Collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin looking taut and youthful, decline gradually with age, sun exposure, and everyday environmental stress. The effects accumulate: fine lines deepen, pores appear larger, acne scars linger longer than they should. Microneedling addresses this at the source. By creating thousands of precise, microscopic channels across the skin's surface, it triggers the body's own wound-healing response and prompts a surge of new collagen and elastin production. The skin rebuilds itself, and the improvements compound over weeks and months.
Holly Byerly, LE, Director of the Esthetic Department at Hayes Valley Medical Esthetics (HVME), consults with clients on microneedling daily and brings a clinician's perspective to what the treatment can and cannot do. At HVME, those options are delivered under the medical supervision of a board-certified plastic surgeon, with a clinical team covering everything from foundational collagen induction therapy to advanced RF-powered systems. This blog walks through how microneedling works and which HVME option might be the right fit for your skin.
What's Happening Beneath the Surface
When microneedles penetrate the skin at controlled depths, they initiate a three-stage repair process. The immune system responds first, increasing blood flow, clearing debris, and beginning to construct new tissue. Granulation cells then fill in the wound zone as fresh blood vessels develop alongside them. In the final stage, new dermal tissue replaces the old. Skin emerges with more density and structural support than before.
"With microneedling, we create controlled micro-injuries that activate the skin's natural wound-healing cascade, stimulating collagen and elastin, which I often describe to patients as the scaffolding that supports healthy, strong skin." - Holly Byerly, LE, Director of the Esthetic Department at HVME
The depth of needle penetration shapes what the treatment can accomplish. Shallow settings address surface-level concerns like pore size, fine lines, and uneven texture. Medium depths reach stubborn fine lines and surface scarring. Deeper settings are reserved for more substantial concerns: pronounced wrinkles, deeper acne scarring, and noticeable skin laxity.
What Microneedling Can Help With
Microneedling's versatility has made it one of the most requested treatments at HVME. The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes it as a proven option for improving acne scars and skin texture. Patients come in with different priorities, and the treatment adapts to most of them:
- Acne scars and surface scarring
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged or visible pores
- Uneven skin texture and tone
- Crepey or lax skin
- Sun-damaged skin
- Rosacea
The treatment is safe for all skin types, tones, and shades, with very few people ruled out as candidates. Even clients with thinner skin can typically proceed, since needle depth is fully adjustable throughout the session.
Going Further: HVME's RF Microneedling Options
HVME offers three RF-enhanced systems, each pairing microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivered through the needles. The thermal energy heats deeper tissue layers, prompting collagen remodeling that builds firmer, better-supported skin over time. Performed exclusively by HVME's trained clinical team, each system is tailored to a distinct set of goals:
- Scarlet SRF: FDA-cleared for skin tightening, pore refinement, and photoaging. Short-pulse radiofrequency is delivered at customizable depths through specialized microneedles. Particularly effective for forehead lines, cheek sagging, and jaw laxity, with most patients completing three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.
- Silkro RF: Combines RF energy, microneedling, and plasma technology to improve fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and skin laxity across both the face and body.
- Agnes RF: Uses insulated microneedles to deliver precision radiofrequency with minimal impact on surrounding tissue. Best suited for the eye area, jawline, and neck, where targeted skin tightening and fat reduction can produce results comparable to surgical contouring, without the recovery.
Ready to Build Your Plan? Meet with the HVME Team
Every microneedling treatment at HVME begins with a complimentary consultation, where the clinical team evaluates your skin, understands your goals, and builds a plan tailored to where you are right now. Reach out to schedule your consultation at the Hayes Valley or Larkspur location. New to HVME? Book your first treatment with Holly Byerly, LE and receive 10% off.
