Microneedling in Anaheim & Orange County
Neoderma offers two microneedling treatments for acne scars, wrinkles, pores, and laxity: Secret RF, which drives radiofrequency through 64 gold-plated needles for a non-surgical facelift, and Exceed, an FDA-cleared automated microneedling device for acne scars and wrinkles with less downtime. Both build collagen over a series of three, and both are safe for all skin tones.
Medically reviewed by Sal Nadkarni, DO · Last updated July 7, 2026
Drag the slider — active acne and scarring cleared to smooth, even skin over a Secret RF microneedling series.
What does Secret RF microneedling treat?
After testing countless lasers and modalities for acne scars and wrinkles, this is the technology we chose. It's a powerful anti-aging treatment for:
- ✓Acne scars & pitted texture
- ✓Fine lines & wrinkles
- ✓Skin laxity (a non-surgical facelift)
- ✓Enlarged pores
- ✓Stretch marks
- ✓Surgical & other scars
- ✓Overall skin tone & texture
- ✓All skin tones, safely
How does Secret RF work?
Secret RF is a micro-needle fractional radiofrequency treatment. A head of 64 gold-plated needles punctures the skin while radiofrequency energy is transmitted into the surrounding tissue — compounding the collagen-boosting effect of the needles alone. The controlled micro-injury plus deep RF heat triggers your skin to rebuild collagen and elastin, which is what tightens, lifts, and smooths scars and lines. The depth of the needles is adjusted for each area to maximize results, and because the energy is delivered below the surface, it's safe across skin tones.
What is Exceed microneedling?
Exceed, by Candela, is an automated microneedling device that's FDA-cleared for the improvement of facial acne scars and facial wrinklesin adults 22 and older. Instead of radiofrequency, Exceed relies on precise mechanical microneedling: a motorized tip stamps sterile, single-use needles into the skin at a controlled depth, creating thousands of micro-channels that switch on your body's natural collagen-and-elastin repair — the process known as collagen induction therapy.
Because the depth is dialed in precisely and adjusted across the face, Exceed is consistent and comfortable, with a gentler feel and typically less downtime than RF microneedling. It's an excellent choice for early fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and overall tone and texture — and a great entry point if you want microneedling's benefits at a lower price.
Secret RF vs. Exceed: which microneedling is right for you?
Both treatments create the micro-channels that trigger new collagen — the difference is the added radiofrequency energy. Secret RF goes deeper and tightens more; Exceed is gentler, faster to recover from, and more affordable. At your consultation we'll match the device (or a combination) to your skin and goals.
| Secret RF | Exceed | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | 64 gold needles + radiofrequency | Automated microneedling (no RF) |
| Best for | Skin tightening, laxity, deeper acne scars | Fine lines, acne scars, pores, texture |
| Downtime | Redness 4–5 hrs; 5–7 days total | Redness ~24 hrs; often less |
| Comfort | Numbing; deep RF warmth | Numbing; gentler feel |
| Typical cost | $1,500 / session | $325 / session |
Both are safe for all skin tones and finished with LED therapy. Many clients start with a series of three and maintain with occasional touch-ups.
How many sessions will I need?
You may see fantastic results after just one treatment, but for the best results we recommend a series of three, spaced about 4 weeks apart and finished with LED therapy to calm the skin and speed recovery.
| Concern | Typical plan |
|---|---|
| Fine lines & tightening | 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart |
| Acne scars & texture | 3+ sessions, 4 weeks apart |
| Stretch marks & body scars | Series, planned per area |
How much does microneedling cost in Anaheim?
Secret RF microneedling is $1,500 per session, and a package of 3 — the recommended series — is normally $4,500 but is currently on special for $2,250. Exceed automated microneedling is $325 per session, with no add-ons. You'll get an exact quote and a written plan at your consultation, before any treatment.
Financing available through Cherry and CareCredit — split your treatment into flexible monthly payments. Learn more →
Does it hurt? How do I prepare and recover?
