination Aesthetics™, we proudly offer SkinPen®, AQUAGOLD®, PiXel8-RF, and Vivace® RF microneedling to rejuvenate and restore your skin. Each option is designed to stimulate collagen, smooth texture, and improve common concerns like fine lines, acne scars, and uneven tone. Based on your unique needs, our providers will recommend the best microneedling treatment to deliver safe, natural-looking, and customized results.
What Is SkinPen® Microneedling?
We use the FDA-cleared SkinPen® microneedling device to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. The device creates tiny, controlled punctures in targeted areas of your skin. We adjust the puncture depth to your precise needs, creating a more personalized treatment that minimizes your downtime while creating effective results.
What Does SkinPen® Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling with the SkinPen® treats skin conditions, including:
Because microneedling is so minimally invasive, it’s safe and effective on various skin types—younger, older, lighter, and darker. Even thinner areas of skin can undergo treatment as the needles can be adjusted to different penetration depths.
What Are SkinPen® Microneedling Treatments Like?
Before your procedure begins, we’ll apply a topical cleansing solution and anesthetic to your skin to keep you comfortable. Your provider will pass the device over your targeted area, which may take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.
How Long Is Recovery After SkinPen® Microneedling?
You’ll likely have some redness and irritation directly after your appointment, but this should subside after 1 or 2 days. Your results won’t be visible right away, but you should begin to notice an improvement in your skin as time progresses. Since the generation of elastin and collagen takes time, you’ll typically see your full results after about 3 months. You may need multiple treatments to see your best results, depending on your targeted area.
Once your treatment is complete, you’ll continue using any topical treatments given to you during your procedure. These will ensure that your skin regenerates properly. We also recommend using plenty of protection whenever you’re in the sun.
What Is Vivace® RF Microneedling?
Vivace® integrates the positive benefits of microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to produce skin tightening along with the production of collagen and elastin. Results can be seen right away and over the long term as the body’s natural processes kick in to promote a more youthful dermal structure and softer, smoother skin overall.
Vivace® combines 2 proven technologies into a single treatment that reverses signs of aging and produces a healthy glow for all skin types. Destination Aesthetics is one of the few offices in the Sacramento region to offer this cutting-edge, FDA-approved technology to our clients.
How Does Vivace® RF Microneedling Work?
RF energy has been used in cosmetic treatments for some time due to its ability to heat the underlying dermal layers without damaging the outer dermis. The heat stimulates the body’s regenerative processes, as well as the production of collagen and elastin. By restoring these proteins, we effectively turn back time on the condition and appearance of the skin.
When microneedling and RF energy are combined into a single procedure, the result is more dramatic, long-lasting results as the technologies work synergistically with each other and with the body’s natural processes.
What Are the Benefits of Vivace® RF Microneedling?
Vivace® offers multiple advantages over other methods of microneedling or RF treatments, including:
For the right clients, Vivace® provides a positive treatment experience and superior results. However, if Vivace microneedling is not the appropriate procedure for you, there are many other options available at Destination Aesthetics™ to help you achieve all of your cosmetic goals.
| Method | Needle Depths | Delivery | Radiofrequency | Michrochannels Open | LED Technology |
| SkinPen® Microneedling | 0.1-2.5 mm | Shearing Across Face | None | Up to 2 hours | None |
| Vivace® RF Microneedling | 0.1-3.5 mm | Stamping | Yes | Up to 6 hours | Red or Blue |
What Does Vivace® RF Microneedling Treat?
Vivace® RF microneedling can be used on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, or areas of the body in need of skin rejuvenation. Concerns addressed with this treatment include:
Our team will assess your situation and concerns to determine whether Vivace® microneedling will produce the best results for you.
What Are Vivace® RF Microneedling Treatments Like?
Vivace® RF microneedling is an almost painless procedure thanks to the personalized numbing cream applied before treatment. Once the area is fully numb, your provider glides the handpiece across the skin to deliver both the needling and the RF energy deep into the dermal layers. A treatment session usually takes between 20 and 35 minutes to complete, depending on how many areas you want to cover during your appointment.
How Long Is Recovery After Vivace® RF Microneedling?
