I went to Facile Dermatology + Boutique for a lip bump, but I was open to trying a skin treatment that would address my current and future skincare goals, too. I decided to do a microinfusion treatment facial, and it was the best skincare experience I’ve ever had. The combination of vitamin C, glutathione, small-molecule hyaluronic acid filler, and Botox transformed my face like nothing I’ve ever done before. Read on to learn exactly how this treatment works, what its benefits are, and if it’s right for you.

What Is Microinfusion?

Also known as the Aquagold Fine Touch Treatment, microinfusion treatment involves using a tiny micro-channeling device to inject a special elixir of strategically blended, skin-enhancing ingredients into the superficial layer of the skin. As certified physician assistant Lena Metcalfe says, the device has 20 needles, each of which is finer in width than a strand of human hair and plated in 24-karat gold (so luxe).

Dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD, says that “if combined with injectable hyaluronic acid filler, as our Bella Microgold is, it will result in tiny amounts of hyaluronic acid being deposited in the dermo-epidermal junction, where it attracts skin hydration and makes the skin look dewy and plump. It can be applied to the most of the skin on the face– rather than only in certain specific sites as with traditional botox.”

“There is no exact recipe or science for the cocktail, but most clinics are blending vitamins, Botox, and filler products,” Metcalfe explains. “At Facile, we create a blend based on your skin needs, but our most popular mixture includes vitamin C, glutathione, a smaller molecule hyaluronic acid filler, and Botox. Once the ingredients are all blended, we gently stamp the tiny needles over the face to deliver the goods, even in the typically hard-to-reach areas like the under-eyes.” (I had also told her my perpetual dark circles are the bane of my existence.)

At the med-spa I chose, a microinfusion facial is $650. Depending on where you go and what’s in your cocktail of treatments, it can cost anywhere from $250 to $2,500, so the price range is quite vast. Guanche explains that “Bella Microgold comes in four different doses for budget reasons.”

Benefits of Microinfusion

• Stimulates collagen production
• Reduces hyperpigmentation
• Reduces redness
• Reduced pore size
• Controls oil production
• Plumps sallow or sunken skin

“Microinfusion is a really great treatment option for anyone looking to boost their overall skin appearance quickly,” Metcalfe tells me. “I also recommend trying microinfusion if you aren’t quite ready for Botox or filler injections in the more traditional sense but want to dip your toes in that world. Since we are placing tiny microdroplets of the products into your skin, there is no risk of ‘freezing’ your face or overfilling. The effect is very different because it is working at such a superficial micro-level of the skin.”

Metcalfe describes the results as “glowy” and “filter-like,” and honestly, I 100 percent have to agree. The short-term skin benefits are meant to last anywhere from three to six months, thanks to the treatment’s powerhouse ingredient lineup: vitamin C (for a flood of brightening antioxidants, glutathione (another brightening and skin-evener Metcalfe calls “the mother of all antioxidants”), hyaluronic acid filler (for plumpness and hydration), and Botox (to tighten while reducing redness, oil production, and pore size). “The long-term benefits,” she points out, “will come from the tiny needles stamping into the skin at a 0.6-millimeter depth, which stimulates your own natural collagen production.”

Guanche notes that “this is a very superficial technique…and does not target the muscles of facial expression. Those injections go deeper and address what we call “dynamic lines” that result from facial expression.”

Microinfusion vs. Micro-Needling

While Facile also offers micro-needling (another super-buzzy skin treatment as of late), I ultimately decided to go with the microinfusion options instead. Not only did it feel like a better fit in regard to my sensitive skin type, but I also just didn’t feel like putting up with days of downtime. However, the two treatments are often confused, so I asked Metcalfe if she could set the record straight once and for all.

“The needles in the microinfusion Aquagold device are hollow, which delivers ingredients directly to the skin,” she emphasizes. “Plus, they are stamped at a shallower depth into the skin. With micro-needling, however, we focus on stimulating your body’s own collagen in the skin by creating deeper channels, or micro-injuries, without delivering an ingredient directly.”

There’s also a difference in downtime. Micro-needling may require a few days. While post-microinfusion, in my experience, your skin will likely just turn pink (not unlike a sunburn) for about 30 minutes before abating completely.

What to Expect During Microinfusion

Just as Metcalfe predicted, my skin did get pretty red during and after the treatment (and the treatment itself was completely tolerable sensation- and pain-wise!). However, that redness also disappeared during my commute back to Culver City from Pasadena (roughly 45 minutes), and when I arrived home, my skin (pardon the vanity) looked insanely good—kind of like I had just slept for 24 hours in some tropical oasis. It was dewy, refreshed, bright, clear, and virtually shadow- and pigment-free. As someone who’s often skeptical about many skin treatments and facials, I was completely blown away by not only the results but also the immediacy of the results.

Aftercare

According to Metcalfe, you can get a microinfusion as often as once a month, although the majority of her patients come in once every two to three months for their newfound skin boost. Guanche says that “depending on dosing, it can be done every two to four months.” As mentioned, there are no side effects aside from the residual pinkness, but she does point out skin might feel a little tighter or drier than normal—but nothing a thorough surge of moisturizer and SPF can’t solve.

“Post-treatment, I will apply a physical SPF (zinc- or titanium-based) to all treated areas we performed the treatment on, and I recommend patients avoid the sun and continue to apply a non-chemical SPF 30 or higher daily,” says Metcalfe. “Patients should also avoid makeup for roughly one day while steering clear of harsh exfoliating devices/products and chemicals to the treated areas.” Guanche adds that because SPF can’t be applied immediately, you should take full precautions to get no sun exposure at all right after the treatments.

“Additionally, I do not suggest microinfusion to anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, as Botox and fillers are not recommended,” Metcalfe warns. “It’s important to talk to your provider as some of the antioxidant treatments without Botox/filler may be safe.”

Metcalfe also explains if there is any kind of skin infection or excessive inflammation, a treatment microinfusion (sadly) might not be the best option until the condition is resolved or settles down. Last but not least, it’s likely not the right treatment for somebody who’s dealing with a lot of acne scarring or deeper fine lines and wrinkles. “I just think that patient may be underwhelmed by the result and may need a more intensive treatment,” she tells me. For someone like me, however, with just a touch of residual acne scarring and pigmentation, the treatment delivered flawless results, and honestly, I couldn’t have been happier or had a better experience start to finish.

Who Is a Candidate for This Treatment?

Nearly anyone can be a good candidate for a microinfusion facial. It works on patients of varied ages and skin tones. If you have an acne breakout, you’ll need to wait until it subsides in order to do the treatment. Additionally, if you are pregnant or nursing you should first consult with your doctor to decide which of the potential ingredients, if any, are appropriate for you currently.

Final Takeaway

Microinfusion is full of benefits, and the downtime is minimal. Had I known I would be able to see such a marked difference in my skin tone and texture from one visit, I would have booked an appointment months ago. It’s certainly an investment, but given the long term benefits and the fact that the results are still visible for weeks after the treatment, I’m okay with squirreling away some of my paycheck each month to treat myself (and my skin) every now and again.