We apply a topical numbing cream for at least an hour before treatment — in-office or at home with our prescription-strength cream — so most clients are comfortable throughout. Expect redness for the first 4–5 hours, with possible light peeling or pinpoint scabbing that resolves within 5–7 days.
Before your appointment
- ✓Avoid sun exposure for 3–5 days before; use SPF 30+
- ✓Stop salicylic acid, retinol & hydroquinone 1 week before
- ✓Arrive with clean skin — no makeup
- ✓Apply numbing cream at least 1 hour before treatment
After your treatment
- ✕No makeup for 24 hours
- ✕No exercise or saunas for 24 hours
- ✕Avoid sun for 2 weeks; use SPF 30+
- ✕Pause exfoliation for 1–2 weeks and retinoids for at least 3 days
Five-star reviews from real patients
“My skin changed a lot with my main problem.”
“I have been to see Melissa for 8 years and she's great. She always has what I need, and my skin changed a lot with my main problem (melasma). I recommend Melissa — she's not only great with melasma, she is so professional and gives me exactly what I need. Thank you Melissa.”
Real results: before & after
Watch: Renee clears her acne scars
Renee came to Neoderma for our stem cell facial with microneedling to treat her acne scarring — and told her story on camera. Acne scars are one of the most rewarding things we treat with Secret RF: texture you've lived with for years can genuinely change.
Inside the treatment
Microneedling FAQ
What's the difference between Secret RF and Exceed microneedling?
Both create controlled micro-channels that trigger collagen, but Secret RF adds radiofrequency energy delivered deep through 64 gold-plated needles — a stronger tightening and scar-remodeling effect, ideal for laxity and deeper acne scars. Exceed is precision automated microneedling (no RF) that's FDA-cleared for facial acne scars and wrinkles, with a gentler feel, less downtime, and a lower price. At your consultation we recommend the right one — or a combination — for your skin.
Is Exceed microneedling FDA-cleared?
Yes. Exceed, by Candela, is an automated microneedling device FDA-cleared for the improvement of facial acne scars and facial wrinkles in adults 22 and older. Its motorized tip stamps sterile, single-use needles at a precisely controlled depth, so treatment is consistent and comfortable across the face.
What is Secret RF microneedling best for?
Secret RF is best for skin tightening, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture. It pairs a head of 64 gold-plated microneedles with radiofrequency energy delivered into the surrounding tissue — a double collagen boost that can be thought of as a non-surgical facelift.
How many treatments will I need?
You may see fantastic results after just one treatment, but for the best results we recommend a series of three treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart, finished with LED therapy. The number depends on your skin concerns and goals.
Is Secret RF microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Because the radiofrequency energy is delivered below the surface through insulated microneedles rather than by light or heat on the skin's surface, Secret RF is safe for darker skin types when performed using proper protocols.
Does Secret RF microneedling hurt?
We apply a topical numbing cream for at least an hour before treatment, so most clients tolerate it well. You can numb in-office or at home with our prescription-strength numbing cream. The needle depth is adjusted per area to balance comfort and results.
What is the downtime and aftercare?
Expect redness for the first 4–5 hours, with possible light peeling or pinpoint scabbing that resolves within 5–7 days. Avoid makeup for 24 hours and exercise or saunas for 24 hours. Stay out of the sun for 2 weeks with SPF 30+, and pause exfoliation for 1–2 weeks and retinoids for at least 3 days.
How do I prepare for Secret RF?
Avoid sun exposure for 3–5 days before treatment and use SPF 30+. Stop active products like salicylic acid, retinol, and hydroquinone for 1 week prior, and don't wear makeup to your appointment. You'll apply numbing cream for at least an hour before treatment.
How much does microneedling cost in Anaheim?
Secret RF microneedling is $1,500 per session, and a package of 3 (the recommended series) is normally $4,500 but is currently on special for $2,250. Exceed automated microneedling is $325 per session with no add-ons. Your exact quote comes with a written plan at your consultation, and financing is available through Cherry and CareCredit.