There is typically little to no downtime after a Vivace® treatment, which means you can resume your daily schedule right away. Your skin may appear flushed after treatment, but that side effect should subside within a few hours. You will want to use sun protection after your procedure, since treated skin may be more vulnerable to UV damage. However, we don’t recommend anything on the face for about 6 hours post-procedure with the exception of a calming mask and post-procedure serum.
Vivace® results can be seen right away as your skin may appear smoother and tighter following your treatment. However, the real results develop over time as your body works to heal itself and more collagen and elastin are produced to support the underlying dermal structure. Most clients see the best outcome by scheduling a series of treatments spaced a month apart. Once the full results are achieved, an occasional touch-up procedure should maintain your new skin.
What Is AQUAGOLD®?
AQUAGOLD® is multifunctional skin treatment that combines microneedling with anti-aging products such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers. The device’s tiny gold needles are hollow, which allows products to infuse into the dermal layer as it’s punctured. Tiny doses of BOTOX® and filler help shrink pores, add subtle volume to the skin, and create an overall softer, healthier appearance.
What Does AQUAGOLD® Treat?
AQUAGOLD® is a less aggressive microneedling treatment that is ideal for treating:
We’ll customize the blend of products we infuse into your skin to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need.
How Long Is Recovery After AQUAGOLD®?
AQUAGOLD® recovery is typically quicker than other microneedling methods. You may have some redness if your treated areas for a few hours. As is the case with the other treatments, we recommend following up with plenty of sunscreen.
What Is PiXel8-RF Microneedling?
Our dedication to providing a range of treatment options for our patients includes PiXel8 RF microneedling. Similar to Vivace® treatments, the PiXel8 RF microneedling procedures tend to produce even more dramatic results for patients seeking to tighten loose skin. PiXel8 improves skin texture and tone, as well, by enhancing the collagen-boosting effects of microneedling with the heat of radiofrequency energy.
There is virtually no downtime following a PiXel8-RF microneedling treatment, and the procedure is safe to use on all skin types.
What Conditions Does PiXel8-RF Microneedling Treat?
In addition to skin tightening, PiXel8 RF procedures can treat a wide range of other skin concerns. These include:
A PiXel8-RF microneedling treatment typically takes only about 20 minutes, but it may take your provider up to 30 minutes to prepare the treatment area. We recommend scheduling a series of 3 treatment sessions about 4 weeks apart to get the optimal benefits from the PiXel8-RF procedure.
Microneedling is a powerful yet gentle treatment that taps into your skin’s natural ability to heal and renew itself. Using tiny, hair-thin needles, it creates microchannels that stimulate fresh collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm, smooth, and youthful. Over time, microneedling strengthens the skin, softens scars, refines texture, and minimizes imperfections, leaving you with a radiant, more confident complexion.
Both microneedling and chemical peels are designed to refresh and rejuvenate your skin, but they work in different ways. Microneedling stimulates your body’s natural collagen production from within, improving scars, texture, and fine lines over time. Chemical peels exfoliate the surface with carefully applied solutions, brightening skin tone and addressing pigmentation issues more quickly.
Together, they offer two unique paths to smoother, more radiant skin.
Best For
Fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, rough texture
Pigmentation, sun damage, freckles, age spots, uneven tone
Results
Gradual improvement; builds with multiple sessions
Visible within days to weeks as skin peels and renews
Downtime
Redness 1–2 days, minimal recovery
Results last weeks to months; depends on peel depth
Timeline
Series of 3–6 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
Series of 2–6 treatments, spaced 3–4 weeks apart
Treatment Areas
Face, neck, chest, body stretch marks, and scars
Face, neck, chest, hands
Best For
Pigmentation, sun damage, freckles, age spots, uneven tone
Results
Visible within days to weeks as skin peels and renews
Downtime
Results last weeks to months; depends on peel depth
Timeline
Series of 2–6 treatments, spaced 3–4 weeks apart
Treatment Areas
Face, neck, chest, hands
A #DAG is a Destination Aesthetics™ girl or guy who believes in equality, freedom, love, acceptance, and peace.
As nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed estheticians, we combine our years of experience and artistry in our craft with a passion for bringing out the very best in you. We are family-centric teammates on a mission to help you live your best and most beautiful life.
Stimulates natural collagen and elastin production for long-term skin health
Softens fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother appearance
Improves acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks
Refines pore size and evens out overall skin texture
Safe for nearly all skin types and tones with minimal risk of pigmentation changes
Minimal downtime, making it easy to fit into a busy lifestyle
Microneedling is not just for women, men benefit just as much from its ability to improve skin texture, firmness, and tone. Whether addressing acne scars, enlarged pores, or early signs of aging, microneedling offers subtle yet powerful results that enhance a man’s natural appearance without looking overdone.
At Destination Aesthetics™, our team personalizes treatment plans to respect masculine features and create outcomes that look strong, healthy, and natural.
Microneedling is a proven treatment for softening and smoothing acne scars. By creating tiny microchannels in the skin, it breaks down scar tissue and stimulates new collagen to naturally fill in pitted areas left behind by past breakouts. Over a series of treatments, your skin gradually remodels itself, becoming smoother, firmer, and more even in tone.
Many clients notice a healthier, more uniform complexion after just a few sessions, with continued improvement as collagen builds over time. To learn more about all of our acne scar treatment options, visit our DA Acne treatment page.
Yes. Microneedling is often paired with other aesthetic treatments to maximize skin renewal and deliver more comprehensive results. Because it boosts collagen and enhances product absorption, combining it with complementary services can further improve tone, texture, and firmness. At Destination Aesthetics™, our providers customize treatment plans that blend microneedling with other proven options for a refreshed, radiant look.
Popular treatments often combined with microneedling include:
Step 1
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation where our providers assess your skin, review your medical history, and discuss your concerns. We’ll determine which microneedling device, SkinPen®, AQUAGOLD®, PiXel8-RF, or Vivace® RF, is the best fit and create a customized treatment plan to achieve your goals.
Step 2
On the day of your session, your skin will be cleansed and a topical anesthetic applied for comfort. Using the chosen device, your provider will gently pass the microneedling handpiece across the treatment area, creating tiny microchannels that stimulate collagen and elastin production. The procedure typically lasts 20–45 minutes depending on the area treated.
Step 3
After treatment, you may notice redness or mild swelling similar to a light sunburn, which usually resolves within 24–48 hours. Results develop gradually over the following weeks as your skin heals and strengthens, with improvements continuing for several months. A series of treatments provides the most transformative outcome, and maintenance sessions can help preserve your refreshed complexion long term.
Yes. Microneedling is FDA-cleared and widely recognized as a safe, minimally invasive option for skin rejuvenation when performed by trained professionals. At Destination Aesthetics™, we use advanced, medical-grade devices in a sterile environment to ensure your safety and comfort. Because the treatment relies on your body’s natural healing response rather than chemicals or heat, the risk of complications is very low, and downtime is minimal.
What Are Possible Side Effects?
Possible side effects, while rare, may include:
Most clients see their best results after a series of 3–6 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on your skin’s condition and goals, and your provider will create a customized plan for you.
A topical numbing cream is applied before the procedure, so discomfort is minimal. Most clients describe the sensation as light pressure or a mild scratching feeling that is very tolerable.
You may notice your skin looking brighter and smoother within a couple of weeks. Collagen and elastin continue to build for several months, so improvements develop gradually with each session.
It’s best to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours after your treatment to allow the skin to begin healing. Once cleared by your provider, you can return to your normal routine with mineral-based products recommended.
Yes. Unlike some laser treatments, microneedling is safe for nearly all skin types and tones, making it a versatile option for many clients.
Results can last up to a year or more with proper skincare and sun protection. Many clients schedule maintenance treatments once or twice a year to preserve their refreshed look.
We recommend avoiding retinoids, harsh exfoliants, and direct sun exposure for several days prior. Arriving with clean, product-free skin will help ensure the best results.
If you would like more information about Destination Aesthetics and the services we provide, give us a call! We would be happy to sit down and talk to you about your cosmetic options and answer any questions that you may have.
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